We hear a lot of buzzwords these days in the outdoor recreation world—terms like sustainability, responsible use, or leave no trace. But lately, a new phrase has been finding its footing among land use advocates, trail riders, and environmental stewards alike: Balanced Stewardship.
This isn’t just a trendy phrase. It’s a mindset. It’s a pledge. And it might just be the key to keeping our wild spaces open and healthy for generations to come.
What Do We Mean by “Balanced”?
The word balanced is critical. It doesn’t mean picking sides between conservation and recreation. It means recognizing that outdoor use and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive—they can (and should) exist in harmony. Balanced means acknowledging that the land can be used, enjoyed, explored, and loved—while also being protected.
In fact, I prefer the term protective use over just “use.” It’s not about closing the gate or locking people out. It’s about choosing behaviors, routes, and gear that leave a lighter footprint. It’s about understanding that when we roll over dirt, sand, snow, or rock, we’re not just passing through—we’re influencing that land’s future.
Balanced means parking in durable areas. It means packing out trash that isn’t yours. It means giving the wildlife space, staying on designated trails, and sometimes even saying no to a shortcut or a tempting line if it puts a habitat at risk.
And What is Stewardship?
Stewardship is an old-fashioned word that deserves a modern revival.
It means taking care of something that isn’t entirely yours—because it matters. Because it was here before you, and it should be here long after you.
Stewardship is:
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Picking up tools to volunteer for trail maintenance.
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Speaking up when your voice is needed in public land meetings.
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Supporting education, conservation funds, or local clubs that do the hard work behind the scenes.
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Teaching the next generation what respect for the outdoors really looks like.
Whether you’re rock crawling the Rubicon, riding dunes, overlanding desert dirt roads, floating a backcountry river, or hiking a desert canyon, you are a steward if you choose to care.
Balanced Stewardship in Action
When the throttle meets the trail, and your choices reflect respect—that’s balanced stewardship.
When your campfire stays small, safe, and legal, and you pack it cold and clean—that’s balanced stewardship.
When you pause to educate a fellow traveler instead of shaking your head—that’s balanced stewardship.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware and intentional.
Join Me in the Pledge for Balanced Stewardship
Let’s keep the trails (and gates) open. Let’s keep the dirt and rocks under our tires. Let’s keep the backcountry wild—and accessible for motorized recreation.
I invite you to join me in the pledge for Balanced Stewardship:
“I pledge to promote balanced stewardship of the outdoors—protectively using public lands, caring for them as if they were my own, and championing access, beauty, and sustainability in motorized recreation—for today and for tomorrow.”
If that pledge speaks to you, share it. Say it. Live it. And ride on with pride.