MacFarland, Katherine Dana2010-11-102010-11-102010-09https://hdl.handle.net/1794/10830xvii, 141 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.This study considers the role of the forest ecosystem in Trinity County, California's economy. I seek to better understand the natural resource-based economy of a national forest-proximate community by creating a framework that describes the resource flows into and out of Trinity County and guides ecosystem services valuation within the County. Thus, this study examines the monetary benefits that ecosystem functions create through delivery of goods such as water, energy, and timber and also estimates the value of services, such as recreation, carbon sequestration, and amenity value. Finally, this study examines how money is spent to maintain the ecosystem functions that create these goods and services, such as who pays to maintain water collection and filtration capacity or habitat. Ultimately, this study offers insight into opportunities and limitations for ecosystem services valuation at the county level, and considerations for future attempts to value ecosystem services.en-USBiotic communities -- Economic aspects -- California -- Trinity CountyForest ecosystemsThesis