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-For Immediate Release- December 21, 2011
Genesee Land Trust Seeking National Accreditation
Genesee Land Trust, a Rochester area land and waterway preservation organization, has announced that it is preparing to join the select group of land trusts, from across the country, that have achieved national accreditation. This spring the Land Trust Accreditation Commission will be reviewing Genesee Land Trust’s land transactions, finances and operations. The Commission is an independent program that was developed in 2005 to recognize land conservation organizations that operate at the highest ethical and legal standard. The Commission has established Standards and Practices that guide the work of land trusts. Strong, well-managed land trusts that are ethical and efficient will have the tools to fulfill their promise to safeguard land through the generations. Genesee Land Trust has been actively preparing for Accreditation over the past year. Lisa Strauss, Land Preservation Coordinator, flanked by Genesee Land Trust volunteers, has led a thorough review and documentation of organization’s land project files and has refined its policies and procedures – all with an eye to ensuring the permanent protection of the land it preserves. As part of the Accreditation process, the public’s comments regarding Genesee Land Trust’s application are welcome. Those interested in helping should please submit comments by May 20, 2012. Comments must relate to national standards and be submitted directly to the Accreditation Program at www.landtrustaccreditation.org/component/content/article/289 The following are Land Trust Standards that are under review: Mission/Compliance with Laws/ Board Accountability/Conflicts of Interest/ Fundraising/Financial and Asset Management/ Volunteers, Staff and Consultants/Evaluating and Selecting Conservation Projects/Ensuring Sound Transactions/Tax Benefits/Conservation Easement Stewardship/Fee Land Stewardship Genesee Land Trust was founded in 1989 and currently protects 4000 acres in the Greater Rochester Area. Gay Mills is Executive Director. -end- Contact: Margaret Potter, Director of Development & Communications (585) 256-2130
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