HHLT will soon be applying to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for renewal of our accredited status. HHLT was first accredited in 2016 renewed in 2021, and is now up for another renewal after five years.

As an accredited land trust, we are held to rigorous national quality standards around sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship. Our work, programs, and policies are periodically measured and reviewed against these standards as set by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance.

We take pride in being accredited, joining a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the United States that share our pledge for excellence. Our accreditation demonstrates our commitment to our mission with the highest standards, and provides the foundation and structure to ensure the successful and lasting viability of our work. We take seriously our responsibility for the promise of perpetuity, and complying with national standards gives us the tools, best practices, and confidence to deliver on that promise.

We hope our accredited status gives you as members, donors, supporters, volunteers, and community members confidence in the strength of HHLT, and we want to hear from you!

As part of our renewal process, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Harpswell Heritage Land Trust complies with national quality standards which address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. See the full list of standards here.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit the accreditation website, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s application are welcomed anytime and most useful by March 22, 2026.