Get reliable rangeland science

In the current environmental era we are focused on the protection of nature and the reversal of rangeland degradation. Yet, economic studies that place a dollar value on improved rangeland health and estimate the conservation benefits realized because of restoration efforts are nearly non-existent. The minimal role of economics in restoration decisions occurs for two primary reasons. First, the valuation process requires an assessment of expected change, what is being gained, and what is being given up by taking a particular action. The long-term studies and measurements required to predict altered ecosystem provisioning because of restoration efforts are seldom available. Second, most conservation values are not revealed in an observable market and economic valuations must rely on questionable stated-preference methods, primarily survey questions about monetary amounts, choices, ratings and preferences. State-and-Transition Models (STM) and a national database of Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) have been developed to frame rangeland management decisions within a dynamic context. The STM framework has potential for providing the detail, probabilities and estimates of change required for economic analysis of restoration projects. Our presentation will explore the potential for expanding the role of economics in restoration decisions and demonstrate how the STM Framework might assist in estimating ecosystem provisioning and economic values for restoration projects. The limitations and level of completeness and detail required in order for STM models to be useful for economic studies will be highlighted along with other valuation obstacles.