Edited to reflect the name change from AFRC to AFLT:
We are proud to announce that the Alabama Forest Land Trust has achieved national recognition – joining a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work.
“Accreditation demonstrates [AFLT’s] commitment to permanent land conservation in Alabama,” said Dan Dumont, Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as historic Sehoy Plantation in Bullock County and Meadowbank in Monroe County – will be protected forever, making Alabama an even greater place for us and our children.”
The AFLT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that AFLT’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.
“It is exciting to recognize [AFLT] with 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.”
The Alabama Forest Land 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.