LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the United States that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in their work. 

 

About 10 percent of Massachusetts land trusts are accredited.

 

"Accreditation shows BNRC's dedication to permanent land conservation throughout the Berkshires," said Jenny Hansell, BNRC president. "We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means these special places will be protected forever, making the Berkshire region an even greater place for us and future generations."

 

BNRC was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that BNRC's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land—the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

 

With its donors, volunteers, and partners, BNRC conserves open space, protects wildlife and habitats, supports local farmers, enhances the region's climate resilience, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everybody.

 

"It is exciting to recognize BNRC with this national mark of distinction," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. "Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship." The Land Trust Accreditation Commission recognized BNRC's extraordinary commitment to excellence, trust, and permanence in land conservation, while giving commendations for BNRC's accessible trail initiative.

 

BNRC is one of 1,363 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 accreditation process and benefits can be found at landtrustaccreditation.org.

 

Established in 1967, Berkshire Natural Resources Council protects and preserves the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires for public benefit and enjoyment.

 

There are over 55 BNRC conservation reserves spread across Berkshire County, free to the public, open to everyone for non-motorized recreation. BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, supports local farmers, expands climate resilience, cares for over 25,000 acres, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everybody—through the help of donors and volunteers. More about BNRC properties and trails, and BNRC's free Berkshire Trails app, can be found online at bnrc.org.

 

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 landtrustaccreditation.org.

 

This land, and all of the present-day Berkshires, are the ancestral homeland of the Mohican people who were forcefully displaced to Wisconsin by European colonization. These lands continue to be of great significance to the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation today. To learn more visit mohican.com.