The Mojave Desert Land Trust in Joshua Tree recently achieved national recognition. The 11-year-old land trust organization joined a network of 389 land trusts that have been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. In order to become accredited, the land trust had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application. Some of the 26 requirements for accreditation include ethics, compliance with laws, recordkeeping, land purchases, and land management. Executive Director Danielle Segura said “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as Samuelson’s Rocks and Section 33 in Joshua Tree – will be protected forever, making the Mojave Desert an even greater place for us and our children.” To date, the Mojave Desert Land Trust has conserved over 68,000 acres of land in the Mojave Desert region.
