The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is pleased to announce it has completed the principal steps required to submit its application for accreditation renewal. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

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 holds KELT to a high standard of financial management and governance including rigorous procedures for our land conservation and stewardship programs. With this year’s accreditation renewal process we are raising the bar on the level of professionalism that members, funders, and the communities we serve have come to expect," said Sue McLeod, president of KELT's Board of Directors.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending renewal applications. Comments must relate to how KELT 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/tips-and-tools/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) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on KELT’s application will be most useful by April 21.