Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT), Phoenix’s North Valley land conservation organization, has earned renewed accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that Desert Foothills Land Trust’s lands will be protected for future generations.

 

DFLT is a non-profit organization operated by a small staff, and supported by individual donors and a hardy group of volunteers.  It oversees nearly 700 acres of pristine open space on 23 preserves located in Phoenix's North Valley  -- including North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek and Anthem.

 

"We have a responsibility to our supporters, our partners and especially our protected lands to ensure that we operate under the highest standards and practices," said Richard Burns, chairman of DFLT's board of directors.  "We are honored to earn this badge of excellence which recognizes our commitment to continuous quality improvement, now and long into the future."

 

In its 25 years, DFLT has helped protect critical wildlife corridors, ancient petroglyphs and pictographs, breathtaking view sheds, and some of the last free-flowing waters in Phoenix's North Valley.  Under the direction of staff, and assisted by hundreds of financial supporters and volunteers, areas like the Jewel of the Creek Preserve will remain forever protected and are open for hiking, bird-watching and other light recreation.

 

"It is exciting to recognize Desert Foothills Land Trust with this distinction," said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the commission.  "Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever.  This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, and lasting stewardship of conservation land."

 

Each accredited land trust must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application.  The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can help landowners and communities achieve their goals.

 

DFLT is among 38 land trusts across the United States which have achieved renewal or new accreditation.  They join the more than 350 accredited land trusts that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation, helping to maintain the public’s trust in their work.

 

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 love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 1,100 member land trusts supported by more than 100,000 volunteers and 5 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at www.landtrustalliance.org.

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