The Norfolk Land Trust (NLT) maintains more than 20 miles of trails throughout town and protects more than 4,000 acres of open space with owned preserves and conservation easements. This year, the NLT is applying for renewal of its accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. 

Accreditation is granted to trusts that meet the highest standards for excellence, conservation permanence and ethical standards. This will be NLT’s second renewal, having first been accredited in 2013. 

NLT will undergo a rigorous review over the next few months. NLT Secretary Shelley Harms said the Land Trust Accreditation Commission looks at all aspects of nonprofit and land trust governance and seeks public comment as well.

“They examine our land records for selected properties to see if the transaction was handled correctly and to see whether the property has been well managed since,” she added. 

The designation will last for seven years, rather than the basic five, if the NLT is reaccredited.

Created in 1982, NLT strives to encourage open space and natural heritage preservation. It is an all-volunteer organization committed to “protecting Norfolk’s natural resources for future generations.” These resources include waterways, wetlands, meadows and woodlands that provide habitat for plants and animals.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Norfolk Land Trust complies with national quality standards. 

For more information about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments can be emailed to info@landtrustaccreditation.org or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. To learn more about the Norfolk Land Trust or to volunteer, go to https://www.norfolklandtrust.org .