ROCKLAND — Land trusts who meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever are recognized with accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Georges River Land Trust 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. “The rigorous accreditation and renewal process ensures we’ve satisfied a specific set of criteria as a land conservation organization,” said GRLT Executive Director Meg Rasmussen, in a news release. “As an accredited organization, the Georges River Land Trust continues to demonstrate credibility with its current and future donors, partners, and supporters.”

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applicants. Comments must relate to how Georges River Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards 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 and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comments toinfo@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 Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on Georges River Land Trust’s application will be most useful by November 5, 2019, according to GRLT.

The Georges River Land Trust is committed to protecting the ecosystems and traditional heritage of the Georges River watershed region in Knox and Waldo counties. For additional activities and more information, visit georgesriver.org.