Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance: How recreation fuels my conservation ethic
The relationship between being a conservationist and an outdoor recreationist is complicated, even paradoxical. How can someone claim to protect the land while actively using it for adventure and exploration?
As someone who backcountry skis, mountain bikes, trail runs, and backpacks in our surrounding public lands and wilderness, I understand this tension firsthand. Yet, I don’t see these roles as contradictory. Instead, I believe that responsible recreation is not only compatible with conservation — it’s a fundamental part of it. This perspective is rooted in my personal experience and my core values.
Conservation, at its core, is the responsible management and protection of natural resources to ensure their long-term sustainability. It’s about thoughtfully balancing human use and environmental health. As humans, we are, in fact, part of nature and intricately connected to it. As outdoor enthusiasts, we play a crucial role in this balance when we actively care for the places we explore.
Conservationists acknowledge their impact. My home in Eagle is located in a historically mapped, critical wildlife habitat — and the animals were here first. Many of the trails I use and love are located next to creeks or in wildlife habitats. Being a conservationist also means being aware of the impact you have on the environment and taking steps to minimize it.
I respect seasonal trail closures, give wildlife their space, stay on designated trails, educate other trail users, and always practice Leave No Trace principles. It’s about being mindful of how my presence affects the natural world and making choices that protect the land I love.
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Adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. The fun, challenge, flow state, and awe I experience while skiing fresh powder, riding singletrack, running trails, or backpacking in wilderness are also why I want to care for and protect these places. Immersing myself in nature not only brings joy and excitement but also strengthens my commitment to stewardship.
Each time I connect with the land — whether pausing to admire a towering old-growth tree, vibrant wildflowers, a soaring bird of prey, or a massive bull elk — I am reminded of why conservation matters. These moments of awe build a sense of ownership and responsibility, reinforcing that it’s not just about keeping landscapes healthy but ensuring that others can experience this same sense of wonder.
While it’s true that interacting with nature has some impact, the goal is to minimize that impact through thoughtful practices. I recognize that I am selfishly receiving something from my outdoor recreation experiences — whether it’s joy, fulfillment, or a sense of freedom — but I give back far more by taking actions that support the land and advocating for its protection.
As long as I am giving more than I’m taking, my conservation ethic remains positive. My commitment to conservation doesn’t end when I put on my gear; it is a thread woven into my DNA, into every decision I make outdoors, balancing exploration with stewardship.
I also understand that encouraging outdoor recreation can increase human traffic and unintended environmental impacts, which is why responsible advocacy and careful planning and management are essential. There are limits to where, when, and how humans should recreate in natural spaces. By promoting sustainable practices and educating fellow enthusiasts, we can mitigate potential harm while still enjoying our public lands.
Like thousands of other members of our community, I express my conservation ethic through being a steward, volunteering, or supporting efforts that invest in our trails, public lands, and biodiversity. It takes an entire community’s commitment to preserve the wild places we love and share. Whether it’s participating in trail maintenance or advocating for responsible land management, we all play a role in sustaining the natural beauty and ecological health of our community.
Ultimately, conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. They can and should go hand in hand, driven by a shared commitment to preserving the natural environment while experiencing it. As someone who finds joy and purpose in outdoor pursuits, I see every trail run, ski tour, bike ride, and backpacking trip as a chance to deepen my relationship with the land — and to reaffirm my commitment to keeping it wild.
In the end, we must remember that loving a place means taking care of it. That’s why I call myself a conservationist and why I choose to advocate for responsible recreation that honors and sustains the wild places we cherish. I hope that you will consider doing the same.
The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance’s mission is to connect our community to the outdoors through sustainable recreation. The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance advocates for soft surface trails, manages trail stewardship programs, maintains and builds trails, coordinates and trains volunteers, educates outdoor recreational users, and creates opportunities to access the outdoors. We bring locals and partners together to create, maintain and explore singletrack trails in Eagle County. Our love for outdoor recreation inspires stewardship of our mountain landscape by educating, collaborating and taking action alongside fellow community members.
Ernest Saeger is the executive director of Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance. Learn more at VVMTA.org.
