#16 Brian Yablonski

Brian Yablonski is the CEO of the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) based in Bozeman, Montana. PERC is a 40 year old research institute dedicated to free market environmentalism, and they are actively exploring ways that voluntary trade can produce positive environmental outcomes.

Brian regularly contributes commentary on conservation topics to major media outlets, serves on the board of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and is a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club.

Early in his career, Brian was director of policy and deputy chief of staff for Florida Governor Jeb Bush, where he helped craft the administration’s major policy initiatives, including Everglades restoration and the Florida Forever conservation program. From 1989 to 1990, he worked in the West Wing of the White House as a personal staff assistant to President George H.W. Bush. He served as chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission prior to joining PERC.

We discussed the group's mission and values, Brian’s career path, The concept of free market environmentalism, current topics of research including wildfires and forest management, wildlife/livestock conflict, the feral horse issue, western water rights, and finally Brian’s take on some of the new administration’s environmental initiatives.

Head over to PERC.org to learn more and offer your support!