AN ANALYSIS OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BENEFITS TO GUIDE CONSERVATION IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED

Abstract

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed drains approximately 64,000 square miles of farms, cities, and forests into the largest estuary in the United States. The watershed crosses six state boundaries and is home to over 18 million people. Our client, the Chesapeake Conservancy, is a long-standing contributor to conservation and restoration efforts throughout this complex watershed. Recently, the Conservancy and its regional partners have adopted a framework to conserve 30% of the watershed by 2030 and 50% by 2050. Our research aims to advance the scientific and economic case for this ambitious 30 by 30 land protection goal. Using a case study approach, we apply geospatial and economic analyses to examine and communicate the key ecological and economic benefits these lands provide to both people and nature. Our process is couched in a multi-criteria, ecosystem services framework. Our results show hotspots of unprotected lands along the eastern and western shores of the bay with multiple co-benefits projected to increase in economic value over time. Targeting 30 by 30 conservation actions to these lands will likely maximize regional conservation benefits.