ARS | Publication request: Integrated Modeling and Ecological Valuation: Applications in the Semi Arid Southwest 1912

Submitted to: Environmental Protection Agency Special Publication
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2007
Publication Date: May 25, 2007
Citation: Brookshire, D.S., Brand, A., Thacher, J., Dixon, M.D., Benedict, K., Stromberg, J.C., Lansey, K., Goodrich, D.C., Mcintosh, M., Grady, J., Stewart, S., Broadbent, C., Izon, G. 2007. Integrated Modeling and Ecological Valuation: Applications in the Semi Arid Southwest. Proceedings USEPA "Valuation for Environmental Policy: Ecological Benefits" workshop April 23, 24, 2007. Washington D.C.

Interpretive Summary: Natural, intact, freshwater ecosystems, and the habitat they support are relatively rare in the semi-arid southwest. The water supporting these systems is often in high demand for human or agriculture use. To address this conflict, natural scientists must evaluate how human water use decisions impact hydrologic regimes and the ecological systems this water supports. A broad foundation of natural science information is needed value ecological systems. The goal of this research is to incorporate hydrologic, vegetation, avian, and economic models into an integrated framework to determine the value of changes in ecological systems that result from changes in hydrological profiles. We have developed a hydro-bio-economic framework for the San Pedro River Region (SPRR) in Arizona that considers groundwater, stream flow, and riparian vegetation, as well as abundance, diversity, and distribution of birds within a protected area encompassing the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA). In addition, we are developing a similar framework for the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico (MRG). Distinct valuation studies are being conducted for each site. This research is novel in that it provides much more detailed scientific information for economic valuation models than is typically available.

Technical Abstract: A Conservation of freshwater systems is critical in the semi-arid Southwest where groundwater and flood regimes strongly influence the abundance, composition, and structure of riparian (streamside) vegetation. At the same time these systems are in high demand for competing human use. To address this conflict, natural scientists must evaluate how anthropogenic changes to hydrologic regimes alter ecological systems. A broad foundation of natural science information is needed for ecological valuation efforts to be successful. The goal of this research is to incorporate hydrologic, vegetation, avian, and economic models into an integrated framework to determine the value of changes in ecological systems that result from changes in hydrological profiles. We have developed a hydro-bio-economic framework for the San Pedro River Region (SPRR) in Arizona that considers groundwater, stream flow, and riparian vegetation, as well as abundance, diversity, and distribution of birds within a protected area encompassing the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA). In addition, we are developing a similar framework for the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico (MRG). Distinct valuation studies are being conducted for each site with benefit-transfer tests to be conducted between the two sites. This research is novel in that it provides much more detailed scientific information for economic valuation models than is typically available.