Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy
Land Preservation Nonprofit Receives Prestigious Recognition
by Adine Perry
There are many reasons why we love living here and why so
many visitors are attracted here, but they all seem to originate with the land.
We are lucky to live in an area where simply driving to work or the grocery
store is like walking right into the perfect pictures of a nature wall
calendar. The beauty of this area inspires us all, contributing to the
abundance of creative projects of all types constantly taking shape around us.
We are also encouraged by our gorgeous surroundings to live more peacefully
with each other. What we have is worth protecting, and the Rondout-Esopus Land
Conservancy is excelling at that.
Chances are, you have probably enjoyed an area that RELC has
helped to preserve. RELC has been preserving lands in the Shawangunks and
Catskills for more than 25 years. More than 50 landowners have partnered with
RELC to ensure the permanent conservation of their agricultural, forest and
open lands. RELC has protected more than 3,000 acres in perpetuity. They have
provided grants that have contributed to the expansion of the rail trail and
protection of a 411-acre parcel in the former William Lake Resort in Rosendale.
RELC also works with other organizations such as the Open Space Institute to
encourage environmental awareness and interaction.
For a Land Trust, accreditation provides public recognition.
It proves to the public that the land trust is reliable and that land
conservation is a worthy cause. RELC is one of only 238 land trusts in the
United States and the second in Ulster County (after Mohonk Preserve) to have
been awarded accreditation since the program was initiated in 2008. In order to
be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, applicants must
undergo extensive review of their policies and programs. It must be proven that
the applying organization is governed responsibly, that it protects the public
interest with sound and sustainable land transactions and stewardship, and that
it is operated ethically. They must show accountability to donors and the
public and prove that they comply with all laws. The intense evaluation process
lasted a year for the Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy. Members of the Land
Trust Accreditation Commission are required to operate in conformity with
national quality standards. "With accreditation established,” said RELC
president Rob Rominger, “we are now in the process of implementing long-term
plans to preserve threatened areas within the watershed area, and to encourage
public engagement with a landscape providing not just scenic beauty but
agriculture, riparian and aquifer protection, and recreational use.”
Congratulations to Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy. The
accreditation was well deserved and will go a long way to help continue its
efforts. The community thanks you for working so hard to protect this beautiful,
inspirational area.
To volunteer please contact Walter Levy at
info@relandconservancy.org or 845-626-3140. Donations by check can be mailed to
Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy, Inc. PO Box 144, Accord, NY 12404, or by going
to relandconservancy.org/donate.
Posted by Chris Hewitt
on 6:13 PM.
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