Measurement of non-market benefits of natural environments

The purpose of this study was to review and critique methods of valuing non-market goods and services of natural environments. Several historical approaches were evaluated according to potential usefulness as input into the public decision process. A critique of these various approaches suggests two which are must useful in providing benefit information into the public land use process. The major finding of this study suggests the use of a "market approach" to valuation of amenity goods and services. This includes use of the various approaches to valuation plus an additional conceptual approach derived from consumer behavior theory. Public decision-makers need economic value information on the various alternatives available when investment of public funds is being considered. The proposed valuation approach gives one type of information that will be useful in the choice process. Future studies should concentrate efforts on improvements in data collection and coordination of the investment activities of the multitude of government agencies involved in providing public outdoor recreation and other amenity goods and services.