Public and Private Lands
Research at RFF on the way land is used and managed spans natural, rural, and urban settings, including analysis of innovative policies to limit urban sprawl, the cost and effectiveness of natural infrastructure, and the costs and benefits of recreational land use, among other topics.
Nature-Based Recreation
Learn how campsite reservations can shed light on the increase in visitors to the National Parks.
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Media Highlight — Mar 27, 2020
New RFF Study on National Monuments' Benefits for American West Economic Growth Gaining Traction in the Media
A groundbreaking study by Resources for the Future (RFF) researchers, published today in Science Advances, has been receiving attention in the media.
Do National Monuments Help or Hinder Local Economies?, with Margaret Walls
Margaret Walls discusses how designating historic sites as national monuments can benefit local economies without impairing nearby industries.
Press Release — Mar 24, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Do National Monuments Help or Hinder Local Economies?, with Margaret Walls"
Margaret Walls discusses how designating historic sites as national monuments can benefit local economies without impairing nearby industries.
Journal Article — Mar 18, 2020
National Monuments and Economic Growth in the American West
A groundbreaking study by RFF researchers, published in Science Advances, shows that national monuments have had mostly positive effects on local economies in the American West.
Journal Article — Dec 9, 2019
Dynamic Impacts of US Energy Development on Agricultural Land Use
This paper examines land-use changes over time as agricultural landowners adjust when in close proximity to oil and gas development.
Journal Article — Dec 2, 2019
The Unaddressed Threat of Invasive Animals in US National Parks
A detailed review about invasive animal species and their management finds that the global threat of invasive animals substantially undermines the National Park Service mission.
RFF Live — Dec 17, 2019
Healthy Soils for a Healthier Planet
Highlighting the important role of soil health in finding climate solutions
Workshop/Seminar — Dec 6, 2017
The Future of Agriculture: Rebounding Nature
The National Museum of Natural History and Resources for the Future invite you to join Jesse Ausubel, Director and Senior Research Associate of the Program for the Human Environment at Rockefeller University, for a look into the future as he explores how precision agriculture and better sources of food and fuel can benefit the natural world.
Workshop/Seminar — Jun 22, 2016
The Economics of Coal Leasing on Federal Lands: Ensuring a Fair Return to Taxpayers
At this RFF seminar, Jason Furman, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), unveiled a new CEA report that examines the economic principles underlying the program, discusses the case for reform, and provides quantitative estimates of the effects of such changes. Furman's remarks were followed by an expert panel discussion on reforming the federal coal leasing program.
Media Highlight — Mar 27, 2020
New RFF Study on National Monuments' Benefits for American West Economic Growth Gaining Traction in the Media
A groundbreaking study by Resources for the Future (RFF) researchers, published today in Science Advances, has been receiving attention in the media.
Press Release — Mar 24, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: "Do National Monuments Help or Hinder Local Economies?, with Margaret Walls"
Margaret Walls discusses how designating historic sites as national monuments can benefit local economies without impairing nearby industries.
Press Release — Mar 18, 2020
New Study Explores How National Monuments Can Boost the Economy in the American West
A groundbreaking study by Resources for the Future (RFF) researchers, published today in Science Advances, shows that national monuments have had mostly positive effects on local economies in the American West.
Do National Monuments Help or Hinder Local Economies?, with Margaret Walls
Margaret Walls discusses how designating historic sites as national monuments can benefit local economies without impairing nearby industries.
Local Economic Impacts of Federal Protected Lands: National Monuments in the Mountain West
The prospect of lost livelihoods can produce conflict over the limits that national monuments place on land use, but creating monuments can also create value by growing new industries related to recreation and tourism.
National Monuments Can Boost the Economy in the American West
New research from Resources for the Future counters a common belief among some communities in the American West: results show that national monuments are not actually detrimental to employment and local economies.