December 12, 2025 – Belgrade Lakes, ME – 7 Lakes Alliance is proud to announce it successfully renewed its land trust accreditation proving that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence.

“This accreditation affirms our commitment to rigorous, high-quality land conservation,” said Noah Pollock, Land Conservation Director for 7 Lakes Alliance.

Accreditation is only awarded to a subset of land trusts who can meet high national standards. Over the last year, 7 Lakes Alliance provided extensive documentation and underwent a comprehensive third-party evaluation to ensure Land Trust Accreditation Commission standards were met. 7 Lakes was awarded renewal of accreditation, signifying confidence that the lands they hold in easement will be protected forever. This process will be repeated in five years to ensure the Land Conservancy’s commitment to excellence does not change.

7 Lakes works to identify and permanently conserve – either through the purchase of the land or through conservation easement – lands that provide high value habitat, recreational opportunities, and water quality protection.  We collaborate with willing landowners to create conservation strategies that meet their needs and vision for their property.

7 Lakes Alliance is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

About 7 Lakes Alliance

7 Lakes Alliance supports land and water conservation in the Belgrade Lakes region by engaging with the community to achieve clean water, well stewarded lands, and a vibrant economy.  In late December 2017, the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and the Maine Lakes Resource Center combined forces to create 7 Lakes Alliance. Together with our scientific research partner Colby College, 7 Lakes Alliance is committed to a mission of conserving the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes region for all.  For more, visit www.7lakesalliance.org.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.