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Maintaining Trust

Private land trusts generally are prudent stewards, but tax advantages can sway their decisions.

The Costs Of Regulatory Stringency

A study of Wyoming oil drilling reveals that regulatory costs are higher on federal land.

Surrounded by the magnificent blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz Island, just 25 miles west of Santa Barbara, is the scene of a life-and-death drama that pits feral pigs against the dainty island fox. The introduction of non-native species to one of California’s isolated Channel Islands has led to the near extirpation ofContinue reading “Back To The Future”

Eco-Nomics: What Everyone Should Know About Economics and the Environment

Understanding how economic analysis can help protect the environment.

The Worm Turns

At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, nearly half a million worms are at work farming food scraps from the mess hall. The worm farm had long been a dream of Bill Meinerding, the manager of the base’s recycling program. So far he could not be happier with his squirmy little farmers. Originally they wereContinue reading “The Worm Turns”

Leasing The Goat

Small family-run farms are facing tough economic times. For many of the families, staying on the farm often means taking another job in town. In 1979, three of these small farmers came up with a better idea. They arranged to have their products delivered directly to urban dwellers. They contracted with other small farmers toContinue reading “Leasing The Goat”

Spinning Trash

The pop cans, plastic cups, cellophane wrappers, and other debris that people toss on streets and sidewalks can end up on the beach or bobbing in the ocean. Oil and grease from cars and trucks can also be flushed into open water by a rainstorm or melting snow. Storm drains are built to catch theContinue reading “Spinning Trash”

Regulators Damage a Park

A professor at Case Western Law School writes about the perverse results of the Cleveland airport’s “mitigation” of the loss of a wetland. To build a new runway, the airport must pay to “create” wetlands by damaging a beautiful and serene park sixteen miles away.