From the Southwick Associates winter newsletter
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wanted to establish a current dollar value for Missouri wetlands on a per acre basis. Every piece of wetland provides value through social and environmental benefits (such as flood control, water quality improvements and wildlife habitat) in addition to the property’s economic value. The cost of creating wetlands can be used to value what a natural wetland is worth.
In 2007 and 2008, Missouri DNR’s Water Resource Center gathered opinions of Missouri residents via focus groups and a survey posted on the State of Missouri main Web site and the DNR Web sites. The survey asked Missouri residents about their knowledge and behavior related to wetlands, willingness to pay for wetland-related services, and other socioeconomic issues.
The survey specifically asked Missouri residents how much more they were willing to pay for wetlands providing these wetland functions: water quality, floodwater storage, providing habitat for animals and plants, recreation, and erosion reduction. ...
In 2007 and 2008, Missouri DNR’s Water Resource Center gathered opinions of Missouri residents via focus groups and a survey posted on the State of Missouri main Web site and the DNR Web sites. The survey asked Missouri residents about their knowledge and behavior related to wetlands, willingness to pay for wetland-related services, and other socioeconomic issues.
The survey specifically asked Missouri residents how much more they were willing to pay for wetlands providing these wetland functions: water quality, floodwater storage, providing habitat for animals and plants, recreation, and erosion reduction. ...
The results from this survey will be used to help the State of Missouri acquire wetlands for conservation purposes. The results above help direct wetlands pricing efforts and will guide the state in its acquisition efforts, should funds be available. For a copy of the report, visit www.southwickassociates.com/freereports/default.aspx.
