The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. In 2017, Steep Rock Association was recognized as a nationally accredited land trust. We are now pleased to announce that we are applying for renewal of our accreditation. A public comment period is now open. 

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

“Steep Rock is proud to be recognized among our peers as a nationally accredited land trust,” stated Brian Hagenbuch, Executive Director of Steep Rock Association. “One of Steep Rock’s strategic goals is to sustain our organizational excellence through reaccreditation. Such designation demonstrates our leadership in land and water conservation, our stewardship of properties to protect biological diversity, our ability to offer inspiring recreational and educational opportunities to the public, and our commitment to supporters and community partners in and around Washington and the Litchfield Hills.”  

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Steep Rock Association complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards click here.   

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment.  Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  

Comments on Steep Rock Association’s application will be most useful by December 31, 2021.