0325-GCG-FoothillsConservancy_ESG25_12-18 (2) - Flipbook - Page 9
2025 Impact Report / Celebrating 30 Years
For the last seven years, I had the unique privilege
of experiencing the accreditation process from
both sides of the table—as an applicant, and as a
commissioner evaluating the practices of others. Over
that time, I reviewed 29 applications from land trusts
protecting special places across the country, from
the headwaters of the Colorado River and Wisconsin’s
Andrew Kota
Executive Director
long-distance Ice Age Trail to productive farms and
ranches in northern California and New England’s rural
character; from Palouse prairies in Idaho and semi-
An Accreditation
Commission
Journey
arid deserts in Oregon to the wide open expanses
Navigating the complexities of land conservation
Serving on the Commission deepened my
and leading a progressive nonpro昀椀t like Foothills
Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) can be
challenging. Fortunately, the Land Trust Alliance
provides both ethical and technical guidelines for
the responsible operation of a land trust. From these
guidelines, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
develops requirements to determine whether land
trusts meet those standards and practices, which
of the Rocky Mountains and the Paci昀椀c Northwest;
and the variegated forests and lakes in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. Stepping into the role of a
commissioner in 2019 proved profoundly enriching,
both professionally and personally.
understanding of the standards and practices
that underpin effective land conservation. As a
commissioner, I was exposed to the diverse and
innovative approaches that land trusts across the
country employ to bene昀椀t their communities, which
broadened my professional horizons and inspired new
FCNC strategies.
help the Commission evaluate land trusts nationwide
The personal enrichment was equally signi昀椀cant. It
to ensure a trusted network of organizations that is
was an honor to serve alongside 18 other dedicated
united by strong ethical practices.
conservation professionals and the Commission’s
FCNC was among one of the earliest cohorts of
and commitment. Through semi-annual meetings
nationally accredited land trusts in 2010. The process
involves rigorous self-assessment that pushes an
organization to develop, re昀椀ne, and comply with its
policies, strengthen its governance, and enhance
operational ef昀椀ciency. National accreditation
demonstrates a land trust’s dedication to meeting
the highest standards of excellence in 昀椀scal
talented staff, whose work exempli昀椀es collaboration
and frequent video conferences, we engaged in
thoughtful discussions, debated best practices, and
upheld the integrity of the accreditation seal. From this
experience, I gained lasting friendships and a renewed
sense of purpose.
The accreditation process—from both vantage
accountability, organizational leadership, land
points—reinforced my belief that strong, credible
transactions, and lasting stewardship of the lands
land trusts are essential for safeguarding our natural
they conserve. We have renewed our commitment
heritage and reaf昀椀rmed the power of a collaborative,
twice since 2010, and will go through the accreditation
values-driven community. Contributing to this vital
process again in 2027.
work has been one of the most rewarding chapters of
my career.
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