The Vermont Land Trust is pleased to announce that it is applying to a national land trust accreditation program administered by the Land Trust Alliance.

The 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 and extensive review of each applicant's policies and programs. Accreditation standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

See a list of standards.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Vermont Land Trust complies with the national quality standards referenced above.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit LTA's accreditation page.

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 Vermont Land Trust's application will be most useful by December 31, 2011.