BATH — The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust has completed the principal steps required to submit its application for accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

The commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs and recognizes landconservation organizations that meet national quality standards, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust said in a news release.

“Accreditation demonstrates the growth and maturity of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and furthers our goals of protecting the extraordinary natural, historic, scenic, cultural and agricultural resources of the Kennebec estuary,” said Jack Witham, president of the group’s board of directors.

A public comment period is now open.

Comments must relate to how the group complies with national quality standards that address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation

To submit a comment, email to info@landtrustaccreditation.org.

Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, 112 Spring St., Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.