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Abstract
Watersheds are the source of a number of resources which are of benefit to society. These resources include water, timber, grazing, recreation, wildlife and others, often described as multiple-use resources. In addition, however, watersheds also produce a number of less tangible resources and uses, which are also socially important. These include amenity, option values, bequest, existence and stewardship values. Watershed resources are usually subject to joint production, that is, the production of one resource is linked to the production of the others. The socially optimal amount of watershed goods and services should not be simply the sustained even flow of commodities, but rather as the flow which maximizes the present net benefits to society. The best way of achieving this maximum is through integrated resources planning on the watershed.
Parent Publication
Citation
de Steiguer, J. E. 2000. Sustaining flows of crucial watershed resources. In: Ffolliott, Peter F.; Baker Jr., Malchus B.; Edminster, Carleton B.; Dillon, Madelyn C.; Mora, Karen L., tech. coords. Land Stewardship in the 21st Century: The Contributions of Watershed Management; 2000 March 13-16; Tucson, AZ. Proc. RMRS-P-13. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 215-220.
