Benefit-cost analysis of Santa Monica's municipal forest

E. Gregory McPherson; J.R. Simpson; P.J. Peper; Q. Xiao

Treesearch

Benefit-cost analysis of Santa Monica's municipal forest

Informally Refereed

Authors:

E. Gregory McPherson, J.R. Simpson, P.J. Peper, Q. Xiao

Year:

2001

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

Source:

Davis, CA: Center for Urban Forest Research, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 44 p

Download (PDF 1.14 MB)

Download (PDF 1.14 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/48724.pdf

Abstract

The primary purpose of this report is to answer the question: Do the accrued benefits from Santa Monica's urban forest justify an annual municipal budget that exceeds $1.5 million? Our results indicate that the benefits residents obtain from Santa Monica’s urban forest do exceed management costs by over 50%. Over the years Santa Monica has invested millions in its municipal forest. Citizens are now receiving a relatively large return on that investment. Continued investment in management is critical to insuring that residents continue to receive a healthy return on investment.

Citation

McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q. 2001. Benefit-cost analysis of Santa Monica's municipal forest. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 44 p.