National accreditation renewal lauds HVA’s conservation practices

CORNWALL — For the third time in a row, the nonprofit Housatonic Valley Association has earned a five-year accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a national distinction which recognizes the organization’s conservation work throughout the Housatonic Valley region.

Founded in 1941, the Cornwall Bridge-based association is the only regional watershed organization dedicated to protecting the natural character and environmental health of the entire tri-state region from the Berkshires to Long Island Sound.

It has been accredited since 2014 and is one of 479 accredited land trusts in 46 states and territories, including 27 organizations in Connecticut, 12 in Massachusetts and 44 in New York.

In making the renewal announcement on April 25, longtime Executive Director Lynn Werner said the Land Trust Accreditation program drives excellence throughout HVA’s operations and builds trust and good faith with its donors and conservation partners.

“We’re proud to be a part of an incredibly strong network of accredited organizations working together to protect precious woodlands, wildlife, water and open spaces where we can connect with nature across generations.”

Werner, who joined HVA in 1983 and was appointed executive director in 1995, recently announced she will be stepping down from her position this year.

During her tenure, the association had earned the original accreditation as well as the subsequent two renewals. Werner had noted that the search process for her successor is “well underway” and the board is expected to share news of that appointment before the end of June.

The organization’s Conservation Director Tim Abbott pointed out that there are relatively few accredited land trusts that are also watershed organizations.

“HVA saves thousands of acres of land every year by supporting the sound transactions of our land trust and agency partners with our expertise, resources and regional conservation partnerships. Although we rarely add land and easements to our own conservation holding,” he explained, “accreditation ensures that our fundraising negotiations, recordkeeping and deal structures deserve the full faith and support of our partners and the communities we serve.”

Connie Manes, executive director of the Kent Land Trust, which in 2010 become the second Connecticut land trust to be accredited, lauded HVA’s recent renewal on behalf of her organization’s board and staff.

“Accreditation has been transformative for our organization, and I firmly believe the high proportion of accredited land trusts in our state’s Northwest Corner sets us apart with respect to conservation impact and long-term environmental sustainability,” she noted.

By achieving this latest renewal, said Manes, the Housatonic Valley Association, leader and underwriter of the premier Regional Conservation Partnership known as the Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative, demonstrates to its partners and stakeholders an expectation of professionalism and adherence to high standards of organizational ethics, governance, fiscal responsibility and conservation.

“I hope funders and private donors will take note, for there is no better assurance of the long-term return on their investments.”

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission was established in 2006 as an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance and is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts.

According to its website, the accreditation seal is a “mark of distinction” and being accredited helps land trusts stand out. In surveys of accredited and renewed land trusts, 100% report that the distinction helps the land trust community maintain the trust of Congress, the Internal Revenue Service and the public

“We have heard numerous land trusts who report of receiving a specific donation or a grant because of their accredited status.”