The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is currently applying for renewal of its accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (Commission), an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for permanently protecting important natural places and working lands. As part of the accreditation process, the Commission conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

The Conservancy, which has been accredited since 2012, takes the rigorous accreditation renewal process seriously.

“It’s an important endorsement that confirms to landowners, members and funders that we operate in accordance with the highest standards in land conservation and nonprofit oversight and management,” said Tom Saunders, WPC president and CEO.

A public comment period is now open, during which the Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how WPC complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. View the full list of standards here.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission at 518-587-3183, or mailed to:

Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Attn: Public Comments
112 Spring Street, Suite 204
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on the Conservancy’s application will be most useful by November 11, 2016.