Increasing provision of ecosystem services through participation in a conservation program

Grasslands provide a variety of goods and services that benefit humans, but only few have market value. Despite the benefits provided, native grasslands continue to be degraded. Lack proper valuation, including monetary value grassland nonmarket services, has become one factors contributing degradation trend. The objective this research was quantify cost increasing provision ecosystem from ecosystems in Gulf Coastal Plains Ozarks (GCPO) Landscape Conservation Cooperative geographic area U.S. A contingent valuation method (CVM) used estimate landowner willingness accept (WTA) compensation exchange for implementing management practices preserving ecosystems. mean WTA $290.10 per acre year 10-year contract. Required increased with income, frequency contacts state wildlife agencies, percentage change area. Landowner age proximity nearest local park were negatively associated WTA. total estimated based on WTA, US$3 billion 57 times larger than 2016 Reserve Program (CRP) allocation purpose amount US$50 million. However, preservation varied US$1.7 million 1.1 depending upon number ecological attributes preserved corresponding levels services. Results will helpful quantifying future funding necessary implementation coordinated conservation activities other ecosystems, prioritizing restoration, developing programs countries.