September 20, 2016 -  The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Pee Dee Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

Pee Dee Land Trust (PDLT) became an Accredited Land Trust after a vigorous review of policies, properties, and procedures by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2012. For PDLT, accreditation means that its standards, practices and policies have met strict professional requirements and that it is committed to excellence. For the community, accreditation means that PDLT adheres to nationally recognized policies and can offer landowners and local residents the confidence that it is focused on land conservation that is not only ethical but strategic.

The symbol of accreditation is a voluntary mark that says PDLT has withstood rigorous external review by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission and can be held accountable in the eyes of the community. Most important of all, accreditation ensures that the properties PDLT is protecting will be conserved and managed in perpetuity. It offers PDLT landowners the confidence of knowing that they are working with an organization that can stand up to scrutiny in the event that our conservation projects face any challenges. Working with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission not only strengthens Pee Dee Land Trust and its work but also provides an added sense of transparency for what it does and how it does it.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Pee Dee Land Trust 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-

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 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 Pee Dee Land Trust’s application will be most useful by November 10, 2016.resources/indicator-practices.

Pee Dee Land Trust works in nine counties of the Pee Dee region in South Carolina: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg.  Its mission is to protect, and to promote an appreciation of, the significant natural, agricultural, and historical resources of the Pee Dee Region through voluntary land conservation and educational programs. As of September 2016, Pee Dee Land Trust has helped to protect over 23,700 acres in the Pee Dee Region.  While remaining in private ownership, the lands protected through conservation easements held by PDLT ensure that special places will be available for farming, forestry, and recreation for future generations.  Pee Dee Land Trust has a toolbox full of options to help landowners who are interested in conservation such as accepting donations of land or conservation easements.