A public comment period is open for the Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s application for accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

“By becoming an accredited land trust the community can be assured that our work in land preservation meets the highest standards and a commitment to the stewardship of the property we have conserved,” said Asha Rehnberg, executive director of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust.

Land trust officials said the accreditation seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation, and recognizes organizations for meeting national standards of excellence, upholding the public trust and ensuring that conservation efforts are permanent.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The commission conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s programs and policies.

Comments on the Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s application must relate to how the land trust complies with national quality standards, which address the ethical and technical operation of the organization.

For the full list of standards, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/tips-and-tools/indicator-practices.

For more information on the accreditation program, and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3143; (Mail) 112 Spring St., Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments should be submitted by May 20.