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The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Cornwall Conservation Trust, Inc. is pleased to announce it is applying for its second renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Cornwall Conservation Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see https://landtrustaccreditation.org/resources/2017-standards.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org/why-accreditation-matters/comment, 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 Cornwall Conservation Trust’s application will be most useful by September 25, 2026.

The Cornwall Conservation Trust has permanently protected approximately 90 acres along Furnace Brook Road, preserving a scenic ridgeline on the slopes of Dean Hill directly across from Wyantenock State Forest.

The newly protected property, now called the Furnace Brook Forest, includes wetlands, mature forest, and important wildlife habitat that help safeguard water quality in Furnace Brook and the surrounding watershed. The land also supports state-listed rare species, further underscoring its ecological significance.

In addition to its conservation value, the property will provide new opportunities for public enjoyment and outdoor recreation. The Cornwall Conservation Trust hopes to open a hiking trail on the property later this summer.

The conserved land also lies along the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Covered Bridge Hou-bike route, a regional biking and walking trail that connects visitors to the area’s scenic landscapes, historic covered bridges, and outdoor destinations.

Financial assistance for the project was provided by the State of Connecticut through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program; the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Highlands Conservation Act of 2004; The Nature Conservancy; the Wild East Program of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy; and The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation.