An Analysis of Common Pool Resource Management

Abstract

The use and management of common pool resources can cause problems with property ownership and usage rights. Rules, regulations and policy development are all necessary in ensuring proper management and control of these common pool resources. In this thesis I use Elinor Ostrom's framework on decision making methods and policy models to analyze the decisions common pool resource users make, and the policy approaches that can be used to address the overuse or misuse of these resources. In order to better understand managing institutions and the systems that oversee these resources, Ostrom's approaches and theories are illustrated through the operations of the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM directly manages millions of acres of public lands through the rules and regulations set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The ongoing land use dispute with Cliven Bundy in Bunkerville, NV is used as an applied example to analyze the decision making of land dispute players, as well as question the effectiveness and efficiency of an actual managing institution. In conclusion it is seen that BLM policies are adequate for effectively overseeing public lands, but adherence to the regulations and strict enforcement is necessary for a cooperative relationship between management agencies and the individuals working with them.