Bear Yuba Land Trust Earns National Recognition
Strong Commitment to Conservation Excellence with Target to Protect 24,000 Acres by 2021
GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (Nov. 19, 2020) – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support preserving the natural and working lands that provide wildlife habitat, local food, outdoor recreation and climate change resiliency. Since 1990, Bear Yuba Land Trust has been doing just that for the people of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds. Now Bear Yuba Land Trust announces it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“Renewing our accreditation shows Bear Yuba Land Trust’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Bear and Yuba River watersheds,” said Erika Seward, Bear Yuba Land Trust Co-Executive Director. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process, involving years of planning and preparation. During such unpredictable times, this recognition should instill confidence in donors and community members alike that our organization is one to invest in both for how we operate and the lasting benefits we provide.”
Bear Yuba Land Trust 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 Bear Yuba Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres in the United States.
From a global pandemic to wildfire and burdens placed on local outdoor amenities, Bear Yuba Land Trust Staff and Board members have remained steadfast in moving projects forward in 2020 that address urgent community needs while keeping public access preserves and trails open and safe for all to enjoy. Recent transactions and land acquisitions have included the purchase of the 37 acres of critical agricultural land leased to Mountain Bounty Farm as well as the permanent protection of the 1,592 acres Robinson Ranch, one of 12 original pioneering ranches in Nevada County. To date, Bear Yuba Land Trust has protected and conserved 16,405 acres and is on track to reach 24,000 acres by the end of 2021.
“It is exciting to recognize Bear Yuba Land Trust’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Bear Yuba Land Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
You can support Bear Yuba Land Trust by becoming a sustaining member or supporting their year end Open Spaces and Wild Places land conservation campaign at BYLT.org
About the Bear Yuba Land Trust
Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) is an accredited 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to protect the natural and working lands of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds and empower healthy, resilient communities through nature access and education. Located in Grass Valley, California, BYLT has protected 16,385 acres of natural and working lands including 3,000 acres of public access preserves. Additionally, BYLT has built and maintains over 45 miles of trails for recreational and multi-modal use for the enjoyment of all. To learn more, visit BYLT.org.
About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.