To support new methods of valuing watersheds and the ecosystem services they provide, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission funded
Earth Economics to develop a preliminary assessment of the economic impact of the Rim Fire. The preliminary assessment includes loss estimates related to air quality, carbon sequestration, flood protection, erosion control, biological control, water filtration, pollination, habitat and biodiversity, property and aesthetic values, and recreational values. This initial effort provides support to federal, state, and local governments in justifying more robust, long-term investments in watersheds and forest health. The assessment is available
here.
