The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) has introduced a new Conservation Innovation Lab aimed at transforming its research and policy recommendations into practical conservation efforts. This initiative will focus on developing innovative ideas and solutions to promote sustainable conservation outcomes.

Brian Yablonski, CEO of PERC, emphasized the need for new approaches to address current environmental challenges. “The unprecedented challenges facing land, water, and wildlife today require new thinking and tools based on speed, flexibility, and partnership,” he stated. The lab will serve as a testing ground for incentive-based ideas from PERC’s network of scholars and economists, in collaboration with ranchers and conservation partners.

The lab builds upon PERC's existing field conservation projects. These include Montana’s first Elk Occupancy Agreement, which compensates ranchers for conserving elk habitats; the Paradise Valley Brucellosis Compensation Fund, which aids ranchers dealing with disease transmission from elk; and a Grizzly Conflict Reduction Grazing Agreement that supports wildlife-friendly grazing practices.

Each project acts as a "proof of concept," allowing for analysis and refinement based on real-world feedback. Successful initiatives may be scaled up by other organizations. PERC's approach contrasts with larger institutions or government programs that can be less adaptable.

Partnerships are crucial to the lab's mission. By collaborating with diverse groups such as the National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, ranchers, and farmers, the lab seeks to develop solutions that benefit both stakeholders and conservation efforts.

Travis Brammer joins PERC as Director of Conservation to oversee the lab's activities. With experience in western conservation issues and a background in cattle ranching, Brammer aims to establish partnerships nationwide to tackle significant natural resource challenges. Whitney Tilt also joins as a PERC Impact Fellow and Paradise Valley Coordinator, bringing over 40 years of experience in the conservation community.

Initial projects are centered around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem but future plans extend across the Rocky Mountain West and beyond. Travis Brammer noted that this region is ideal for experimentation due to its complex environmental challenges: “By engaging with this community and learning on the ground, we can collectively develop a new model of creative conservation to share with the rest of the country.”