The Moon Dialogs Research Salon held its first event virtually on Tuesday, April 14, with presentations from Martin Elvis of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and Alanna Krolikowski of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, to discuss scarce lunar resources and associated policy and coordination considerations. Martin Elvis began the research salon presentation with a survey of the Moon’s resources, stating that the vast majority of the Moon’s resources are concentrated into just a few specific locations, just a few kilometers or tens of kilometers across. Alanna then turned to discussing lunar activities under the commons framework, but stressed that analogs to global commons like Antarctica and the High Seas were less interesting and applicable than small scale commons like fish stocks, ponds, forests and other resources shared by local communities. Actors must be reminded that their short term choices have long-term, lasting effects (“the shadow of the future”). Getting off on the right foot is crucial as well, as early movers have a special responsibility to set the precedent in cooperation, and their example will be durable for future users. A lasting governance framework will ‘set carrots’ and incentivize good behaviour. While enforcement may be relatively weak, actors can create common assets, facilities, and infrastructure where access is contingent on best behaviours.