Valuing stakeholder preferences for environmental benefits of stormwater ponds: Evidence from choice experiment.

With population growth driving urban expansion in many cities in the United States, there is a need for a sustainable way to manage stormwater. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is considered an innovative way to handle stormwater because of its potential to provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) beyond flooding reduction. However, there is limited research regarding the society's perceived value for GSI practices' co-benefits. This study utilized stated-preference data obtained from a choice experiment in an online survey of 1159 South Carolina (SC) residents to estimate a monetary value for the ES provided by wet detention ponds- the most widely adopted stormwater practice in coastal counties of SC. The benefits examined are flooding reduction, water quality, wildlife habitat, recreation, and scenic beauty. The data were analyzed using a Mixed logit formulation. Considering the differences across the state, the model was estimated separately for five counties. Findings indicate that residents are willing to pay $13.8 to $37.8 annually for a 50% improvement in pollutant removal efficiency of ponds in addition to their current stormwater fee. Also, they are willing to pay $12.5 to $42.9 per year for the nearest pond to have buffer vegetation and wildlife. They are also likely to pay $5 to $22.5 for ponds to contribute to their neighborhood's scenic beauty. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents from three counties are willing to pay $5.4 to $13.2 for a 50% improvement in flooding reduction, while those from two counties are likely to pay $3.9 to $4.9 for ponds to have recreational benefits. The findings of the study could help stormwater managers in designing their stormwater management programs, especially for better evaluation of stormwater utility fees.

Preventative Root-Collar Excavation Reduces Peach Tree Mortality Caused By Armillaria Root Rot On Replant Sites.

In the southeastern United States, Armillaria root rot (ARR) is caused by Desarmillaria tabescens and has become the primary cause of premature mortality in peach orchards. Most rootstocks used in commercial orchards are susceptible and management options are limited. A postinfection practice known as root-collar excavation (RCE), which involves permanent removal of the soil from the base of the trunk, has been shown to improve yields and prolong the productive life of symptomatic trees. However, symptomatic trees already have an advanced infection at the base of the trunk. This study evaluated the efficacy of preventative RCE on the progression of tree mortality in two orchards that were planted in infested replant sites. To provide convincing data for growers, the study was carried out in a commercial orchard and an experimental orchard for 8 years. Furthermore, representative enterprise budgets and net present value (NPV) analysis were utilized to compare the profitability of the two approaches. Trees were planted shallow on berms (45 by 90 cm) to facilitate RCE with hoes and AirSpade 2 years later. Tree mortality in the RCE treatment of the experimental orchard was first observed in year 6 and increased 8% on average per year thereafter. In contrast, tree mortality in the "Grower Standard" treatment was first observed in year 4 and increased 12.7% on average per year thereafter. At the commercial orchard, tree mortality in the RCE treatment was first observed in year 7 and increased 1.9% on average thereafter, while tree mortality in the Grower Standard treatment first appeared in year 5 and increased 4.3% on average thereafter. The delayed onset of ARR-associated tree mortality and the lower annual tree mortality rate in the RCE treatment led to higher NPVs in both locations. There were no negative effects on yield or fruit quality. However, the new planting system can create horticultural challenges, including the formation of a proper berm, uneven ground around the tree interfering with tree care and harvest, increased erosion due to channeling of rainwater, and increased rootstock suckering. The RCE is a valid option for southeastern growers needing to manage high ARR disease pressure on replant sites or on sites only recently cleared from ARR-infected forest land.

Using stakeholders' preference for ecosystems and ecosystem services as an economic basis underlying strategic conservation planning.

Ecosystem services (ES), commonly defined as the benefits people get from ecosystems, are key components in improving human well-being. However, as land utilization transitions from forest and agricultural land to urban areas and industrial complexes, the continuous provision of ES is affected. To ensure sustainable development, conservation programs should be implemented that consider both the stakeholders' well-being while also maintaining ecosystem health and integrity. Consequently, to improve the strategic implementation of conservation programs, it is critical to understand stakeholders' preferences. Using an online survey, we elicited South Carolina residents' preference in prioritizing the target ecosystems and ecosystem services in the state. The results identified that the priority ecosystem service is water quality regulation. However, the residents' preference for water quality regulation does not discredit the importance of maintaining the continuous water supply provision. In terms of ecosystem preference, residents indicated that the forest ecosystem is the priority ecosystem to be conserved, particularly for younger residents, respondents with high income, and those in the midland and the upstate. This could be attributed to the forest's effect on the ecosystem services that these respondents receive, particularly towards water-related ecosystem services. Understanding the residents' preference provides information that could improve the state water plans and other potential policy implications to land use-land cover planning and landscape sustainability management.