Colorado Headwaters Land Trust, a state-certified and 501(c)(3) local Grand County land conservation nonprofit, announced on Monday Feb. 22 it has achieved national accreditation – a mark of honor in land conservation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that conserved lands held by Colorado Headwaters Land Trust will be protected forever.

“A major milestone!” said Nick Meyer, President, Board of Directors of the land trust. “This achievement is an asset the organization will benefit from for a very long time and we are all grateful for the efforts of so many people that helped us get this accomplished.”

“We all worked together on this massive project and are ecstatic about this achievement!” said Carse Pustmueller, Executive Director, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust. “We had to meet extensive documentation requirements and undergo a comprehensive review as part of the accreditation application. It was a rigorous process but one that definitely has strengthened our land trust in so many ways that will help Grand County’s landowners and communities achieve their goal to maintain the beauty, vitality and sustainability of our mountain environment.

Since 1995, Colorado Headwaters Land Trust has protected over 8,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, riparian areas and scenic beauty. In partnership with willing landowners, the Land Trust is continuing to work hard to protect the flowing rivers and scenic valleys of the Colorado River headwaters and its many tributaries that define Grand County.