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

Conserving Carolina has been an accredited land trust since 2008, and 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.

“Accreditation assures landowners, partners, and donors that we are a trusted partner that will fulfill our responsibility to protect land and water resources for coming generations,” said Kieran Roe, executive director of Conserving Carolina.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Conserving Carolina complies with national quality standards.

These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. A full list of standards can be found at landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

Those who want to leave a comment may visit landtrustaccreditation.org, or can email comments 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 St., Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on Conserving Carolina’s application will be most useful by Dec. 10, 2018.

Conserving Carolina is a local land trust dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. It was formed by the merger of Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy.

– Submitted by Rebekah Robinson