Organization Reports Leadership Change, Accreditation Renewal
Landmark Conservancy’s Board of Directors has unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Rick Remington as their next Executive Director. “With Rick’s many years of experience, his passion for the job, and strong leadership skills, Landmark Conservancy is well–positioned to thrive and grow in the years ahead,” said Board Chair Bruce Siebold.
The nonprofit land trust was formed in 2018 as the result of a merger of West Wisconsin Land Trust and Bayfield Regional Conservancy and is based in Menomonie with a satellite office in Bayfield. Remington served as the Conservation Director of Landmark and previously West Wisconsin Land Trust for over 20 years. He was appointed as Interim Executive Director in March after the departure of former leader, Lindsey Ketchel. A national search confirmed that Remington was the most qualified for leading the organization forward in fulfillment of its mission to conserve the natural legacy of Wisconsin for everyone, forever.
Rick Remington, Executive Director
Within days of the decision, Landmark’s strength and integrity was reinforced by news of national reaccreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, which signifies a commitment to sound financial practices, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship of protected land.
“We are honored to be part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have earned this mark of distinction underscoring our ongoing commitment to conservation excellence,” said Remington. “I feel lucky to be leading an exceptional team dedicated to stewarding our 24 owned preserves and 220 conservation easements held across northwest Wisconsin and pursuing exciting new projects with landowners and partners.”
Landmark Conservancy has protected over 41,000 acres to date in 20 counties. The organization conserves land in perpetuity by protecting significant ecological features, natural communities, and habitat. Primary tools used for land protection are conservation easements and land acquisition. New protection projects prioritize larger, intact tracts of land to aid terrestrial and aquatic species in adapting to habitats that are evolving at an increasingly rapid pace. Well-known preserves and trails include the Devil’s Punchbowl in Menomonie; the Brownstone Trail in Bayfield; and the Telemark Forest Preserve in Cable, newly protected in 2021.