Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, an accredited land trust since 2014, is pleased to announce it is now applying for its second 5-year renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

To achieve accreditation, a land trust must complete a rigorous peer-review process through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission to show it is following the highest standards of fiscal accountability, governance, organizational leadership, and lasting stewardship of the lands they conserve. The commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

“Accreditation is a stamp of approval, demonstrating that we are following the highest standards as a land trust,” said Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “It's a benchmark for enduring conservation work.”

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

To learn more about the accreditation program or to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The comment period for Coastal River’s application is open through March 22, 2025.

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.