Furman Press Release photo 1 wetland_273The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.  Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) is pleased to announce it is applying for 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.  “Conserving land in our communities brings with it a special responsibility that we take seriously,” states Jonathan LaBonte ALT Executive Director.  “From how we select which lands to conserve to our role in stewarding those lands for generations to come, ALT has made a commitment to operate at the highest level and we’re proud to take that effort into the accreditation process.”

The Commission invites public input and accepted signed, written comments on pending applications.  Comments must relate to how Androscoggin Land Trust 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://landtrustaccreditation.org/tips-and-tools/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.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 Androscoggin Land Trust’s application will be most useful by October 26, 2013.