The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Blue Ridge Conservancy is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of 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. Blue Ridge Conservancy has been an accredited land trust for the past five years adhering to the rigorous standards set out by the commission.  The reaccreditation process will ensure our supporters, partners and the public we are meeting or exceeding those standards. This rigorous process demonstrates we are capable of sound policies and procedures in organizational governance, land transaction processes, land stewardship and financial recordkeeping.    

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Blue Ridge Conservancy complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

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 Blue Ridge Conservancy’s application will be most useful by December 31.