Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) announced this week it has 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 conservation excellence.

“Renewing our accreditation demonstrates Loon Echo’s commitment to permanent land conservation,” said Matt Markot Loon Echo’s Executive Director. “Our strength means special places – such as Pleasant Mountain, Hacker’s Hill and many others -- will be protected forever, enhancing public access to the outdoors, and ensuring the Lake Region remains a resilient place for us and future generations.”

LELT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. This included a review of financial processes, donor relations, stewardship practices, conservation easement monitoring and practices, board governance and record keeping. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that LELT's lands will be protected forever.

"We are proud to recognize Loon Echo Land Trust'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. Accredited land trusts like LELT inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities."

Loon Echo Land Trust is a community supported, non-profit land trust that works to protect the land and natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region for current and future generations. Since 1987, LELT has protected forests, wetland, shorelines, and open spaces in Harrison, Denmark, Casco, Bridgton, Naples, Raymond and Sebago. These lands provide public access to the outdoors, host over 31 miles of recreational trails and protect important water resources and wildlife habitat.