Compensating Southern Landowners for Ecosystem Services: An Interview Series and Case Study
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Date
2018-07
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Abstract
Abstract
Thomas, Katie. Master of Natural Resources, Economics and Management. Compensating Southern
Landowners for Ecosystem Services: An Interview Series and Case Study
Ecosystem services are benefits people experience from the use of natural land including
water purification, timber, food production, and outdoor recreation. These benefits are frequently
not included in the economic value of undeveloped land. This makes them seem less important to
decision makers when compared to economic development, but people depend on ecosystem
services for survival and well-being and these services are difficult to replace without significant
expense once lost. As the global population continues to grow, tradeoffs between natural and
manufactured services must be considered to best address the needs of society. One approach to
protecting the supply of ecosystem services is payment to landowners for the ecosystem services
the land provides in its natural state. However, navigation of market options can be complicated
and some landowners sell their land for development simply because they do not have enough
information concerning other, more environmentally centered options. This study sought to
examine and document the relationship between property attributes and available opportunities
for participation in carbon banking, wetland mitigation banking, conservation easements, and
recreation using results from an interview series in order to assist landowners in their decision
making process. Additionally, a case study of a large property near Wilmington, North Carolina
was used to illustrate the complexities of participation in ecosystem service markets. Results
showed rural location, large size, and private ownership are the most favored property
characteristics, but objectives of the markets are varied enough to create opportunity for many
kinds of properties to utilize at least one of the aforementioned markets.
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ecosystem service markets; ecosystem services; private landowners
