Steep Rock Association achieves Land Trust Alliance Accreditation

Hurrah! Hurrah!

We are thrilled to announce that Steep Rock Association (SRA) has achieved national recognition through a rigorous accreditation process.

We had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of the accreditation application. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent project of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) awarded our accreditation, signifying its confidence that SRA’s lands will be protected forever.

“The LTA Accreditation process has helped Steep Rock Association enormously in focusing on the highest standard of operation and accountability.  Accreditation will be a guide to help us make better informed decisions to protect our lands and their biodiversity,” shared Gene Pinover, president of SRA’s Board of Trustees.

According to the LTA’s 2016 National Land Trust Census, accredited land trusts have made significant achievements:

• Accredited land trusts protected five times more land from 2010 to 2015 than land trusts that were not yet accredited.
• Accredited land trusts also have stronger systems and more resources to steward and defend their conservation lands forever.
• As a result, the public’s trust in land conservation has increased helping to win support for federal, state and local conservation funding measures.

“It is exciting to recognize Steep Rock Association with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes Steep Rock Association has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

We are tremendously grateful for all the volunteers and staff who have worked diligently on myriad aspects of this project, especially Peary Stafford and Tom Rickart, who led the charge.