Despite major efforts, the reduction of reactive nitrogen (Nr) using traditional metrics and policy tools for the Chesapeake Bay has slowed in recent years. In this article, we apply the concept of the Nitrogen Cascade to the chemically dynamic nature and multiple sources of Nr to examine the temporal and spatial movement of different forms of Nr through multiple ecosystems and media. We also demonstrate the benefit of using more than the traditional mass fluxes to set criteria for action. The use of multiple metrics provides additional information about where the most effective intervention point might be. Utilizing damage costs or mortality metrics demonstrates that even though the mass fluxes to the atmosphere are lower than direct releases to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, total damage costs to all ecosystems and health are higher because of the cascade of Nr and the associated damages, and because they exact a higher human health cost. Abatement costs for reducing Nr releases into the air are also lower. These findings have major implications for the use of multiple metrics and the additional benefits of expanding the scope of concern beyond the Bay itself and support improved coordination between the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts while restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

Unsubstantiated economic returns are a major contributor to producers’ reluctance to adopt cover crops. The objective of this study is to evaluate the direct short‐run net returns to the producer of implementing a predominantly cereal rye (Secale cereal L.) cover crop mix into a Midwest corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Experimental agronomic data from field experiments in Lexington, IL, are used to calibrate economic simulations of the costs and benefits of cover crop adoption. Results indicate that net returns to cover crops, including current cost‐share payments, were routinely negative. Returns to the soybean phase of the rotation were higher than corn given that the cover crop significantly reduced corn yield in 1 of 2 yr but did not significantly affect soybean yield. A scenario where cover crop biomass was hypothetically harvested and valued as a livestock feedstuff increased returns. However, further research is needed to validate the agronomic assumptions underlying this scenario. Finally, the breakeven subsidy that would make the producer indifferent to planting cover crops was estimated to be US$13–$23 kg^–1 of nitrate saved from leaving the field each year (or approximately $195–$345 ha^–1). This is higher than current cost‐share payments ($140 ha^–1). In the short‐run, incentivizing producers to adopt cover crops will likely require (i) improved recommendations for cover crop best management practices to eliminate current downside risk and (ii) higher cost‐share payments or established markets to internalize cover crop benefits that accrue to society.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has had a negative impact on deer license demand in Wisconsin since it was first found in the state in 2002. Prior work evaluates the effect of CWD on hunting permit sales, but only in the period immediately after the disease was discovered. We use data on hunting permit sales, permit price, and other demand shifters to estimate a model of deer permit demand for the period 1966–2015. We use the estimated model to quantify the effect of CWD on (1) hunter demand for deer permits; (2) hunter surplus from hunting; and (3) lost hunting permit revenues. Hunter participation declined by 5.4% after CWD was detected in 2002. Hunter surplus decreased by $96 million over this period, while permit revenues declined by nearly $17 million. The effect of CWD was greater on demand for firearm permits than for archery permits. We also find that the effects of CWD diminish over time in absolute terms. This is because permit demand would have started to decline in 2008 even in the absence of CWD. This finding implies efforts to control CWD and efforts at hunter recruitment are economic complements and should be pursued jointly to maximize hunter welfare.