One thing that unites us as a nation is land. Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1987, the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (Ausbon Sargent) has been doing just that for the people of the Mount Kearsarge/Ragged/Lake Sunapee region.
Now Ausbon Sargent 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.
Executive Director Debbie Stanley shared, “Renewing our accreditation shows Ausbon Sargent’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation. We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process.
“During the five-year period since we were last accredited, there have been a number of changes within our organization, advancements in technology, and knowledge gained in the conservation field that warranted this careful review. Our findings resulted in modifications to our policies and procedures, ensuring that we continue on the path of excellence, trust, and permanence.
“Our strength means special places – such as the Jacob Messer Farm and Mountain Brook Forest Preserve – will be protected forever, making the Mt. Kearsarge/Ragged/Lake Sunapee Region an even greater place for us and our children.”
Ausbon Sargent provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Ausbon Sargent’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combined.
Since its inception 34 years ago, Ausbon Sargent has completed 168 land projects – including several in Andover – protecting 13,081 acres; equivalent to 20 square miles. These acres include working farms, shoreland, forests and fields. By working with landowners, town conservation commissions, state and local agencies, foundations, members, volunteers, and friends, we are fulfilling our mission to preserve the rural character of the region.
“It is exciting to recognize Ausbon Sargent’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing 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 Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation 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 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 LandTrustAccreditation.org.