Private landowners gain new revenue source by protecting, restoring imperiled ecosystems
MADISON, Wis., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ecosystem market experts from Environmental Defense Fund will address a conference by the American Forest Foundation and World Resources Institute to examine success factors in ecosystem markets, a fast-growing opportunity for private landowners to gain a new revenue source by protecting and restoring imperiled ecosystems. The goal of the conference, "Ecosystem Markets: Making Them Work," is to enable experts, innovators, and hands-on users of these evolving market models to learn about recent progress, what transactions can be done now, how these markets will affect family forests, ranches and farms, and how state and regional efforts can merge into a common model.
When: Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Where: Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club, 1 W. Dayton Street, Madison, WI
Who: 10:20-11:25 a.m.: Policies to Support Ecosystem Services and Markets
David Wolfe (panelist), Texas Regional Wildlife Dir., Environmental Defense Fund. David helped develop the Fort Hood Recovery Credit System, an ecosystem market aiding the recovery of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, while increasing the U.S. Army's ability to achieve its training mission.
3:10-4:15 p.m.: Ethical Issues and Concerns with Ecosystem Markets
Ted Toombs (moderator), Rocky Mountain Regional Director, Center for Conservation Incentives, Environmental Defense Fund. Ted helped develop the Utah Prairie Dog Habitat Credits Exchange Program, an ecosystem market that allows developers to offset the loss of habitat their developments cause by buying credits from private landowners willing to preserve habitats on their properties.
3:10-4:15 p.m.: Private Capital Investment Info Ecosystem Markets: Past & Future
David Festa (panelist), VP, West Coast operations and Land, Water and Wildlife program, Environmental Defense Fund. David has led his teams to sustained growth, by achieving significant, measurable improvements in the conservation and economic performance of businesses, and federal and state policies.
Contact: Jennifer Witherspoon, 415-293-6067, jwitherspoon@edf.org, Twitter @EDF-CA
SOURCE Environmental Defense Fund
