Each year, Colorado loses an average of 90,000 acres of land to development. This type of land conversion impacts the Coloradoan's very own identity in the west by converting large open spaces, significant wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, historic farms and ranches, and those scenic views that fill our backyards. But each year, Southern Colorado tackles those threats with some of the greatest successes in land and water conservation - successes that are championed by people who devote their lives to the protection this unique region by making innovative, educational, and advancing strides to ensure a sustainable future. On October 16, 2014, Palmer Land Trust will honor five of these conservation trendsetters at the SCCA.