With sixty percent of the land in the United States under private ownership, the role of the private sector in the conservation of habitat and species diversity is increasingly important. This book examines the "market" for conservation of natural areas in the U.S., considering the efforts of both profit- and nonprofit-making ventures. It discusses the costs and benefits of protecting natural areas and uses specific examples of landowners and agencies involved in private sector conservation. The book concludes by discussing the potential and limitations of the private conservation market, and the role of the government in the market. Dr. Edwards examines the effectiveness of conservation methods at three levels: constitutional, organizational and operational. The book will therefore appeal to all those interested or involved in conservation, from students to policy makers.