Common Resources

Looking for a Sustainable Funding Model for State Parks

Many state park systems are struggling. And in some states, the legislature is making matters worse. It is time to rethink the approach to financing parks and work toward a more sustainable and efficient long-term funding system. The Kansas City Star recently reported that the Kansas state legislature is proposing to rob Peter to pay [...]

Climate-Ready Coastal Development? A Model from Pelican Bay, Florida

Americans love the coast.  We live there.  We vacation there.  Coastal areas generate substantial economic activity.  But building on the coast is risky—storms and sea level rise threaten coastal development.  Is there a model of development that allows us to enjoy all the ocean has to offer and yet reduces the risks from these hazards? [...]

Responding to Natural Disasters—False Security or Damage Reduction?

Fire, floods, coastal storms, drought—the list of natural disasters that invoke billions in damage to communities and their economies is long and persistent. The tally of costs from Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast continues to mount, mirroring the multi-billion dollar price tags for other hurricane disasters. Yet, year after year, the US Army Corps of [...]

RFF Feature: Evaluating Approaches for Financing State Parks

In new research, RFF’s Margaret Walls finds that financially struggling state park systems are in need of a fresh approach—but that there is no “one size fits all.” To read the full feature, click here.

RFF Report: An Assessment of U.S. Forest-Climate Assistance

While the impacts of climate change become more obvious almost by the day, comprehensive action by the international community and by the United States seem distant. At the same time, the window for diverting global greenhouse gas emissions towards a two degree Celsius pathway is quickly closing. In my view, one of the only ways [...]

RFF Feature: Voluntary Brownfields Certification Programs and Property Values

Many studies of brownfields highlight the benefits of cleanup to the site itself. RFF Fellow Joshua Linn looks at the effects of voluntary certification programs on neighboring property values. Click here to read more.

RFF Feature: Modeling “Leapfrog” Development in American Exurbia

Two RFF discussion papers examine residential development in exurban areas of the United States, highlighting the uncertain outcomes of zoning codes. To read the full paper, click here.

Tough Times for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

On July 6, President Obama signed the two-year, $127 billion surface transportation bill. Mostly unreported in the media coverage of the event was the sharp cut in funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) that was also part of the legislation.  The original Senate bill (S. 1813) had proposed $700 million in funding [...]

Density for Thee but not for Me

I have a theory that when looking for a place to live, it’s always smart to avoid neighborhoods where you hope you’ll be the last person to ever move in.  First of all, you’re bound to be disappointed. If you liked the area, other people will too and make the same choice you did. Secondly, your [...]

First Wednesday Event: Green Infrastructure Video and Slides Available

We’ve posted video and slides from our most recent First Wednesday event on the topic of green infrastructure, something that is emerging as a cost-effective alternative for, or supplement to, gray infrastructure.  You can find it here and event details are below the fold.  If you can’t make it to RFF events in person you can [...]