Champlain Area Trails (CATS) in Westport, NY has achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

“Accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance will provide greater confidence to landowners who work with us to permanently conserve their land and allow trails on their properties. It also assures the public and our donors that their support is well-placed,” Katharine Preston, Champlain Area Trails’ board chair said in an announcement to the press. “Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program.”

Champlain Area Trails organized in 2009 with the mission to create hiking/skiing trails in New York’s Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. As a land trust, CATS also works to protect natural areas, clean water, farmland, and scenic vistas. To date, CATS has developed over 40 miles of trails, protected 495 acres of land, and held numerous outdoor education activities. For more information, visit www.champlainareatrails.com.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, based in Saratoga Springs, NY, awards the accreditation seal to community institutions that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Commission is governed by a volunteer board of land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the country. A complete list of all recently accredited land trusts can be found online here.

Photo provided.