Commissioners gathered in Minnesota for a three-day meeting in July for our first opportunity to begin evaluating the accreditation program. We have summarized some early lessons learned from the pilot program in the materials highlighted below. We will continue to share what we learn throughout the year.

Pilot program participants have also provided some good advice for potential applicants.
Visit our website to read these new materials:

• Should Your Land Trust Apply for Accreditation: Early lessons from the pilot program, a new booklet from the Commission (PDF)
• Is Accreditation Right for Your Organization?, a checklist that may help you determine if your land trust is ready to apply
• Advice from land trusts in the pilot program
• What land trusts in the pilot are saying

Application Lottery Closes on August 31
In May, the Commission announced that it will conduct a lottery in 2007 to select applicants for the first year of the program. If your organization wishes to be part of the accreditation program next year, you must submit an electronic "intent to apply" by August 31, 2007. This is your organization's "lottery ticket." Names of applicants will be drawn at Rally 2007: The National Land Conservation Conference in Denver, Colorado in early October. Results will be posted on our website by mid-October.

Organizations interested in accreditation should review the 2007 pilot application, Applicant Handbook, and the new materials mentioned above to determine whether they are eligible and are prepared to apply.