ABSTRACT: This dissertation consists of three essays that investigate the impact that natural environments have on property values. Using detailed residential housing and land sales data for Florida, this dissertation evaluates how homeowners and landowners value environmental attributes in their area. Specifically, wetlands; wetland mitigation banks; and open spaces are considered. The first essay examines the impact of potentially developable wetlands on nearby property values. The results indicate that property owners do value nearby wetlands. More visibly open wetlands are preferred to wetlands with soft or woody vegetation. Additionally, the further a property is located from the coast or the higher the neighborhood population density, the more wetlands are valued.

Regulations require that development projects in wetland areas restoreor replace lost wetland functions and values. But you can avoid or minimizeexpenses and repeated delays - this new book provides the most comprehensive, in-depth treatment of wetland mitigation options available! Written in plain English, not legalese, this practical reference provides explanations ofthe relevant regulations, and guidance on mitigation requirements and thepermitting process. You'll learn everything you need to know about evaluating, selecting, negotiating and implementing the various mitigation measuresavailable to avoid, minimize, or compensate for land use development impacts to wetlands. The book also includes helpful tables and checklists, numerous"real life" mitigation case studies, and several useful appendices. Chapters include: Wetland Functions and Values; Wetland Identification; Wetlands Regulations; Wetland Permitting; Wetland Mitigation Compliance; Wetland Mitigation Options; Wetland Mitigation Banking; Wetland MitigationBanking Guidance; Wetland Mitigation Case Studies. Appendices include: U.S. EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and State WetlandOffices; Clinton Administration's Wetlands Plan; Funding and Technical Assistancefor Wetland Acquisition and Restoration; and more.

The 8th International Conference on Sustainable Development and Planning is part of a series of biennial conferences on the topic of sustainable regional development which began in Greece in 2003. The papers included in these proceedings report on the latest advances from scientists specialising in the range of subjects included within sustainable development and planning. Planners, environmentalists, architects, engineers, policy makers and economists have to work together in order to ensure that planning and development can meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. The use of modern technologies in planning gives us new potential to monitor and prevent environmental degradation. Problems related to development and planning, which affect both rural and urban areas, are present in all regions of the world and accelerated urbanisation has resulted in both the deterioration of the environment and quality of life. Urban development can also intensify problems faced by rural areas such as forests, mountain regions and coastal areas, which urgently require solutions in order to avoid irreversible damage. The papers in the book cover the following topics: City planning; Regional planning; Rural developments; Sustainability and the built environment; Sustainability indicators; Policies and planning; Environmental planning and management; Energy resources; Cultural heritage; Quality of life; Community planning and resilience; Sustainable solutions in emerging countries; Sustainable tourism; Learning from nature; Transportation Social and political issues and Community planning.

"Describes the accomplishments during phase one of the two phase National Wetland Mitigation Banking Study authorized by Section 307(d) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1990"--P. 1.