The Finger Lakes Land Trust is seeking renewal of its national accreditation and is inviting public comment as part of the review process.
The Ithaca-based conservation organization announced Friday that it has applied for accreditation renewal through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The accreditation recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national standards for protecting natural areas and working lands while maintaining strong organizational and ethical practices.
Finger Lakes Land Trust President Andy Zepp said the renewal effort reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining effective programs, policies and procedures over the long term. The commission conducts an extensive review of applicants as part of the accreditation process.
The commission is accepting signed written comments from the public regarding the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s compliance with national quality standards. Those standards address both the technical and ethical operation of land trusts.
Comments may be submitted online, by email, or by mail to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Officials said public input on the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s application will be most useful if received by July 24.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust works to conserve natural habitats, farmland, gorges, forests and shoreline properties throughout the region. The organization has protected more than 33,000 acres across the Finger Lakes through direct ownership and conservation easements.
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