DOI Link
Keywords
urban forest; natural forest; invasive species; urban residents; non-market valuation
Abstract
Invasive forest pests can cause environmental and economic damage amounting to billions of dollars (US) in lost revenues, restoration and response costs, and the loss of ecosystem services nationwide. Unfortunately, these forest pests do not stay confined to wildland forest areas and can spread into suburban and urban areas, imposing significant costs on local governments, homeowners, and management agencies. In this study, a contingent valuation experiment is used to estimate Florida residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) a monthly utility fee that would protect urban forests from invasive pests by implementing a monitoring and prevention program for their early detection and eradication. On average, the respondents are WTP US $5.44 per month to implement the surveillance program, revealing an aggregate WTP in the order of US $540 million per year. The results also reveal that respondents are sensitive to the scope of the program, with higher rates of participation and higher WTP for a program that is more effective at preventing forest pest invasions.
Publication Date
9-30-2020
Original Citation
Adams, D.C.; Soto, J.R.; Lai, J.; Escobedo, F.J.; Alvarez, S.; Kibria, A.S. (2020) Public Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Invasive Forest Pest Prevention Programs in Urban Areas. Forests 11: 1056
Document Type
Paper
Language
English
Source Title
Forests
Volume
11
Issue
10
Copyright Status
Unknown
Publication Version
Publisher's version
Rights
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Location
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Adams, Damian C.; Soto, Jose R.; Lai, John; Escobedo, Francisco J.; Alvarez, Sergio; and Kibria, Abu S.M.G., "Public Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Invasive Forest Pest Prevention Programs in Urban Areas" (2020). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 940.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/940
Included in
Forest Sciences Commons, Hospitality Administration and Management Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.