(University of Oregon, 2010-09) MacFarland, Katherine Dana
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.
