Santa Catalina Island, California
Score: 74

"People respect the Catalina Conservancy's work and understand its role in controlling over 75 percent of the island. Easy helicopter/boat access means lots of visitors, but most are contained on-island and don't seek a larger experience. Catalina works for what it is."

"This island is developed to its maximum, but concentrated in a small strip along the short waterfront. The remainder of the island is preserved and, with the exception of some feral animal species, seems well-balanced. Recent wildfires may have major impact on future."

"The island is a lovely miniature of what the mainland must have looked like years ago. Plus buffalo! Avalon is a bit tacky, but that is one of the things I love about it."