Plan of Study for Determining Economic Values of Aquatic Plant Management

摘要

Control of aquatic plants by the US Army Corps of Engineers (CE) provides a rangeof benefits that are valued by the public. It is important to consider the economic costs and benefits of aquatic plant control in making decisions on the allocation of funds, for determining the appropriate level or degree of control for plant infestations, and for evaluating economic trade-offs of one control effort or technology over another. Many of the economic benefits and costs of aquatic plant control efforts have not been well identified, quantified, or valued. This report sets out a Plan of Study for determining the economic value of aquatic plant control. The objective of the effort will be to identify market and nonmarket valuation methods that can be used by the CE. The Plan of Study includes four phases: literature review; determination of impacts and public perceptions of aquatic plant management; valuation methods for aquatic plant control; and field testing and development of field guidance. Completion of these four phases is scheduled during Fiscal Years 1990-1993. The product of the study will be a User's Manual for Valuation of Aquatic Plant Control. Keywords: Cost analysis, Economics, Environmental impact, Resource economics. (sdw)