Canyon Policy Portfolio
Examining the Financial Worth of Canyon Benefits
and the Weaknesses in their Stewardship
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Canyon Policy Portfolio |
The San Diego Canyon Policy Portfolio reminds us that natural resources are more than a feel-good fringe feature that also happens to house the birds and the bees. Without canyons, San Diego would be a hotter, smoggier slab of humankind. Our coastal canyons are literally this region’s life support, supplying fresher air and water, energy conservation, and many other critical benefits. These benefits actually have a dollar value! In addition to their land value, the City of San Diego’s canyons represent a 2 billion dollar public asset (2007 figures). Yes, densely vegetated open space has perks that are worth as much as its land value.
The Portfolio identifies activities that imperil canyon health and therefore public assets. Unfortunately, public and private operations incidentally but routinely damage San Diego’s natural systems, systems that might otherwise contribute to community health and well being. The Portfolio characterizes policy changes that might upgrade stewardship of natural systems in the city. Grounded in science, the Portfolio poses solutions for managing the diverse systems that influence urban ecology. The Portfolio is a project of the 32nd Street Canyon Task Force. With funding from The San Diego Foundation, it was compiled in coordination with San Diego’s canyon friends groups and with help from University of California San Diego interns and other experts. The Canyon Policy Portfolio is a gift to the City of San Diego. It gives citizens a persuasive new tool that will help them deliver informed appeals to politicians, city staff, consultants, regulators and funding sources, as their petitions relate to improving the health and functioning of open space areas…that we might achieve and preserve a more livable city. Table of Contents Preamble: The Science of Canyon Ecosystem Services Part I: Wildfires and Brush Management Practices Part II: Invasive Non-native Plants: Unrestrained Incursions Part III: Sewer Infrastructure Access: Swaths of Destruction Part IV: Illegal Dumping: Avoidable Blight Part V: Encampment & Encroachment: Appropriating Public Resources Part VI: Canyons, Water & Storm Water Part VII: Multiple Species Conservation Program Part VIII: The Challenge of Putting Nature Back: Restoration Appendices Appendix 1: The Value of the World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Appendix 2: Canyonlands: the Creation of a San Diego Regional Canyonlands Park |
