The 2026 Requirements Manual was released on March 19, 2026.

• If your land trust’s application is currently in process or coming up later in 2026, there is no need to take any immediate action as changes to the requirements and related documentation are phased in.
• If your land trust’s application is due in 2027 or later, please be sure to use the updated application materials.

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Learn more about the updated policies document from the Commission. 

A new year offers the promise of a fresh start, new opportunities and new projects. But before your land trust leaps into 2025, take a moment to pause, review and wrap up your year-end. This can set you up for success in the coming year.

On the left, Gerald Barber. On the right, Hans Carlson.The Commission is honored to announce that Gerald Barber and Hans Carlson have joined the board of commissioners. The Commission is governed by a diverse board of 18 volunteer commissioners involved in land conservation around the country. Gerald and Hans bring with them years of knowledge and expertise in land protection.

Catch-up on the latest Accreditation Corner from the Land Trust Alliance's Saving Land magazine.

The Alliance has a wealth of training and information to support a land trust as it implements Land Trust Standards and Practices (Standards). The background information on and resources for each of the indicator elements for accreditation can help your land trust be successful in the accreditation process. Importantly, the guidance documents for the indicator elements have call-outs with more information specifically related to accreditation.

Detailed financial reports help board members meet their fiduciary obligations. The contents described in the requirements allow a board to a) see how financially strong the land trust is and if there are there limitations on what the land trust can do with its resources and b) track the land trust's current performance against the budget and help it understand if a portion of the revenue for the reporting period is not available to cover general operating expenses because it is restricted for land or easement acquisitions or for other purposes.

Catch-up on the latest Accreditation Corner from the Land Trust Alliance's Saving Land magazine.

I believe that land trusts are made stronger through the accreditation process. I am so pleased to join the staff of the Commission to work with land trusts across the country that seek accreditation. It strengthens and benefits not just the individual land trust but the conservation community.

The Commissioners are a diverse group of individuals involved in land conservation around the country. We caught up with Commissioner Andrea Reese and asked her five questions about her experience as a volunteer commissioner and about her love of the land.