Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Sacramento, California (Nov. 19, 2020) — One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1990, the Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC), has been doing just that. We are proud to announce that SVC has been awarded a renewal of accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission — proving for the third time that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, we are committed to permanent land conservation.
“SVC’s board and staff actively began preparing for reaccreditation in Spring of 2019. The rigorous process of renewal both challenged and strengthened staff, our policies, and practices. Accreditation gives our partners and supporters the assurance that the organization has met the Land Trust Alliance high standards for excellence and demonstrates our commitment to protect the land now and forever.” Kelly Hopkins, Executive Director.
Through the process of Land Trust Accreditation a land trust must demonstrate their commitment to sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance and lasting stewardship. SVC provided extensive documentation, and updated and adopted new policies and plans through this comprehensive third-party evaluation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that SVC’s lands will be protected forever.
“It is exciting to recognize Sacramento Valley Conservancy’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.”
While SVC may be most known for Camp Pollock and Deer Creek Hills Preserve — which are open to the public for recreation, education and events — SVC has protected more than 50 properties and 18,000 acres to date. Accreditation ensures that these special places — family farms, hiking trails, oak woodlands and vernal pools — will be protected forever, for now and for the future of the Sacramento valley region.
SVC is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres — the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.
About the Sacramento Valley Conservancy
Founded in 1990, the Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) was the first local land trust in Sacramento County, California. SVC is an accredited land trust and nonprofit organization, with a record of excellence in preserving more than 18,000 acres in Sacramento, Amador, and Yolo counties. SVC’s mission is to preserve the beauty, character and biodiversity of the Sacramento Valley landscape by protecting and stewarding natural and working lands, and scenic open spaces for the benefit of current and future generations.
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.
