One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1989, McKenzie River Trust, has been doing just that for the people of western Oregon. Now McKenzie River Trust announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“Renewing our accreditation shows McKenzie River Trust’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in western Oregon,” said Director of Development, Liz Lawrence. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as the Marvin and Marie Spores Conservation Area – will be protected forever, making our region an even greater place for us and our children.”
McKenzie River Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that McKenzie River Trust’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades, and Yosemite National Parks combined.
McKenzie River Trust has been building a legacy of conservation in our region for more than 30 years with more than 7,000 acres of land in permanent protection. Properties including Green Island, Finn Rock Reach, Waite Ranch, and the Marvin and Marie Spores Conservation Area showcase the diversity of habitat our region has to offer from the Cascades to the Coast. Protected forever, these special places will be cared for on behalf of Oregonians near and far.
“It is exciting to recognize McKenzie River Trust’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
McKenzie River Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.