Maybe an example of great stewardship on a large scale can be found in 19th century New York City.
Consider the aggressive infrastructure developed there. The scope, scale and audacity of development was unprecedented. The railway and subway systems, the expansion of the urban grid and below grade utility systems, the aqueduct systems, Central and Prospect Parks.
These people were thinking speculatively but on such a grand scale that they were assuming a very responsible role, in my opinion, towards land stewardship. They were providing the infrastructure and amenities for a well functioning city. They assume the responsibility to provide that skeleton that would support a great urban environment to flourish.