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Ajaz Ahmed, M. A., Abd-Elrahman, A., Escobedo, F. J., Cropper Jr., W. P., Martin, T. A., & Timilsina, N. (2017). Spatially-explicit modeling of multi-scale drivers of aboveground forest biomass and water yield in watersheds of the Southeastern United States. Journal of Environmental Management, 199, 158–171.
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Alvarez, S., Lupi, F., Solís, D., & Thomas, M. (2019). Valuing Provision Scenarios of Coastal Ecosystem Services: The Case of Boat Ramp Closures Due to Harmful Algae Blooms in Florida. Water, 11(6), 1250.
Abstract: Coastal ecosystems provide a diversity of services that contribute to social well-being. While human use and enjoyment of some of these services are captured (and measurable) by market transactions, most uses of these vital ecosystem services are not. Among these non-market ecosystem services, perhaps the most readily measurable is recreational use of waterways, particularly services related to recreational boating. Although recreational boating does not account for the total value of coastal ecosystems and the services they provide, recreational boating in Florida (FL) is an important cultural serviceA and a key component of the value of coastal ecosystem services. In 2017 there were close to 12 million registered recreational boats in the United States (US), and nearly 1 million of these were in FL [1]. These boaters enjoy the cultural services provided by clean waterways and healthy coastal ecosystems. Understanding the monetary value of these services can help coastal managers and policy-makers in their decision-making processes.
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Dee, L. E., Miller, S. J., Peavey, L. E., Bradley, D., Gentry, R. R., Startz, R., et al. (2016). Functional diversity of catch mitigates negative effects of temperature variability on fisheries yields. Proc. R. Soc. B, 283(1836), 20161435.
Abstract: Temperature variation within a year can impact biological processes driving population abundances. The implications for the ecosystem services these populations provide, including food production from marine fisheries, are poorly understood. Whether and how temperature variability impacts fishery yields may depend on the number of harvested species and differences in their responses to varying temperatures. Drawing from previous theoretical and empirical studies, we predict that greater temperature variability within years will reduce yields, but harvesting a larger number of species, especially a more functionally diverse set, will decrease this impact. Using a global marine fisheries dataset, we find that within-year temperature variability reduces yields, but current levels of functional diversity (FD) of targeted species, measured using traits related to species' responses to temperature, largely offset this effect. Globally, high FD of catch could avoid annual losses in yield of 6.8% relative to projections if FD were degraded to the lowest level observed in the data. By contrast, species richness in the catch and in the ecosystem did not provide a similar mitigating effect. This work provides novel empirical evidence that short-term temperature variability can negatively impact the provisioning of ecosystem services, but that FD can buffer these negative impacts.
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Di Leo, N., Escobedo, F. J., & Dubbeling, M. (2016). The role of urban green infrastructure in mitigating land surface temperature in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Environ Dev Sustain, 18(2), 373–392.
Abstract: Green infrastructure in developed countries has been used as a climate change adaptation strategy to lower increased temperatures in cities. But, the use of green infrastructure to provide ecosystem services and increase resilience is largely overlooked in climate change and urban policies in the developing world. This study analyzed the role of urbanization and green infrastructure on urban surface temperatures in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, in sub-Saharan Africa. We use available geospatial data and techniques to spatially and temporally explore urbanization and land surface temperatures (LSTs) over 20 years. The effect of specific green infrastructure areas in the city on LSTs was also analyzed. Results show increased urbanization rates and increased temperature trends across time and space. But, LST in green infrastructure areas was indeed lower than adjacent impervious, urbanized areas. Seasonal phenological differences due to rainfall patterns, available planting space, and site limitations should be accounted for to maximize temperature reduction benefits. We discuss an approach on how study findings and urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry are being used for policy uptake and formulation in the field of climate change, food security, and urbanization by the municipal government in this city in Burkina Faso.
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Dubeux Junior, J. C. B., Muir, J. P., Apolinário, V. X. de O., Nair, P. K. R., Lira, M. de A., & Sollenberger, L. E. (2017). Tree legumes: an underexploited resource in warm-climate silvopastures. R. Bras. Zootec., 46(8), 689–703.
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Jerath, M., Bhat, M., Rivera-Monroy, V. H., Castañeda-Moya, E., Simard, M., & Twilley, R. R. (2016). The role of economic, policy, and ecological factors in estimating the value of carbon stocks in Everglades mangrove forests, South Florida, USA. Environmental Science & Policy, 66, 160–169.
Abstract: Old growth mangroves in existing protected areas store more carbon than restored forests or plantations. Carbon storage in such forests has economic value independent of additionality, offering opportunities for policy makers to ensure their maintenance, and inclusion in climate change mitigation strategies. Mangrove forests of the Everglades National Park (ENP), South Florida, though protected, face external stressors such as hydrological alterations because of flooding control structures and agriculture impacts and saltwater intrusion as a result of increasing sea level rise. Moreover, decreased funding of Everglades’ restoration activities following the recent economic crisis (beginning 2008) threatens the restoration of the Greater Everglades including mangrove dominated coastal regions. We evaluate several economic and ecological challenges confronting the economic valuation of total (vegetation plus soil) organic carbon (TOC) storage in the ENP mangroves. Estimated TOC storage for this forested wetland ranges from 70 to 537 Mg C/ha and is higher than values reported for tropical, boreal, and temperate forests. We calculate the average abatement cost of C specific for ENP mangroves to value the TOC from $2–$3.4 billion; estimated unit area values are $13,859/ha–$23,728/ha. The valuation of the stored/legacy carbon is based on the: 1) ecogeomorphic attributes, 2) regional socio-economic milieu, and 3) status of the ENP mangroves as a protected area. The assessment of C storage estimates and its economic value can change public perception about how this regulating ecosystem service of ENP mangrove wetlands (144,447 ha) supports human well-being and numerous economic activities. This perception, in turn, can contribute to future policy changes such that the ENP mangroves, the largest mangrove area in the continental USA, can be included as a potential alternative in climate change mitigation strategies.
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Lester, S. E., Rassweiler, A., McCoy, S. J., Dubel, A. K., Donovan, M. K., Miller, M. W., et al. (2020). Caribbean reefs of the Anthropocene: Variance in ecosystem metrics indicates bright spots on coral depauperate reefs. Glob Chang Biol, 26, 4785–4799.
Abstract: Dramatic coral loss has significantly altered many Caribbean reefs, with potentially important consequences for the ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by reef systems. Many studies examine coral loss and its causes-and often presume a universal decline of ecosystem services with coral loss-rather than evaluating the range of possible outcomes for a diversity of ecosystem functions and services at reefs varying in coral cover. We evaluate 10 key ecosystem metrics, relating to a variety of different reef ecosystem functions and services, on 328 Caribbean reefs varying in coral cover. We focus on the range and variability of these metrics rather than on mean responses. In contrast to a prevailing paradigm, we document high variability for a variety of metrics, and for many the range of outcomes is not related to coral cover. We find numerous "bright spots," where herbivorous fish biomass, density of large fishes, fishery value, and/or fish species richness are high, despite low coral cover. Although it remains critical to protect and restore corals, understanding variability in ecosystem metrics among low-coral reefs can facilitate the maintenance of reefs with sustained functions and services as we work to restore degraded systems. This framework can be applied to other ecosystems in the Anthropocene to better understand variance in ecosystem service outcomes and identify where and why bright spots exist.
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Li, Y., Zhang, L., Qiu, J., Yan, J., Wan, L., Wang, P., et al. (2017). Spatially explicit quantification of the interactions among ecosystem services. Landscape Ecol, 32(6), 1181–1199.
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Martin, T. A., Adams, D. C., Cohen, M. J., Crandall, R. M., Gonzalez-Benecke, C. A., Smith, J. A., et al. (2017). Managing Florida's plantation forests in a changing climate. In E. P. Chassignet, J. W. Jones, V. Misra, & J. Obeysekera (Eds.), Florida's climate: Changes, variations, & impacts (pp. 269–295). Gainesville, FL: Florida Climate Institute.
Abstract: Production forestry provides substantial benefits to the state of Florida, including the provision of ecosystem services, such as regulation of water quantity and quality, provision of wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration, and supporting 80,000 jobs and $16.34 billion/year in economic activity. Climate through the end of the century in the production forestry regions of northern Florida and southern Georgia is predicted to result in substantial increases in potential loblolly pine and slash pine plantation productivity, ranging from 5–35% depending on emissions scenario, species, and location. Climate change is likely to affect the timing and frequency of abiotic disturbances, such as wildfire and windstorms, and will also change the dynamics of forest pests, pathosystems, and forest water resources. But predictions about the nature of these impacts remains uncertain. Regardless, the fact is that plantation forests have been a vital part of protecting regional water quantity and quality, and they will continue to be essential features of healthy productive landscapes, as climate changes and the potential for adverse climate impacts on water resources increases. The key to adapting forest management to changing climate will be the considered application of silvicultural tools, such as competition control, density and fertility management, and proper choice of species for each site. Keeping abreast of research advances related to these tools will be increasingly important for forest managers as climate conditions change. In addition, the development of viable policy options focused primarily on privately owned forests can help protect Florida’s existing forests and the benefits they provide, and encourage investment in reforestation of existing forestland and planting new forests on previously unforested land.
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Nair, P. K. R., Viswanath, S., & Lubina, P. A. (2017). Cinderella agroforestry systems. Agroforest Syst, 91(5), 901–917.
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Nowak, D. J., & Greenfield, E. J. (2018). Declining urban and community tree cover in the United States. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 32, 32–55.
Abstract: Paired aerial photographs were interpreted to assess recent changes (c. 2009–2014) in tree, impervious and other cover types within urban/community and urban land in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia. National results indicate that tree cover in urban/community areas of the United States is on the decline at a rate of about 175,000 acres per year, which corresponds to approximately 36 million trees per year. Estimated loss of benefits from trees in urban areas is conservatively valued at $96 million per year. Overall, for both urban and the broader urban/community areas, 23 states/districts had statistically significant declines in tree cover, 25 states had non-significant decreases or no change in tree cover, and three states showed a non-significant increase in tree cover. The most intensive change occurred within urban areas, with tree cover in these areas dropping one percent over the 5-year period, compared to a 0.7 percent drop in urban/community areas. States/districts with the greatest statistically significant annual decline in percent urban tree cover were: Oklahoma (−0.92%/yr), District of Columbia (−0.44%/yr), Rhode Island (−0.40%/yr), Oregon (−0.38%/yr) and Georgia (−0.37%/yr). Coinciding with the loss of tree cover was a gain in impervious cover, with impervious cover increasing 0.6 percent in urban/community areas and 1.0 percent in urban areas over the 5-year period. Such changes in cover types affect the benefits derived from urban forests and consequently the health and well-being of urban residents.
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O'Connell, C. S., Carlson, K. M., Cuadra, S., Feeley, K. J., Gerber, J., West, P. C., et al. (2018). Balancing tradeoffs: Reconciling multiple environmental goals when ecosystem services vary regionally. Environ. Res. Lett., 13(6), 064008.
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Rohal, M., Ainsworth, C., Lupher, B., Montagna, P. A., Paris, C. B., Perlin, N., et al. (2020). The effect of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on two ecosystem services in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Environmental Modelling & Software, .
Abstract: The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill likely affected ecosystem services in the Gulf of Mexico. To test this hypothesis, we configured a “Ecopath with Ecosim” model and quantified the effects of commercial fisheries and particulate organic carbon (POC) sequestration from 2004 to 2014, encompassing DWH. The yield of five functional groups were used to calculate changes in fishery catch and detritus biomass as a proxy for carbon buried offshore to calculate POC sequestration. The model predicted an estimated loss of $15–16 million per year (−13%) in stone crab fisheries but estimated gains of up to $20 million per year (11%) in the other four groups from 2010 to 2012. Model simulations estimated a loss of $1200 (−0.15%) in the ability of the Northern Gulf of Mexico offshore environment to sequester POC in 2010. The DWH simulation led to an increase in fisheries overall and decrease in POC sequestration ecosystem services in 2010.
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Rohr, J. R., Bernhardt, E. S., Cadotte, M. W., & Clements, W. H. (2018). The ecology and economics of restoration: when, what, where, and how to restore ecosystems. Ecology and Society, 23(2), 15.
Abstract: Restoration ecology has provided a suite of tools for accelerating the recovery of ecosystems damaged by drivers of global change. We review both the ecological and economic concepts developed in restoration ecology, and offer guidance on when, what, where, and how to restore ecosystems. For when to restore, we highlight the value of pursuing restoration early to prevent ecosystems from crossing tipping points and evaluating whether unassisted natural recovery is more cost-effective than active restoration. For what to restore, we encourage developing a restoration plan with stakeholders that will restore structural, compositional, and functional endpoints, and whose goal is a more resistant and resilient ecosystem. For where to restore, we emphasize developing restoration approaches that can address the impediment of rural poverty in the developing world and identifying and then balancing the ecosystems and regions in most need of restoration and those that are best positioned for restoration success. For the economics of how to restore ecosystems, we review the advantages and disadvantages of market-based strategies, such as environmental insurance bonds and Payment for Ecosystem Services frameworks, for funding, incentivizing, and ensuring restoration. For the ecology of how to restore ecosystems, we discuss the value of taking into account various ecological theories, site history, and landscape and aquascape perspectives, and employing a more inclusive toolbox that holistically considers alterations to propagule pressure, abiotic conditions, and biotic interactions. Finally, we draw attention to the importance of monitoring; adaptive management; stakeholder involvement; collaborations among scientists, managers, and practitioners; formal evaluation throughout the restoration process; and integrating ecological and economic concepts to maximize restoration success. We hope this overview of key ecological and economic concepts in restoration science sheds light on the discipline and facilitates restoring and maintaining the services and products provided by natural capital, thus improving human livelihoods and hope for posterity.
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Salerno, J., Chapman, C. A., Diem, J. E., Dowhaniuk, N., Goldman, A., MacKenzie, C. A., et al. (2018). Park isolation in anthropogenic landscapes: land change and livelihoods at park boundaries in the African Albertine Rift. Reg Environ Change, 18(3), 913–928.
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Stainback, G. A., Lai, J. H., Pienaar, E. F., Adam, D. C., Wiederholt, R., & Vorseth, C. (2020). Public preferences for ecological indicators used in Everglades restoration. PLoS One, 15(6), e0234051.
Abstract: The Everglades is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world covering almost 18,000 square miles from central Florida southward to Florida Bay. Over the 20th century, efforts to drain the Everglades for agriculture and development severely damaged the ecosystem so that today roughly 50% of the historic flow of water through the Everglades has been diverted elsewhere. In an attempt to restore the Everglades, the U.S. Congress authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in 2000, expected to cost over $16 billion and to take several decades to complete. We used the results from a stated preference choice experiment (SPCE) survey of Florida households to estimate the willingness to pay for several ecological attributes related to CERP performance indicators likely to be impacted by Everglades restoration. We also used a latent class model (LCM) to explore preference heterogeneity among respondents. On average, survey respondents were willing to pay for improvements in all of the attributes included in the survey, namely increased populations of wading birds, American alligators, endangered snail kites, and spotted seatrout, and reduced polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. Willingness to pay was highest for reduced polluted discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
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Susaeta, A., Adams, D. C., Carter, D. R., & Dwivedi, P. (2016). Climate Change and Ecosystem Services Output Efficiency in Southern Loblolly Pine Forests. Environmental Management, 58(3), 417–430.
Abstract: Forests provide myriad ecosystem services that are vital to humanity. With climate change, we expect to see significant changes to forests that will alter the supply of these critical services and affect human well-being. To better understand the impacts of climate change on forest-based ecosystem services, we applied a data envelopment analysis method to assess plot-level efficiency in the provision of ecosystem services in Florida natural loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests. Using field data for n = 16 loblolly pine forest plots, including inputs such as site index, tree density, age, precipitation, and temperatures for each forest plot, we assessed the relative plot-level production of three ecosystem services: timber, carbon sequestered, and species richness. The results suggested that loblolly pine forests in Florida were largely inefficient in the provision of these ecosystem services under current climatic conditions. Climate change had a small negative impact on the loblolly pine forests efficiency in the provision of ecosystem services. In this context, we discussed the reduction of tree density that may not improve ecosystem services production.
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Susaeta, A., Adams, D. C., Carter, D. R., Gonzalez-Benecke, C., & Dwivedi, P. (2016). Technical, allocative, and total profit efficiency of loblolly pine forests under changing climatic conditions. Forest Policy and Economics, 72, 106–114.
Abstract: Forest ecosystem services (ES) provide significant value to society. Without means to adequately capture that value, societal ES values have little influence on landowners' management decisions, leading to inefficiencies in forest-based ES provision. To understand these inefficiencies, we employ data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess three types of efficiency - technical, allocative and total profit - of planted pine forests using loblolly pine (Pines taeda L.) in the Southern US as an example. Field data from n = 28 plots are used to assess stand level efficiency in the production of timber, carbon sequestration, and species richness considering inputs such as site index, age and number of trees, precipitation and temperatures. Given the impacts of climate change on key inputs, we also assess efficiency under climate scenarios representing moderate (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) greenhouse gas emissions pathways. We find that 96% of forest plots are technically efficient in providing timber, carbon sequestration and species richness and 75% are allocative or total profit efficient With climate change, allocative or total profit efficiency remains similar to the initial conditions, and total profit substantially increases (42.8% and 45.6% for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). These findings highlight the increasingly important role that forests play in providing sodally valuable ES.
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Susaeta, A., Sancewich, B., Adams, D., & Moreno, P. C. (2018). Ecosystem Services Production Efficiency of Longleaf Pine Under Changing Weather Conditions. Ecological Economics, 156, 24–34.
Abstract: In this paper, we aim to expand the knowledge about efficiency in the provision of forest ecosystems in the Southern US. We use an alternative parametric approach to estimate the efficiency in the production of forest ecosystem services known as stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) (Aigner et al., 1977; Meeusen and van Den Broeck, 1977) in the Southern US. The production frontier represents the maximum output attainable given a set of inputs (Greene, 2007). Stochastic frontier analysis, from an output perspective, determines the maximum amount by which a joint-production of outputs can be expanded with a given input vector (Solis et al., 2014). We employ this methodology since: i) it is the standard approach to model technical efficiency of firms and industries (Shee and Stefanou, 2014); ii) it has been widely used to estimate efficiency associated to forest management (Campbell et al., 2015; Pascual, 2005; Katuwal et al., 2016) and forest industries (Bonds and Hughes, 2007; Helvoigt and Adams, 2009); iii) it provides a richer specification for the production function allowing for formal statistical hypothesis testing regarding the production structure and degree of inefficiency (Hjalmarsson et al., 1996) and iv); it is useful given the random nature of forestry due to biological growth, impacts of natural disturbances, weather variability, and measurement errors. However, in the scientific literature, the application of SFA related to the production of forest ecosystem services is scarce.1
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Thorslund, J., Jarsjo, J., Jaramillo, F., Jawitz, J. W., Manzoni, S., Basu, N. B., et al. (2017). Wetlands as large-scale nature-based solutions: Status and challenges for research, engineering and management. Ecological Engineering, 108, 489–497.
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