The land trust may be one of the last defenses Western communities have against the rapid development of private lands. The Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts will hold an Oct. 8-9 workshop in Estes Park, Colo., to help land people stay abreast of the latest tools of the trade. Hosted by the Estes Valley Land Trust, "What Every Land Trust Needs to Know" features presentations on land conservation tools, fund raising for local land trusts, and the state of agriculture. Two members of the state legislature will discuss "Earth First, Last, or Somewhere in Between? The Private Property Rights Movement in Colorado." On a Saturday evening field trip, participants will also have a chance to hear the bugling elk of Rocky Mountain National Park. The conference, held at the Environmental Education Center in the park, costs $35 before Sept. 30, $40 thereafter. For more information, contact the Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts, Hal Clark, Treasurer, P.O. Box 2775, Aspen, CO 81612 (303/923-2693).