Quantitative Assessment of Natural Values in Benefit-Cost Analysis

Robert Walker
Suzanne Bayley

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DOI: 10.2190/MXY8-5NX4-5MY5-CBAR

Abstract

Two methods of quantifying the contribution of natural ecosystems to man's economy in benefit-cost analysis are presented. The economic approach uses dollar costs to approximate the more tangible natural system contributions. The energetic approach uses energy flows of the natural ecosystems to quantify the contributions. Sample calculations of each approach are made of the impact of a highway on a floodplain.

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