As Manada Conservancy continues to expand its land protection work in Dauphin County, it is looking for ways to strengthen its partnerships. It is applying for land trust accreditation with the goal of extending its ability to collaborate further.

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

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission conducts an extensive review of each applicant's policies and programs. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. This external recognition is intended to further strengthen the conservancy's ongoing collaborations with government agencies and other land trust organizations such as The Nature Conservancy.

The commission invites public input regarding how Manada Conservancy complies with national standards that address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. Instructions for submitting comments, as well as more information about the accreditation program, can be found at http://www.manada.org/about.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/accreditation-feedback/291. Comments may also be emailed to info@landtrustaccreditation.org or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila St., Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY12866.

Comments on Manada Conservancy's application are requested by Thursday, July 20.