The residents of Ridgway, Colorado, who once numbered only a few hundred, now watch ski-toting tourists head for the Rockies and the new "gentleman ranchers" buy more and more land in the area. Once an outsider himself, the author takes a hard look at the pros and cons of change in the American West.

A broad, interdisciplinary collection of essays written by prominent researchers. Surveys essential environmental issues in rural areas of the developed world using case-study material from the UK, USA and Sweden. Looks at the ecological implications of agriculture, land-use, energy, social change and politics, touching on such vital problems as industrial farming, counter-urbanization, the global commons and conflict resolutions in land-use. Emphasizes how planning regimes must be modified to take account of environmental imperatives.

Offers an instructive look at the role modern telecommunications infrastructures play in promoting vibrant rural economies. The authors provide prescriptive policy recommendations for everyone concerned with rural economic development, from state and rural policymakers to telecommunications industry executives.