I have followed the activities of ALC since its formation nearly two decades ago. Under the vision and direction of its founder and 15-year CEO, Harriet Burgess. It went where other land trusts were reluctant to go -- into high-risk projects of size, complexity and difficulty. For example, its landmark Hearst Ranch project near Big Sur. ALC has a staff of idealistic, creative, energetic, environmentalists who were able to accomplish the highly improbable, and the continue to forge ahead.