Capital Region Land Conservancy seeks renewal of national reaccreditation

The Capital Region Land Conservancy, the only Richmond-area land trust, is seeking reaccreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, and members of the public have the chance to submit comments as part of the process.

The CRLC first earned accreditation in 2019, becoming one of just 12 of Virginia nearly 40 private land trusts to earn it. The designation demonstrates that a trust adheres to the highest professional practices in 12 key standards, and accredited trusts can seek reaccreditation every five years.

A public comment period is now open through March 22, 2024 at www.landtrustaccreditation.org; by e-mail at info@landtrustaccreditation.org; and by mail at Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments must relate to how Capital Region Land Conservancy complies with national quality standards, which address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards and practices, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

Founded in 2005, CRLC has been instrumental in the permanent protection of more than 13,000 acres of land, including 52 miles of stream and river frontage, throughout the City of Richmond and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, New Kent, and Powhatan. Of that, CRLC holds or co-holds conservation easements on more than 2,800 acres and, as of June, has fee simple ownership of more than 575 acres.

In recent years, CRLC has helped to protect historic Malvern Hill Farm in Eastern Henrico County, secure land at Dock Street in the City of Richmond to expand the James River Park System, and protect land along the Chickahominy, Pamunkey, and Appomattox Rivers for wildlife habitat and local water quality.

“CRLC’s work has grown tremendously over the past four years as an accredited land trust,” said CRLC Executive Director Parker Agelasto. “Accreditation renewal will mean CRLC can continue to serve as a reliable and effective conservation partner for landowners, localities, and our community.”

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. The process of pursuing renewal of accreditation is designed to challenge and strengthen a land trust as it scrutinizes and thoroughly documents every aspect of its operations while improving its policies and practices. Accreditation assures landowners, supporters, funders, and the land trust's community that it is an organization abiding by the highest standards of excellence.