INHF earns national accreditation

As an accredited land trust, INHF can now display this seal. INHF

“Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever,” said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. “The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land.”

Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped willing landowners protect nearly 120,000 acres in 94 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The statewide organization is supported by more than 7,000 members, along with programmatic grants from foundations, businesses, agencies and individuals.

“Our members and donors value the benefits that our conservation work provides not just during our lifetimes but for future generations,” said Mark Ackelson, INHF president. “This national accreditation recognizes that INHF meets high standards to ensure that the lands we protect will remain protected in perpetuity.”

Most INHF land project sites are now open to the public as state and county parks, wildlife areas, preserves and trails – from the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area in Dubuque to the Central Iowa Trail Network to Hitchcock Nature Area in the Loess Hills. Others remain in private ownership but are protected by permanent conservation easements.

“Compared to pre-settlement days, Iowa’s landscape is the most altered in the nation,” said Ackelson. “By conserving or restoring select natural areas, the Foundation – with our partners and members – is protecting Iowa’s water quality, wildlife habitat, natural scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.”

INHF was awarded accreditation this February. Since the Commission’s founding in 2006, 130 land trusts have achieved an accredited status. This makes INHF among the first 10 percent of land trusts nationwide to be accredited. Each of these land trusts must continue complying with accreditation standards, conduct periodic organizational assessments, and renew its accreditation every five years.

“The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a stronger organization today for having gone through the rigorous, multi-year accreditation program,” said Carole Reichardt, INHF board chair. “Earning national accreditation shows we have both the commitment and capacity to protect land permanently.”

More information on the accreditation program is available on the Commission’s website.