The Land Trust Accreditation Commission assures the protection of the land in Warren and Sussex counties.
Ridge and Valley Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust based in Blairstown, announced that it was awarded accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
This honor signifies the commission's confidence that Ridge and Valley Conservancy lands will be protected forever.
"The award of national accreditation demonstrates our organization's nearly 25-year commitment to preserving the most sensitive and beautiful places in northwest New Jersey's unique Ridge and Valley Region," said Bob Canace, president of RVC, in a press release.
Ridge and Valley Conservancy is one of 37 land trusts across the United States to achieve accreditation honors in 2016. There are now 379 land trusts nationwide accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Out of these, only 19 are all volunteer trusts like RVC.
RVC has permanently protected over 3,200 acres of land in New Jersey's Warren and Sussex counties. Their projects are designed to preserve the region's water resources, protect rare and diverse habitats, and offer meaningful recreational opportunities for the community.
RVC's most recent acquisition --175 acres within Lightning Bug Hollow in Hardwick Township, Warren County -- completes the final link in a Ridge and Valley Trail system that will connect the Paulinskill Valley Trail to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.