Bureaucratic Opposition to the Assignment of Property Rights: Overgrazing on the Western Range

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Bureaucratic Opposition to the Assignment of Property Rights: Overgrazing on the Western Range

Author Info

Libecap, Gary D.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the roles of the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior in restricting the assignment of property rights to rangeland in the American West. While common property conditions encouraged overgrazing and dissipation of the rental value of the land, it was in the interest of both departments to oppose the private claims of the ranchers. Moreover, jurisdictional competition for administration of federal land holdings likely delayed the installation of bureaucratic controls on entry and range use until 1934.

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Publisher Info
Article provided by Cambridge University Press in its journal The Journal of Economic History.

Volume (Year): 41 (1981)
Issue (Month): 01 (March)
Pages: 151-158
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Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:41:y:1981:i:01:p:151-158_04

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Gary D. Libecap, 2006. "The Assignment of Property Rights on the Western Frontier: Lessons for Contemporary Environmental and Resource Policy," NBER Working Papers 12598, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
Other versions:
- Libecap, Gary D., 2007. "The Assignment of Property Rights on the Western Frontier: Lessons for Contemporary Environmental and Resource Policy," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(02), pages 257-291, June. [Downloadable!]
Gary D. Libecap & Zeynep Kocabiyik Hansen, 2000. ""Rain Follows the Plow" and Dryfarming Doctrine: The Climate Information Problem and Homestead Failure in the Upper Great Plains, 1890-1925," NBER Historical Working Papers 0127, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
Other versions:
- Gary D. Libecap & Zeynep Kocabiyik Hansen, 2001. ""Rain Follows the Plow" and Dryfarming Doctrine: The Climate Information Problem and Homestead Failure in the Upper Great Plains, 1890-1925," ICER Working Papers 03-2002, ICER - International Centre for Economic Research. [Downloadable!]

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This page was last updated on 2009-12-1.

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