KELT Receives Accreditation!

 
 

KELT has achieved land trust accreditation again from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

KELT first achieved accreditation in 2014, and through extensive review and reapplication processes, has continued to uphold standards that have allowed us renewal of accreditation. This most recent renewal was granted in July of 2025 and will run through July of 2030. Receiving accreditation demonstrates our commitment to uphold high standards of excellence in all our areas of work, and ensures our conservation efforts are permanent. 

While the majority of this process has been internal, our accreditation will have a wide reaching impact externally. Why does it matter to our community? As a land trust donor or support, why does it matter to you? 

Ashley Zwick Photography

Accreditation provides the public with an assurance that our conservation efforts are permanent. Conserving land in perpetuity ensures for you and future generations…

  • Clean air and drinking water

  • Safe, healthy food

  • Scenic landscapes and views

  • Recreational spaces

  • Habitat for diversity of life on farms, forests, and wetlands from Merrymeeting Bay to the Atlantic Ocean

  • Increased property values 

  • Tax dollars saved by encouraging efficient development 

Resonant Photography

We are committed to being stewards and caretakers of the land you call home, for generations. Our strength means your favorite local spot will be protected forever, making the nine towns we serve (Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoinham, Dresden, West Bath, Georgetown, Richmond, Westport Island, and Woolwich) beautiful places now and in the future.


A few of our favorite places….

  • The shaded pine forest of Green Point in West Bath hugs visitors from the trailhead onward and is a soothing setting for a deep conversation with a friend.

  • The rocky outcrops on Higgins Mountain in Georgetown can only be reached with dedicated muscle-power, perfect for an afternoon family adventure, and if timed right, can be fueled by summer-ripened wild blueberries.

  • The wide and easy-to-follow trail of Center Point in Bowdoinham is great for folks new to the outdoors because there’s no fear of losing the way and all are rewarded with a stunning view of Merrymeeting Bay! 

Accreditation is a mark of distinction in land conservation. It is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. KELT has undergone a rigorous review process and is honored to be recognized for our…

  • Ethical practices

  • Fiscal accountability

  • Strong organizational leadership

  • Sound transactions

  • Permanent conservation and stewardship of the land. 

KELT is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census.

The Land Trust Alliance, of which KELT is a member, is a national conservation group that works to save the places people love by strengthening conservation throughout America. It works to increase the pace and quality of conservation by advocating favorable tax policies, training land trusts in best practices and working to ensure the permanence of conservation in the face of continuing threats. The Alliance publishes Land Trust Standards and Practices and provides financial and administrative support to the Commission. It has established an endowment to help ensure the success of the accreditation program and keep it affordable for land trusts of all sizes to participate in accreditation. More information can be found atwww.landtrustalliance.org.

Confidence, Trust, Inspiration: What it Means to be an Accredited Land Trust

Emily Stinneford