The land trust accreditation program is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. It recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places forever.

The application process includes an extensive review of the practices, policies, and programs of each applicant by the Commission.

A public comment period is now open, and the Commission invites public input on the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy’s pending application through signed, written comments.

Comments must relate to how the organization 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 submit a comment, or to learn more about the accreditation program, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

Comments on Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy’s application should be submitted by Friday, July 21st.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will receive a $51,000 capacity grant from the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The grant is part of $3.375 million in Conservation Partnership Program Grants which represents record funding for 51 Land Trusts.

The announcement, made during New York State’s Earth Week celebration, includes 80 grants funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund and will leverage an additional $2.7 million in private and local funding to support projects that protect water quality and farmland, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space.

The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.