Melaleuca Distribution
Socioeconomic
Approach
Demonstration
Evaluation- Socioeconomic
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Technical Approach
The cost-benefit analysis of Melaleuca control strategies will
consider both market and non-market values associated with each type of
treatment being investigated (herbicides, mechanical, fire, biological),
and selected combinations of treatments. Information on costs of control
operations for labor, materials, equipment, and administrative overhead
will be obtained from project cooperators, based on actual operating experience,
where possible. Also, information will be developed on the cost of treatments
over time, where multiple treatments may be necessary. The net present value
of costs will be summarized for each control technology to determine the
most cost-effective approach.
Market based benefits associated with control of Melaleuca infestations will be evaluated through interviews with selected public and private land managers. These individuals will provide estimates of the effectiveness of the various control strategies. Personnel at the SFWMD will be able to provide estimates of costs for flood control and for establishing downstream treatment facilities to improve water quality. The project team will review the ecological research literature and interview biologists for their expert opinions regarding the connections between improved wetland function and impacts on downstream water quality.
Evaluation of public non-market benefits of vegetation control, including restoration of wetland function and wildlife habitat, will be developed through focus groups and general public surveys regarding their willingness-to-pay for environmental enhancements. From this information, the project team will develop estimates of consumer surplus for restored Melaleuca-infested areas, and a benefit value for coastal fisheries and tourism. Public perceptions of Melaleuca control, and willingness-to-pay for costs of control will be assessed through a mail survey of residents in South Florida. Survey questionnaires will be developed to depict various levels of Melaleuca infestation, and respondents will be queried regarding tradeoffs for acceptance or rejection of these invasive plant problems. This may be implemented in a conjoint choice format similar to that used in a recent study[1]. A representative sample of approximately 500 residents will provide a margin of error of 5 percent or less. At least two mailings and a reminder postcard will be made to randomly selected households to achieve an acceptable response rate. Assuming a 10 percent response rate, about 5,000 survey forms would be mailed. The survey sample will be stratified across U.S. Census tracts that are determined to have varying levels of Melaleuca infestation.
The regional economic impact analysis will consider changes in economic values resulting from the most likely scenario for reduction in invasive plant coverage. The value of lands restored to productive use will be based on typical values for the prior land use (e.g. cattle range, cropland, forest, public recreation, etc.). The aggregate change in total output or employment for each economic sector affected will be entered into a regional input-output model developed using the Implan software (MIG, Inc).
The adoption of recommended control strategies for Melaleuca control will be addressed through a survey of land owners and managers, both public and private. Questionnaires will be developed that describe the various treatment options. Information will be gathered on the practices that are currently followed by land managers, their costs incurred, and the likelihood of adopting other practices. A list of landowners and managers who have Melaleuca growing on their property will be developed from the inventory being conducted by TAME project collaborators.
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[1] Milon, J.W., A. Hodges, A. Rimal, C. Kiker and
F. Casey. Public Preferences And Economic Values For Restoration Of The Everglades/South
Florida Ecosystem. Economics Report 99-1, University of Florida, Food & Resource
Economics Department, Gainesville, August 1999.
A complete list of team members is available by going to the
Contacts page from the left hand menu.
For a list of team members, click here .
