Bayou Land Conservancy Earns National Recognition

Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence

Houston, TX (Feb. 28, 2018) – At a time of political change, one thing is clear and consistent: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1996, Bayou Land Conservancy (BLC), has been doing just that for the Houston region. Now BLC announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of 398 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 BLC’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Houston region,” said Jill Boullion, Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as The Spring Creek Greenway – will be protected forever, making the Houston region an even greater place for us and our children.”

BLC had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation renewal. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded the renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that BLC’s lands will be protected forever.

Accredited land trusts must renew every five years, confirming their compliance with national quality standards and providing continued assurance to donors and landowners of their commitment to forever steward their land and easements. Almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by an accredited land trust.

Since 1996, BLC has protected nearly 12,500 acres at 59 preserves in the Houston region, including about 2,500 acres on the Spring Creek Greenway. The greenway is the longest, contiguous, urban, forested greenway in the country and welcomes thousands of visitors each year on its scenic trails. BLC is currently constructing the 13 mile Spring Creek Nature Trail, which is expected to be complete later in 2018.

“It is exciting to recognize Bayou Land Conservancy with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes Bayou Land Conservancy has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

BLC is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the most recent National Land Trust Census, released December 1, 2016 by the Land Trust Alliance. This comprehensive report also shows that accredited land trusts have made significant achievements.

 

  • Accredited land trusts have steadily grown and now steward almost 80% of conservation lands and easements held by all land trusts.
  • Accredited land trusts protected five times more land from 2010 to 2015 than land trusts that were not accredited.
  • Furthermore, accreditation has increased the public’s trust in land conservation, which has helped win support for federal, state and local conservation funding measures.

 

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits are detailed at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices.

The Alliance’s leadership serves the entire land trust community—our work in the nation’s capital represents the policy priorities of land conservationists from every state; our education programs improve and empower land trusts from Maine to Alaska; and our comprehensive vision for the future of land conservation includes new partners, new programs and new priorities. Connect with us online at www.landtrustalliance.org.

About Bayou Land Conservancy: Bayou Land Conservancy protects land along streams for flood control, water quality and wildlife. BLC is an accredited, community-sponsored land preservation organization working to permanently protect land, with a focus on the 13 watersheds that feed Lake Houston, the primary source of drinking water for millions in the region. Our vision is a protected network of green spaces that connect people to nature. For more, visit www.bayouland.org.