Scenic Hudson Earns National Recognition for Land Preservation and Creating Public Parks

Scenic Hudson has been recognized for meeting the highest standards in its work to preserve land for public benefit. Earlier this month the Poughkeepsie-based land preservation and environmental group was awarded accreditation status by an independent commission of The Land Trust Alliance, a national land preservation advocacy group.

"The 39 organizations we awarded accreditation have met national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever," said Land Trust Accreditation Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. "The public can be confident that accredited land groups have undergone an extensive external review of their management and the systems and policies they use to protect land."

"We're honored that our 45- year track record in saving land and creating parks up and down the river has received this 'gold seal' of credibility and professionalism," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. "Land preservation is our top priority because it's the foundation of a healthy environment."

Scenic Hudson officials indicated that the accreditation will add momentum to its collaborative effort with New York State and local government as well as 15 local and national land trusts to preserve 65,000 acres deemed to be of the highest scenic, ecological and agricultural significance. Since announcing the campaign 14 months ago, Scenic Hudson has completed 16 transactions conserving 1,616 acres in Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties. The group also has provided funding to help five communities in Albany, Dutchess, Rockland and Westchester counties create or improve public parks.

The value of preserved land to economic development is further underscored by a recent nationwide survey of 2,000 corporate executives, site-selection consultants and real estate brokers conducted by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. The survey revealed positive attitudes toward the valley and that the words most associated with the region were "scenic beauty" and "nature." Respondents also regarded the valley's unique quality of life as one of the region's greatest strengths.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the nation. More information is available at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.