ECOSYSTEM SERVICE VALUATION

Defining remnant or restored ecosystems as “priceless or worthless” is very subjective. BBJ Group recognizes the need for highest land use especially on commercial and industrial properties. Recognizing the value of an ecosystem service is important when planning for development and redevelopment of property and when determining the highest value when transferring ownership of surplus property. Certain ecosystem services when maintained can lower long term operations costs and improve aesthetics. BBJ Group's experience in ecosystem service valuation include: (1) making industrial redevelopment projects profitable for developers by including valuation of endangered species and degraded habitat: and (2) using benefit transfer from previous economic studies to determine the value ofwetland types over a regional landscape. This strategy is useful when managing surplus property.