Title: Assessing the ecological benefits and opportunity costs of alternative stream management zone widths

Author: LeDoux, Chris B.; Wilkerson, Ethel

Year: 2008

Publication: In: Deal, R.L., tech. ed. Integrated restoration of forested ecosystems to achieve multiresource benefits: proceedings of the 2007 national silviculture workshop; 2007 May 7-10; Ketchikan, AK. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-733. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 193-209.

Abstract: Leaving buffer zones adjacent to waterways can effectively reduce the water quality concerns associated with timber harvesting. However, riparian areas are also some of the most productive sites and can yield high quality wood. The amount of unharvested timber left in SMZs (Streamside Management Zones) can represent a substantial opportunity cost to landowners. In this study we used computer simulation to integrate contemporary scientific data among disciplines to develop opportunity cost and ecological function protection tradeoffs that result from the implementation of alternative SMZ widths. We quantified the opportunity costs and ecological benefits of using different buffer zone widths. We used the principles of benefit/cost analysis to compare the results.