Fallbrook Land Conservancy seeks accreditation

FALLBROOK – Will Shakespeare, board chairman of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy (FLC), announced Sept. 5 that the local land conservation organization is applying for accreditation by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

“Voluntary, independent accreditation will give the FLC greater credibility and respect with landowners, donors, public policy makers and other stakeholders,” Shakespeare said. “I believe it will enhance our efforts to protect open spaces, wildlife habitat, productive lands and the beautiful landscapes around Fallbrook.”

Accreditation is a mark of distinction in land conservation. To date fewer than 400 of the nearly 1,700 land trusts in the U.S. have been accredited. The accreditation seal provides the public with an assurance that the accredited organization has the ways and means to protect important natural places and working lands forever.

The rigorous accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that demonstrate compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. The Standards and Practices are the ethical and technical guidelines established in 1989 by the LTA for the responsible operation of a land trust.

As an important part of the process, the accreditation commission invites public input on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Fallbrook Land Conservancy complies with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. The easiest way to comment on FLC is to visit the commission website, www.landtrustcommission.org, email comments to [email protected], fax comments to (518) 587-3183 or mail comments to Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments 36 Phila St., Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on the application will be accepted through Nov. 1. For more information on the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, visit www.FallbrookLandConservancy.org.