Maintain Your Accreditation

• To comply with the accreditation indicator elements and program requirements.

• To accept responsibility for staying aware of and demonstrating compliance with any new program requirements and to uphold the credibility of the accreditation program.

• To implement the Standards, to be aware of any changes to them, to stay current in the field of land conservation.

• To provide the Commission with information, upon request, regarding your organization’s compliance with the accreditation indicator elements and program requirements.

• To notify the Commission in writing of major changes in your structure or operation that could potentially affect your organization’s intent and ability to comply with the accreditation indicator elements or accreditation requirements.

• To abide by any Commission action or decision regarding our accredited status, provided that such action follows the Commission’s policies and procedures.

• To use the accreditation seal and Commission’s logo and trademarks as permitted.

As an accredited land trust one of your land trust’s responsibilities is to notify the Commission in writing of any substantial change in your land trust's structure or operation. Why? Because some changes could affect your land trust's ability to comply with the Standards and program requirements. The Commission will be in touch and may request information to confirm your land trust's continued compliance.

To help keep our records in order please let us know when:

• A new executive director joins the team.

• The accreditation contact changes.

You must contact the Commission if:

• The name of your organization changes.

• There is a change in geographical area.

• Your land trust will be merging, affiliating with another organization, or engaging in any other corporate combination where land assets or corporate entities are brought together under a formal agreement.

• There are changes in your land trust's corporate structure.

• There are changes in your programmatic work, such as accepting easements when it previously only accepted fee lands.

The Commission requires that accredited land trusts continuously meet the Standards and the program requirements. The Commission may receive information about an accredited land trust’s compliance in several ways.

• Accredited land trusts are required to notify the Commission in writing of any major changes in their structure or operation that could potentially affect their intent and ability to comply with the Standards or Program Requirements.

• The public may submit signed, written comments that assert an accredited land trust may not be compliant with the Standards or Program Requirements.

• The Commission may ask a land trust for additional data on its activities at any time during the accredited term and may also receive and compile information from other sources.

The ability to confirm compliance enables the Commission to assure the public that all accredited land trusts meet the accreditation requirements. It is important that your land trust review the Compliance Confirmation Policy to understand the steps the Commission takes when it receives information about a potential noncompliance or an organizational change, along with the Commission’s limitations.

While rare, an accredited land trust can be placed on probation and accreditation can be revoked according to the Commission’s Disciplinary Action Policy. This policy helps maintain the integrity of the accreditation program.

• The staff at the Commission welcomes questions during the application process and beyond.

• The Alliance offers trainings, publications, the Resources Center, and regional specific support.

• The accredited land trust community provides a wealth of information and potential mentorship.