Billy Creech on Overlanding Conservation and Remapping the Old Traction Road

Overland Journal podcast host Ashley Giordano interviews Billy Creech—former president of the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association, an Explorers Club fellow, and Royal Geographical Society member—about his Old Traction Road Expedition and how overlanders can support conservation while traveling. Creech recounts how his background in camping, racing, and inspiration from Overland Journal led him into backcountry exploration and later into remapping historic routes like the East Mojave Heritage Trail to keep travel compliant with wilderness restrictions while aiding BLM with projects such as tortoise documentation, Mylar balloon collection, and site monitoring. He explains how wilderness designations affect access, why route history deepens stewardship, and how enthusiasts can collaborate with land managers through cleanup, trail repair, reporting, and responsible navigation, emphasizing curiosity, attention to detail, and building trust with agencies. Special thanks to our sponsors this week, Hankook Tires and Overland Explorer Vehicles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.