OLT is an Accredited Land Trust
We are proud to announce that we've officially received our accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission! The accreditation is designated by the placement of this seal on our website and materials.
According to the commission, "The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation. It is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. Each accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process and joins a network of organizations united by strong ethical practices. This trusted network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship of the lands they conserve."
Thank you to all of you who have worked with us over the years to help make this possible. We look forward to continuing the good work expected of land trusts who bear this seal!
Twelve Guiding Principles of Land Trust Standards and Practices
The Standards set 12 broad principles. These standards are broken down into 59 practices and 188 practice elements, which describe the essential actions needed to fulfill the Standards. Here are the 12 Standards that land trusts commit to uphold:
1. Land trusts maintain high ethical standards and have a mission committed to conservation, community service and public benefit.
2. Land trusts fulfill their legal requirements as nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and comply with all laws.
3. Land trust boards act ethically in conducting the affairs of the organization and carry out their legal and financial responsibilities as required by law.
4. Land trusts have policies and procedures to avoid or manage real or perceived conflicts of interest.
5. Land trusts conduct fundraising activities in a lawful, ethical and responsible manner.
6. Land trusts are responsible and accountable for how they manage their finances and assets.
7. Land trusts have sufficient skilled personnel to carry out their programs, whether volunteers, staff and/or consultants/contractors.
8. Land trusts carefully evaluate and select their conservation projects.
9. Land trusts work diligently to see that every land and conservation easement transaction is legally, ethically and technically sound.
10. Land trusts work diligently to see that every charitable gift of land or conservation easement meets federal and state tax law requirements, to avoid fraudulent or abusive transactions and to uphold public confidence in land conservation.
11. Land trusts have a program of responsible stewardship for their conservation easements.
12. Land trusts have a program of responsible stewardship for the land held in fee for conservation purposes.