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Renewal Application

Did you know that your land trust can start working on the main application at any point after registration? Some land trusts choose to work on the pre-application and main application concurrently and some choose to go chronologically. Since your land trust has access to both the pre-app and main-app once your land trust has registered, the choice is up to you!

Remember, you can always check out the Overview of the renewal steps to get orientated.

Overview

Your land trust can begin working on the main application in the Accreditation Management System (AMS) as soon as registration information has been submitted. Even before your registration opens, your land trust can preview the complete application by reviewing the Renewal Reference Application Packet. The Commission encourages land trusts to be prepared and ask clarifying questions over your accreditation term – it can help set your organization up for a smoother renewal process.

  • Application questionnaire

  • Application documentation

  • Project documentation

  • Targeted verification documentation

  • Board Resolution

  • A copy of your public notice(s)

  • Remittance of application fee

  • Regardless of when you begin working on your application, the information in your responses must be no older than 90 days prior to submission (i.e. within 90 days of the application due date).

  • A land trust remains accredited during the renewal application review process, even if its accreditation expiration date has passed.

Application Questionnaire and Documentation

Gain a deeper understanding of answering the application questionnaire and providing documentation by clicking the resource below.

Targeted Verification Items & Selected Projects

Targeted verification items and selected projects are used by the Commission to verify specific practices of your land trust. To gain more insight on how this works, click the resource card below.

Addressing Expectations for Improvement

At the time it renews accreditation, the Commission may issue one or more expectations for improvement (EFIs) if it determines that the accredited land trust must take action over its renewed accredited term to comply more fully with the accreditation requirements. EFIs are typically issued in cases where the Commission determines that the applicant has not met those requirements or circumstances that the Commission has determined are lower risk and where the land trust has demonstrated to the Commission its intent and capacity to meet the requirements. When an accredited land trust applies for renewal, it must document how each EFI issued for that term was met over the term and that its current practice is compliant. Not meeting EFIs can be grounds for accreditation not being renewed at the next application cycle.

Learn more about EFIs and guidance for demonstrating compliance.

Timeline and Fees

Knowing your application due dates and understanding application fees, including how the fee is calculated by the Commission, is an important part of the renewal process. Budgeting of your land trust’s time and resources is good planning.

Get Support

Staying connected with the Commission can make the renewal application process smoother. In the AMS, your land trust will be assigned a Commission staff member who reads and reviews your application – you can use the AMS to send messages (or reach out directly through phone or email). Remember, the staff reader of your application should be seen as a resource. Simply put, we like it when you reach out! Throughout and beyond the application process, there are many additional resources for land trusts to find support.

What's Next?

Learn what happens after your application is submitted.

Learn more