CAMDEN —  In 2008, Coastal Mountains Land Trust was one of the first land trusts in the country – and the first in Maine – to receive national accreditation, according to the Trust. Ten years later, the Land Trust is preparing for its second renewal. As part of the accreditation renewal process, a public comment period is now open through September 13.

Ian Stewart, executive director of Coastal Mountains Land Trust, spoke to the importance of his organization sustaining its accreditation through this renewal process.

“Accreditation ensures that our Land Trust adheres to the highest standards for carrying out our conservation work, and provides landowners, donors, and the entire community with the assurance that the natural legacies we’re establishing together will endure for future generations to enjoy,” he said in the release.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards and to learn about the program, see www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

The Commission invites public opinion and seeks signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments should relate to how well Coastal Mountains Land Trust meets the national accreditation standards.

To submit a comment before the deadline of September 13, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org, fax to them at 518-587-3183, or mail to the Land Trust
Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.