The national Land Trust Alliance’s accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. During 2016, with guidance from the Land Trust Alliance, the Essex Land Trust (ELT) completed a detailed assessment of four areas: governance, finance, acquisitions, and stewardship. This was followed in 2017 by the development of a new strategic plan for all functional areas. Now, in 2018, while celebrating 50 years since its founding, ELT is applying for accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance. 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. Accreditation is a mark of distinction that will enable ELT to maintain public confidence while enabling the trust to on a regular basis review and implement policies and procedures that improve operations and lead to more effective land conservation. It will also provide third-party assurance of quality and permanence of land conservation and be demonstrative of a strong, effective organization that can be trusted.

The commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how ELT complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org.

Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on ELT’s application will be most useful if submitted by Friday, Oct. 26.