GVLT Achieves 15 Years of National Recognition

Gallatin Valley Land Trust has been awarded one of the highest distinctions in private land conservation—accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission—for the fourth time. Since 1990, GVLT has been protecting open lands for the people of southwest Montana, and for the past 15 years, GVLT has been proving that, as part of a network of more than 470 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to meeting the highest national standards of conservation and protecting land, forever.

“GVLT takes our promise of protecting our lands seriously,” said EJ Porth, GVLT Associate Director. “The accreditation process verifies that we have demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions, and lasting stewardship.”

GVLT 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 GVLT's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward more than 50 million acres—that’s approximately 23 times the size of Yellowstone National Park.

“GVLT was one of the first land trusts in the country to receive accreditation and now one of the first to receive renewal for a seven-year term,” continues Porth. “Our ongoing commitment to renewing our accreditation means we continually strengthen our organization and are ready to meet challenges so that special places—such as southwest Montana—will be protected now and for future generations.”

Since 1990, GVLT has partnered with families to establish 133 conservation easements, forever protecting over 72,000 acres of some of the most highly productive, scenic, and wildlife-rich lands in Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties.

“The role of renewing accreditation has always been to maintain public trust in the accreditation seal by ensuring accredited land trusts continue to meet national standards,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “GVLT has been part of this program for more than 15 years, and we are proud to recognize its commitment to conservation excellence.”

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found on the Land Trust Accreditation Commission’s website.