Fix the Parks We Already Have
Shawn ReganCongress is poised to commit significant funding for the upkeep of America's national parks.
Restoring Our National Parks
Holly FretwellPERC's testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources about addressing our parks' maintenance challenges.
Involving States in Water Permitting
Jonathan WoodCan states inject more local knowledge into water permitting?
Transfer of Water Titles to Western Locals is Long Overdue
P.J. HillIt’s time for Congress to give western irrigators control of the water they use.
When Parks Are Too Popular for Their Own Good
Jonathan WoodHow we can better manage our parks for increased visitation.
Building a Groundwater Market From the Bottom Up
Jonathan WoodGroups in California are working together to build the state's first groundwater market.
No Fences Make Bad Neighbors
Terry Anderson, Roger MeinersBy forcing landowners to open their gates to anyone, neighborliness evaporates.
Property Owners for Regulation?
Jonathan WoodWe can better align the incentives for property owners to conserve endangered species.
About PERC
Founded in 1980 in Bozeman, Montana, PERC—the Property and Environment Research Center—is the home of free market environmentalism. Our research is dedicated to harnessing the power of markets and property rights to improve environmental quality.
Research Areas
Public Lands
Fighting Fire With Finance
How private investment can restore forests and reduce wildfire risk.
A True Wildfire ‘Fix’ Would End Bad Incentives
Fire policy should steer clear of bad incentives that nudge more people and homes into harm’s way.
Protecting Our Pathways to the Great Outdoors
Recreationists should embrace the attitude that as public land owners we should also be public land stewards.
Fisheries
Is the Era of Overfishing Coming to a Close in the U.S.?
How catch shares are helping to restore fish populations.
Conserving Taimen in Mongolia
In Mongolia, Taimen, a fish in the salmon and trout family, are being protected by catch-and-release fishing.
Save Fish, Establish Property Rights
Where property rights have been made clear, secure, and transferable, overfishing has been reduced.
Wildlife
Changing the Endangered Species Act Could Actually Help Conservation
Avoiding conflicts over endangered species could allow states, landowners and conservationists to work more proactively to recover species.
Collaborative Conservation For the Lesser Prairie Chicken
Could such efforts soon help more species?
The Elephant Permit in the Room
Arbitrary decisions about trophy imports undermine conservation efforts and economic opportunity.
Tribes
Tribal Energy Resources: Reducing Barriers to Opportunity
PERC's testimony before the U.S. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Interior, Energy, and Environment's hearing on tribal energy development.
Give Tribes Real Authority in Bears Ears National Monument
It’s time for Congress to act to provide meaningful co-management of Bears Ears to Native Americans.
Give Bears Ears To Native Americans
If tribes are going to get more say in protecting sacred sites, like Bears Ears, they will have to have a greater role than consultation.
Water
California Should Turn to Markets to Solve its Water Woes
Improved water markets, rather than political dictates, will reduce conflict while also freeing up water.
Will WOTUS Reform End Wetland Banking?
Wetland banking is a market-friendly way to conserve wetlands and reward landowners who provide public benefits.
Environmental Crusaders or Ambulance Chasers?
The Department of Justice takes on environmental litigation abuse.
Private Lands
Changing the Endangered Species Act Could Actually Help Conservation
Avoiding conflicts over endangered species could allow states, landowners and conservationists to work more proactively to recover species.
If a Frog Had Wings, Would It Fly to Louisiana?
The Supreme Court prepares to weigh whether habitat must be habitable. Whatever it decides, the Endangered Species Act has to do better—by wildlife and landowners alike.
Will WOTUS Reform End Wetland Banking?
Wetland banking is a market-friendly way to conserve wetlands and reward landowners who provide public benefits.
Publications
Volume 37, No.1, Summer 2018
The Road to Recovery
Volume 36, No.2, Winter 2017
A New Landscape: 8 Ideas for the Interior Department
Mobilizing Markets to Reduce Bycatch in Marine Fisheries
Clearing the Smoke from Wildfire Policy: An Economic Perspective
Volume 36, No.1, Summer 2017
Environmental Policy in the Anthropocene
Managing Conflicts over Western Rangelands
