Conservation issues can be divisive, to say the least. Whether it’s the water wars of the Southwest, the timber wars of the Pacific Northwest, or the wolf wars of the Northern Rockies, environmental debates often devolve into zero-sum fights between competing groups. Under this status quo approach, opponents are more likely to demonize each other than to try to understand each others’ perspectives. For more than 40 years, PERC has advanced a different approach—one that harnesses markets and incentives to improve environmental outcomes by promoting cooperation instead of conflict. Today, these ideas are gaining traction. This special issue of PERC Reports is devoted to that unique approach and features several pilot projects from PERC’s Conservation Innovation Lab.
Prime habitat for elk in Montana’s Paradise Valley means headaches for ranchers there. PERC’s work to reward the private stewardship—and public benefits—that working lands provide on Yellowstone’s northern doorstep sets the stage for conservation innovation
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In Paradise Valley, an elk occupancy agreement helps wildlife and livestock coexist
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PERC erects a safety net for Paradise Valley ranchers who rightfully worry about disease risk from elk-cattle interactions
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PERC’s pilot “pay for presence” project with elk in Paradise Valley blends local know-how, remote cameras, and AI to incentivize better wildlife conservation
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In Montana’s Gravelly Range, a ranching family is taking an innovative approach to reduce conflict with grizzly bears and other wildlife
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In the shadows of the Crazy Mountains, the McFarland White Ranch aims to transform its operations with virtual fences. PERC is supporting the effort—and the way it will benefit wildlife
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This special issue of PERC Reports features several pilot projects from PERC's Conservation Innovation Lab
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Examples from around the world of markets being put to work for conservation.
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An interview with PERC's Conservation Innovation Lab Director Travis Brammer
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