Sudbury Valley Trustees Seeks Accreditation Renewal & Invites Public Comments

In full transparency, the following press release was submitted to SOURCE media for publication.

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SUDBURY – Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT), a nonprofit land trust that works between Boston and Worcester, is applying to renew its accreditation through the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC).

The public is invited to submit comments about SVT and its adherence to the ethical standards governing the work of land trusts.

SVT protects natural areas and farmland for people and wildlife in the 36 towns and cities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Since its founding in 1953, SVT has played a direct role in the conservation of 5,700 acres and has assisted in the protection of nearly 3,000 more. SVT also maintains 65 miles of trails for public enjoyment.

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The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA). The accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

SVT was first accredited in 2013 and must renew its accreditation every five years. During the renewal process, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission will extensively review the organization’s policies and programs. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission also invites public input on how well SVT complies with national quality standards. Comments will be most useful by May 27.

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“Accreditation affirms that we are working to the highest standards and practices in land conservation,” said Lisa Vernegaard, SVT Executive Director. “This review of our practices will ensure we are doing right by our members’ support. The process of accreditation also benefits SVT by keeping us on the leading edge of good conservation practices.”

Public comments must be written and signed and can be e-mailed to info@landtrustaccreditation.org or be mailed to LTAC, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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SVT has played a direct role in conserving 5,700 acre in the region, including the 88-acre Cedar Hill property in Northborough. Photo by Amy Loveless

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