Richmond, VA – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the natural spaces they love. Since 2005, Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) has been doing just that for the people and wildlife of the Richmond region. Today, we’re honored to announce that our land trust accreditation has been renewed – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, we are committed to conservation excellence.
“Renewing our accreditation shows Capital Region Land Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation across the Richmond region,” notes CRLC Executive Director, Parker C. Agelasto. “We are an even stronger organization for having gone through this rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places, such as Mayo’s Island in the City of Richmond or Rockahock in New Kent County, will be protected forever, making our community an even richer place, now and in the future.
Capital Region Land Conservancy 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 CRLC’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres across the country, which equates to the size of land encompassing the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, combined.
This year has been Capital Region Land Conservancy’s most productive year for land conservation to date thanks to the help of our many partners and generous supporters. By the end of 2024, CRLC will have completed 15 projects protecting over 1,260 acres with conservation easements as well as the acquisition of 174 acres of strategically important land. These nearly 1,500 acres is a 50% increase over the lands the organization conserved in the prior year.
“We are proud to recognize Capital Region Land Conservancy’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust, and permanence. CRLC is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”
Capital Region Land Conservancy is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. The official announcement and list of newly accredited and renewed accreditations can be found here.
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About Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC): Capital Region Land Conservancy is dedicated to conserving the natural and historic resources of Virginia’s Richmond region for the benefit of people and nature. The nonprofit land trust serves the City of Richmond and 19 surrounding counties. Since 2005, CRLC has helped protect more than 15,000 acres, including easements on more than 5,000 acres. www.capitalregionland.org
About 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.