I just wanted to say thanks to all the members who have joined in the discussion of RCW valuation. I think that I should clarify a few points, just in case... The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is an endangered species in the Eastern U.S. It makes its home in big, old, living pine trees. These trees are very valuable. A problem is occuring because private forest landowners are forced, under compliance with the Endangered Species Act, to manage for the bird if it is found on theri land. Because of this, these landowners perceive that they are paying the cost to protect a bird that society has deemed to have value. This is causing considerable criticism of the ESA and the debate has no end in sight, unless these private landowners are offered some kind of incentive...which is where I come in. I do not dispute that these species have value. In my own way, I am trying to help save them. BUT, I HAVE TO put the stamp of the mighty dollar on them in the process. I am quite aware of the other intangible benefits of having the birds around. I am aware but these concepts are irrelevant to my particular analysis. Anyway, that's where I am coming from . Thanks again Jean Daniels College of Forestry Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX 75962 e-mail G_DANIELSJM@TITAN.SFASU.EDU
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