Presumpscot Regional Land Trust (PRLT) recently announced that they have received a five-year reaccreditation certification from the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA). The LTA is responsible for setting the highest standards for ethical and effective land conservation in the U.S. PRLT first received accreditation in 2021. Not all Land Trust are accredited. PRLT joins 950 land trusts across the nation which have met the highest standards for these community-based organizations.
The process for becoming accredited is thorough and time consuming, as the organization must document governance policies, submit financial records and practices, conservation transactions, and stewardship financial and procedural details.
Will Sedlack, Executive Director of PRLT said, “Accreditation is important because it announces to the public that PRLT holds itself to a high, measurable standard, and that we invite independent scrutiny to confirm we meet it.” He added, “Accreditation provides the public with validation that the way we do that work within our community is of the highest quality. To me, that commitment to a high standard is crucial and deeply worth celebrating.”
Land Trusts work at the grass roots level within local communities to conserve habitat for wildlife, secure water quality, and ensure land is available for future generations, provide equitable access to nature. They help protect and preserve local farms and promote climate resilience. Open lands and recreational trails are also closely tied to the economic engine of a community. Land Trusts strengthen communities ties and are good for business.
Gorham’s local land trust continues to grow. It now conserves 3,000 acres of wildlife habitat in 20 preserves in the towns of Gorham, Gray, Standish, Westbrook and Windham, with over 25 miles of free, public access trails for walking, biking, snowshoeing and enjoying nature. The Land Trust also serves as water stewards of the Presumpscot River Watershed and is the coordinating agency for the 28-mile Sebago to the Sea Trail.
PRLT knows that the trails including the Sebago to the Sea Trail will be well used this summer. As always, carry-in carry-out when using them. If you find a section of trail that has a hazard or is in need of maintenance, please let the land trust know by using the issue reporting tool on their website at https://www prlt.org.
If you want to get involved, volunteers are meeting regularly to manually remove invasive plants on PRLT preserves throughout the field season on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m. They visit different PRLT preserves each week. You can sign up to join this group and get weekly emails with details about the ongoing work parties (you do not have to attend every session). The Land Trust appreciates your help. To learn more, get involved and support the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust go to https://www.prlt.org.