Details:

Creators:
Harrison, George L.
Corporate Creators:
University of Florida/IFAS, Crawfordville. Wakulla County Extension Service
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Air Quality Economic Benefits Ecosystems Landscape Maintenance Right Of Way (Land) Roadside Flora Runoff State Highways Vegetation Wildflowers
Publication/ Report Number:
BDK75- 977-74
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Florida
Corporate Publisher:
Florida. Dept. of Transportation
Abstract:
The economic value of runoff prevention, carbon sequestration, pollination and other insect services, air quality,

invasive species resistance, and aesthetics was estimated for Florida’s State Highway System roadside right-of-way (ROW) ecosystem using the benefits transfer method. Regardless of whether these benefits are classified as

ecosystem services or functions, the sum total value of these benefits was conservatively estimated at nearly a

half billion dollars. Utilizing sustainable vegetation management practices more than doubles the total value. And

incorporating Wildflower Areas (WAs; remnant native plant communities as well as wildflower plantings) nearly

triples the value of these benefits. While roadside ROW vegetation historically has been treated as a financial

liability to fulfill main FDOT functions, information in this report provides evidence that roadside ROW

vegetation is an asset. The cost of vegetation management, at least $33.5 million in 2011-12, is more than offset

by the value of only carbon sequestration, a service that potentially could generate income for FDOT via the sale

of carbon credits. And implementing sustainable management practices will reduce vegetation management costs

nearly 30 percent. Understanding the economic benefits of the roadside ROW ecosystem and sustainable

management practices will allow the department to measure outcomes and establish performance targets.

Findings in this report serve as an incentive for FDOT to gradually implement innovative, broad scale,

ecologically sustainable roadside ROW vegetation management practices and expand the number and acreage of

WAs.


Format:
PDF
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:e304cfbab2b6a0ccb483f715ad20a96af97af9913390e393afa29c07619299a8
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/27198/dot_27198_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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