The concepts of sustainability and stewardship are continuing to evolve. The ability to maintain the long term health of an ecosystem. Health is subjective, but indicators are being developed that will provide an ability to monitor lack of health, such as loss of biodiversity. The responsible use of resources based on a balance of economic, environmental, and social values, in order to sustain production of these amenities and values to people, and all life, today and for all future generations. The essence of land stewardship is taking responsibility for actions today which directly influence the protection of values for future generations.
Good stewardship implies action directed toward the common good for society and the environment .
A Community is people living in a definable area who have common interests. It is understood that there is a diversity of opinion and attitude about descriptions such as these. There is a spectrum of interest around the placement of emphasis on such things as use and protection. There is not an end point in time when we will have resolved this concern. There must always be a dialogue to find the acceptable balance - to reach the best possible decisions based upon the assessment of the best available science and weighing of human values, in the short and long term.