FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2019
Contact: Elizabeth R. Friel
Executive Director
804.462.0979
Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Lancaster, VA (Nov. 6, 2019) – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 2004, the Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC), has been doing just that for the people of the Northern Neck. Now that NNLC has 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 NNLC’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the five counties of the Northern Neck and Essex County Virginia” said Kirwan King, NNLC President. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as the Northern Neck– will be protected forever, making it an even greater place for us and our children.”
NNLC provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. In its review, the Land Trust Alliance gave a special commendation to the Northern Neck Land Conservancy for “extraordinary commitment to excellence, trust, and permanence in land conservation”. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that NNLC’s lands will be protected forever.
This distinction is important for NNLC as it is protecting more land than ever before. NNLC is celebrating its 15th anniversary year , touting its 75% increase in conservation easements, securing $2.6 million in Federal funds for conservation, and its highly successful fundraiser, “Boots and BBQ”, this past September. Executive Director Elizabeth Friel summarized other key milestones for NNLC such as creating a new signage program for easements, producing a video about conservation and NNLC, and establishing an endowment fund for NNLC’s future.
“It is exciting to recognize the Northern Neck Land Conservancy’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, 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.”
NNLC 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.
Paul Trible recently received a NNLC conservation easement sign at the Gascony property in Northumberland County. Kirwan King, NNLC President, and Les Kilduff, NNLC Board Member, presented the sign.
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