Winchester Land Trust seeks accreditation

WINECHSTER » The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Winchester Land Trust is applying for 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 Winchester Land Trust has been working for years to meet the LTA’s Standards & Practices,” said its president, Jennifer Perga. “The accreditation process is helping us to implement best practices as we work to preserve Winchester’s forests, lakes, fields, and rural character.”

The commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Winchester 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/indicatorpractices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email comments 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) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The Winchester Land Trust was organized in 1988 to serve as a steward of the town’s rural character and natural resources. It is a non-profit organization and has preserved more than 370 acres of open space through direct ownership or conservation easements. It is working on preserving 121-acre TorWin Farm through the help of a state Open Space and Watershed Acquisition grant. Comments on the Winchester Land Trust’s application should be received by Dec. 1.