Door County Land Trust Earns National Recognition

Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond, one of 14 nature preserves that is easily accessible to the public for hiking and other recreational activities. Photo by Dan Eggert.

The Door County Land Trust announced Aug. 29 it has achieved accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The nationally recognized Land Trust Accreditation Commission awards accreditation to land trusts that meet standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that their conservation efforts are permanent.

Cathy Fiorato, secretary of the Door County Land Trust board of directors and leader of the accreditation application process, said, “Our mission statement is a promise: ‘To protect Door County’s exceptional lands and waters forever,’ and as an accredited land trust we are confident that we can keep that promise to our community, our conservation partners and our donors.” Earning the seal of accreditation is a validation of the strength of the Door County Land Trust’s work since 1986 and an assurance that future work will uphold the same high standards. Accreditation advances excellence and fosters continuous improvement as land trusts maintain their accredited status by applying for renewal every five years.

The Door County Land Trust has protected more than 7,000 acres from Washington Island to southern Door County. In 2016, the Door County Land Trust will complete more than nine land acquisition projects, an expansion of about 650 acres. In addition, the organization maintains and stewards these lands with ongoing reforestation and wildlife habitat improvements, such as the recent planting of 1,800 trees at three protected properties.

The largest landscape-scale restoration project of the Land Trust is currently underway at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve, where more than 300 acres will be restored to ecological health.

Door County Land Trust nature preserves are open year round to the public at no charge for hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife observation, hunting and other low-impact, non-motorized recreational activities. For more information and to become a Land Trust member visit doorcountylandtrust.org or call 920.746.1359.