Aquatic Invasive Species

Economic Valuation of Aquatic Invasive Species in Minnesota

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) infest more than 50% of Minnesota's lake waters (by area), causing significant ecological and economic impacts, including habitat damage, water quality degradation, recreation impacts, and risks to human health. Moreover, AIS can result in insubstantial financial burdens, including revenue loss, restoration expenses, and the degradation of ecosystem services. To mitigate these issues, the Minnesota legislature currently allocates approximately $10 million directly to counties for AIS prevention. However, there is ongoing consideration of increasing funding to implement comprehensive management strategies, including prevention, control, and containment. To understand the economic benefits of such management practice, we conducted a general resident survey of Minnesotans, asking about their beliefs, values, and knowledge of AIS. We included a single bounded dichotomous choice (contingent valuation) question asking whether they would support a monthly increase in property tax or rent, with the generated revenue earmarked for AIS management. We aim to use these responses to estimate Minnesota residents’ willingness to pay for AIS management and assess how estimated WTP would vary with respect to the respondents’ behavioral tendencies, personal influences, socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, and avidity towards the AIS.

Media: Recreationist willingness to pay for aquatic invasive species management, Valuing AIS Management

Collaborators: Lucia Levers, Thea Ragsdale, Kallan Ritzman, Amit Pradhananga, Roshan Puri

Funding Agency: Lucia Levers