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Economics and Ecosystem Services

Federal policymakers and land managers are accountable to the public for how they invest public funds and for the outcomes of the policy and management decisions they make. Through a variety of economic analyses and custom modeling, SEA economists evaluate how investments and management decisions affect individuals, local communities, and society as a whole. Specifically, SEA economists (1) conduct economic effects analyses to quantify how spending cycles through local economies, generating business sales and supporting jobs and income; (2) conduct research to assess nonmarket values associated with public policy and land management practices; and (3) assess the economic values associated with ecosystem services, defined as socially valued goods and services resulting from ecosystem structures and functions, and other natural resource management issues.

Filter Total Items: 16
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A hiker on the Lower White River Wilderness trail. BLM photo.

Uncovering the Ecosystem Service Value of Carbon Sequestration in National Parks

The National Park Service (NPS) preserves and protects more than 84 million acres of important historic, cultural, and natural resources across 401 sites for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Protected resources and landscapes managed by the National Park Service contribute to the societal welfare of the American public, reflected by ecosystem service values derived from their use...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
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Uncovering the Ecosystem Service Value of Carbon Sequestration in National Parks

The National Park Service (NPS) preserves and protects more than 84 million acres of important historic, cultural, and natural resources across 401 sites for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Protected resources and landscapes managed by the National Park Service contribute to the societal welfare of the American public, reflected by ecosystem service values derived from their use...
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Hikers negotiate a trail at Hewlett Gulch in northern Colorado

Facilitating the Inclusion of Nonmarket Values in Bureau of Land Management Planning and Project Assessments

As a multiple-use agency within the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing a wide range of natural and cultural resources, some of which are actively “used” by people, such as the development of minerals for energy generation or manufacturing, livestock grazing, and recreational opportunities. Other resources are not used directly but still...
By
Fort Collins Science Center
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Facilitating the Inclusion of Nonmarket Values in Bureau of Land Management Planning and Project Assessments

As a multiple-use agency within the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing a wide range of natural and cultural resources, some of which are actively “used” by people, such as the development of minerals for energy generation or manufacturing, livestock grazing, and recreational opportunities. Other resources are not used directly but still...
Learn More
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Millions of landbirds migrate through the Gulf of Mexico

Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative (SECI)

The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative (SECI) is to develop and enhance science and research on ecosystem services in support of improving natural resource management. This effort is in response to the fourth recommendation of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) July 2011 report: "Federal agencies with...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
link

Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative (SECI)

The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Sustaining Environmental Capital Initiative (SECI) is to develop and enhance science and research on ecosystem services in support of improving natural resource management. This effort is in response to the fourth recommendation of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) July 2011 report: "Federal agencies with...
Learn More
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A river bank that is being restored.

Economic Impacts of Ecological Restoration

Federal investments in ecosystem restoration projects protect Federal trusts, ensure public health and safety, and preserve and enhance essential ecosystem services. These investments also generate business activity and create jobs. However, limited information exists on the costs and associated economic impacts of ecosystem restoration projects due to the complexity of the “restoration economy”.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
link

Economic Impacts of Ecological Restoration

Federal investments in ecosystem restoration projects protect Federal trusts, ensure public health and safety, and preserve and enhance essential ecosystem services. These investments also generate business activity and create jobs. However, limited information exists on the costs and associated economic impacts of ecosystem restoration projects due to the complexity of the “restoration economy”.
Learn More