- ALT is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1994 with the dual goals of land preservation and affordable, energy efficient housing. ALT believes in a holistic approach to sustainable development that addresses environmental, economic and community needs.

- ALT builds affordable houses for low to moderate income families and permanently protects important green space in the Athens-Clarke County Area through its Affordable Housing and Land Conservation Programs.

- Your support is critical to our continuance. Become a member and receive the Athens Land Trust Newsletter (US Mail) or request a sample copy.

Public Notice: Athens Land Trust is applying for national accreditation

The national land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Athens Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for 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. The Athens Land Trust believes that achieving accreditation is crucial to the conservation work of our organization.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Athens 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 www.landtrustaccreditation.org/getting-accredited/2008-indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org. 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 the Athens Land Trust application will be most useful by June 14, 2008.

Land Recently Protected by ALT

Jordan Easement: During December, 2007, ALT received a conservation easement donation on 13 acres along the North Oconee River in Athens-Clarke County.

Bryant Easement: Also during December, ALT finalized a conservation easement on 50 acres in Oconee County.