Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence

Rangeley, ME – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1991, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust has been doing just that for the people of the Rangeley Lakes Region. Now RLHT announced it renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“Renewing our accreditation shows RLHT’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Rangeley Lakes Region,” said Shelby Rousseau, Deputy Director. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as Height of Land- will be protected forever, making the Rangeley Lakes Region an even greater place for us and our children.”

RLHT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation before achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that RLHT’s lands are protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combined.

RLHT has conserved 14,000 acres in the Rangeley Lakes Region and offers year-round recreational opportunities on 35 miles of recreational trails. Additionally, RLHT owns and operates the Cupsuptic Lake Park and Campground and offers environmental education programming throughout the year.

“It is exciting to recognize RLHT’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Commission’s Executive Director. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

RLHT is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States, according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. Find a complete list of accredited land trusts and more information at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

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