Since 1980 ClearWater Conservancy has been protecting and restoring the region’s landscapes, waterways, and wildlife habitat to support a healthy and thriving community throughout central Pennsylvania. ClearWater is proud to announce that these efforts have been nationally recognized and the organization has been awarded renewal of its land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Originally achieved in 2012 and now renewed through August 2028, this accreditation award proves once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, ClearWater is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“The renewal of this national recognition aligns with our organization’s deep dedication to the health and natural beauty of our local region now and for all future residents,” said Deb Nardone, executive director of ClearWater. “Through proactive protection of beautiful and ecologically important places such as wildlife habitat in and around Rothrock State Forest and sensitive streamside properties in the heart of State College, we understand and value the vital role conservation efforts play in our growing community.”
To renew its accreditation, ClearWater provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that ClearWater’s conserved lands will be protected forever.
"The Accreditation Process requires rigorous examination of everything we do from governance to stewardship," said Ryan Hamilton, ClearWater's land conservation manager. "ClearWater embraced this opportunity to ensure our conservation efforts continue to meet the highest national standards.”
ClearWater Conservancy has made a lasting positive impact on the central Pennsylvania through countless land conservation and stream restoration efforts. Total, the organization has supported the permanent conservation of more than 11,000 acres of land and the restoration of over 26 miles of local streams.
Nationally accredited land trusts in the U.S. now steward over 20 million acres of land - the size Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.
"We are proud to recognize ClearWater Conservancy’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. ClearWater is part of a large network of accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices.”
Click the image above to learn more about the accreditation seal and the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
