The rising price of gas and the Montanans in combat with our armed forces remind us daily of the dangers we face from our Islamic enemies. If the situation worsens, the economic effects could hit real estate prices and hurt the local construction boom. So what is this “war” we are in? It is a […]

The proposed construction of six new coal-fired power plants in Montana has citizens rightly concerned about the human and ecological risks posed by the mercury emissions of these new plants. Like all environmental issues, this one is scientifically complex and highly emotional. And unfortunately, there are no perfect solutions. Much of the problem is beyond […]

The 21st Century will be the century of biology. Breakthroughs in rDNA technologies allow the precise manipulation of genetic material. This holds great promise for human and ecological well-being. Applying these molecular tools builds on the oldest and most widespread of human inventions — traditional selective breeding. It is through this method that we created […]

Three decades ago, it was rare to get three summer cuttings of hay at our ranch — now this is the norm. Global warming is a plausible explanation. Barbra Streisand, Al Gore, and many scientists have proclaimed consensus: global warming is occurring, we are causing it, and the consequences are significant. But the question remains: […]

Gallatin Gateway, MT, July 3rd. Late last night Ramona and I returned from academic conferences in Europe. I had lectured on land resources at the University Cezanne in Aix en Provence, France. Folks from eleven nations attended and I identified myself as a Montanan and Ramona as an MSU professor emeritus. I was asked about […]

It’s not news that Gallatin County, like much of the West, is growing rapidly. Planners, politicians, and preservationists worry about the shape of our future. Restricting growth to preserve agriculture and open space increases housing costs (think Boulder, CO). Unchecked growth keeps home prices down but consumes land and other qualities that make this place […]

When Lewis and Clark explored our region, it was a vast “commons.” Anyone sufficiently skillful and lucky to survive the dangers could exploit its bounty of furs and gold. Without individual incentives to consider the common good, the land was subject to the “Tragedy of the Commons.” Consequently, beaver were trapped out in many areas […]

One of the best features of our community is the most difficult to measure. While we can cite symphonies, recommend fine restaurants, and calculate the distance to skiing, spring creeks, and Gallatin Field, how can we calculate the value of trust? The implicit ability to trust others facilitates social interaction. Trust reduces the costs of […]

Entrepreneurs are visionaries who see innovative ways to move resources to higher value. These resources include knowledge, ideals, and good intentions. Entrepreneurs make immense contributions to our wealth, health, and well-being. Noted entrepreneurs, Henry Ford and Bill Gates for example, created businesses that changed the world. The great majority of research on entrepreneurship focuses on […]

Science is systematically reducing uncertainties regarding the causes and consequences of climate change. This is critical, for it helps us identify the tradeoffs we must make. It is irresponsible and naive to pretend they don’t exist or won’t be difficult. Crafting effective solutions begins with considering two questions. First, should we care about a warming […]