Public Notice of Application & Request for Comments

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Whatcom Land Trust is pleased to announce it 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 verifies sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance and lasting stewardship, helping Whatcom Land Trust continue protecting Whatcom County for future generations. 

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Whatcom 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 http://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 comment 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 Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 
Comments on Whatcom Land Trust’s application will be most useful by January 14th, 2023.

Whatcom Land Trust renewed their accreditation in 2017

Land trust accreditation is a mark of distinction, showing that a land trust meets high standards for land conservation. It sends a message to landowners and supporters: “Invest in us. We are a strong, effective organization you can trust to conserve your land forever.”

It also demonstrates that a land trust has successfully implemented Land Trust Standards and Practices. Accredited land trusts range from all-volunteer organizations to national groups and protect more than 75% of all land and easements held by land trusts in America. It is a voluntary program administered by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Accreditation is a catalyst for improvement, which results in faster, better, stronger conservation. The seal offers the assurance that a land trust can keep the promise of perpetuity and that it is worthy of the public trust. So, it strengthens both individual land trusts and America’s land conservation movement.

Find out more about Whatcom Land Trust