Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 15 > Issue 4

Willingness-to-sell conservation easements: A case study

Michael LeVert, Thomas Stevens, tstevens@resecon.umass.edu , Dave Kittredge
 
Suggested Citation
Michael LeVert, Thomas Stevens and Dave Kittredge (2009), "Willingness-to-sell conservation easements: A case study", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 15: No. 4, pp 261-275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfe.2009.02.001

Publication Date: 0/12/2009
© 0 2009 Michael LeVert, Thomas Stevens, Dave Kittredge
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
JEL Codes:Q23Q28
Conservation easementsContingent valuationWillingness to sell
 

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In this article:
Introduction 
Background 
Methods 
Results 
Conclusions 

Abstract

A contingent valuation survey of forest landowners in Southern Vermont and Western Massachusetts suggests that it would cost about $700 per acre to entice about one-half of Massachusetts and 33% of Vermont respondents to permanently conserve their forestland. Policies that promote early development of management plans and cooperation with neighbors are recommended because these activities appear to increase the likelihood that landowners will convey conservation easements. Education and a strong environmental ethic also improve the chances that respondents would sell conservation easements. A prediction-based contingent valuation format designed to reduce incentives for strategic behavior suggests that our results likely represent a lower bound estimate of landowner response to a large-scale conservation easement program.

DOI:10.1016/j.jfe.2009.02.001