Applying hedonic property models in the planning and evaluation of shoreline management

According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’s chapter “Coastal Systems” (Agardy and Alder 2005), 40% ofthe world population falls within 100 km of the coast. Agardy and Alder report that population densities in coastalregions are three times those of inland regions and demographic forecasts suggest a continued rise in coastalpopulations. These high population levels can be partially traced to the abundance of ecosystem services providedin the coastal zone. While populations benefit from an abundance of services, population pressure also degradesexisting services and leads to increased susceptibility of property and human life to natural hazards. In the face ofthese challenges, environmental administrators on the coast must pursue agendas which reflect the difficult balancebetween private and public interests. These decisions include maintaining economic prosperity and personalfreedoms, protecting or enhancing the existing flow of ecosystem services to society, and mitigating potential losses from natural hazards. (PDF contains 5 pages)

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

U.S. EPA Coastal Management Branch

U.S. Geolgocial Survey

NOAA Sea Grant