Integrating public preferences with biophysical production possibilities: an application to ecosystem services from dam removal

Effective management of ecosystem services requires understanding the biophysical relationships governing trade-offs, as well stakeholder preferences for trade-offs. However, useful tools to guide complex decision-making process are often lacking. This study demonstrates an approach that combines and economic models identify socially preferred solutions. We demonstrate in context dam-removal decisions across thousands dams Maine, U.S. The results practical usability this framework identifying key areas which people agreement conflicted, along with solutions more by society overall. also reveal a 30–47% welfare gain from optimizing all services, compared common, visual two at time. may be restoration projects likely garner broad public support, particularly when there trade-offs between numerous potential solutions, communities diverging preferences.