Open Space Benefits
Forests, lakes, rivers, grasslands, estuaries and other natural areas provide us with a variety of benefits – everything from food and water resources to the less noticeable benefits, such as erosion control and carbon sequestration. They also provide numerous economic, social and environmental benefits, contributing more than $13 billion to the economy every year from visitor spending alone. Some benefits are intangible and hard to place a price tag on – studies have shown that people experience improved focus, lower stress and happier mental states after being in a natural setting.
Open Space Benefits:
- Clean Air and Water
- Water Supplies
- Natural Flood Control
- Food
- Timber, Forage, and Other Products
- Wildlife Habitat and Corridors
- Endangered Species Recovery
- Climate Regulation
- Scenic Beauty
- Recreation Opportunities and Access
- Community Revitalization
- Improved Human Health
- Opportunities to Connect Youth with Nature
- Increased Property Values
What are ecosystem services?
An ecosystem is defined as the people, animals, plants, and microorganisms that interact with one another and the nonliving elements within an area or place. Ecosystem services are the benefits that the environment provides us, such as clean water, timber, and habitat for fisheries, and pollination of native and agricultural plants.
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What are these services worth?
It is difficult to put a price tag on these benefits, such as clean air, water, erosion and flood control, which are considered free. However, in 2000, Forest Service economists estimated the minimum value of water from National Forest System lands to be $3.7 billion per year.