| dc.description.abstract |
This master’s project adds to the body of research on potential participation in emerging
markets for ecosystem services. In particular, it addresses two questions: 1) Are
ranch and farm- operators interested in new payments for ecosystem service (PES) programs
in California? 2) Are there differences in rancher and farm-operator attitudes between
California and North Carolina? To answer these questions, a survey with156 responses
was analyzed to examine the similarities and differences in attitudes towards past,
current, and future payments for ecosystem service programs in California. The survey
examined the potential use of market-based incentives to encourage greater conservation
efforts by private landowners. The results of this survey were then compared to the
results from a similar survey in North Carolina.
The results show that ranch and farm operators are interested in potential payments
for ecosystem service programs and that they will be more likely to participate in
programs with shorter contract lengths and higher payment levels. Specifically, for
every year added to the contracts, $.81/acre should be provided in additional compensation.
The conservation organization was the preferred program administrator in California,
followed by a private company, a federal agency, and a state agency. In North Carolina,
the preferences for contract length and payments were similar, but the preference
for program administrator was the exact opposite, with the state agency being the
preferred administrator. The best predictors of potential participation in new PES
programs in both states were age and total number of programs currently enrolled in.
Young ranchers and farmers who are already enrolled in conservation programs are most
likely to participate in future programs.
These results highlight the importance of understanding the preferences of potential
participants before implementing new PES programs. In addition, preferences for PES
programs may differ by state, and preferences for administrators may differ depending
on local relationships. Lastly, outreach needs to be a significant component of payments
for ecosystem service programs so that potential participants know what programs are
available and how to enroll in them.
|
|
