The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Bayfield Regional Conservancy is pleased to announce it is applying for accreditation renewal. A public comment period is now open.
Since receiving accreditation in 2025, the Conservancy has protected over 4,600 acres. The Conservancy holds 27 conservation easements, owns and manages two community forests open to the public (Lincoln Community Forest and North Pikes Creek Wetlands Community Forest), and property in the Big Ravine Forest in Bayfield. The Conservancy’s membership has grown, as has an emphasis on stewardship and public participation. Accreditation renewal is a process of building upon improvements and seeking a stronger foundation for the organization. “Accreditation renewal will affirm that we are meeting national quality standards related to sound finances; strong transactions; excellent land and easement stewardship; and effective governance,” says Mike Fiorio, President of the Bayfield Regional Conservancy Board of Directors. “While it will take time and detailed follow-through, maintaining accreditation will help serve and protect the organization’s members and lands and waters of Northwestern Wisconsin.”
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Bayfield Regional Conservancy complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.
To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to [email protected]. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on the Bayfield Regional Conservancy’s application will be most useful by November 11th, 2025.
The Bayfield Regional Conservancy works to protect the natural lands, waters, forests, farms and places of scenic, historic, and spiritual value in Northwestern Wisconsin.