Tuesday, June 5, 2007
544

Economic valuation of ecosystem services in west Michigan

Elaine Sterrett Isely1, Alan D. Steinman1, and Paul N. Isely2. (1) Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Lake Michigan Center, 740 W. Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441, (2) Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University, 426C DeVos Center, 401 Fulton Street W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Land use change in west Michigan is resulting in the loss of green infrastructure and the services provided by these modified ecosystems. Because many of these ecosystem services do not pass through markets they are not assigned a monetary value, and resource management and land use decisions are made with incomplete information. A collaborative study led by investigators at Grand Valley State University is associating 11 ecosystem services (aesthetics, erosion control, food production, habitat, nutrient cycling, pollination, raw materials, recreation, waste assimilation, and water supply and regulation) with nine land use types (including cropland, orchard-land, forest, grassland, water, wetlands, dunes/beaches) in seven west Michigan counties. The goal is to develop GIS (geographic information systems) valuation maps and policy calculators for land use decision makers. Valuations are made using benefit transfer, following the seven step procedure discussed in Troy and Wilson (2006). The resulting information will provide a more balanced and honest assessment of value for green infrastructure in the region, help inform the policy discussion, and lead to better decision-making regarding land use. Our poster will address the results of this study, including the application and limitations of the valuation data, policy challenges, and areas where additional research is needed.


Web Page: www.gvsu.edu/wri/director/index.cfm?id=7F00929F-B103-F8AA-7C63D9A0A4E84B1B