[PCA] Fwd: FDOT study: Roadside vegetation performs one-half billion dollars worth of ecosystem services

[Kwong, Olivia]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lisa Roberts <lroberts at flawildflowers.org>
Date: Fri, May 30, 2014 at 4:56 PM
Subject: FDOT study: Roadside vegetation performs one-half billion dollars
worth of ecosystem services

*Read the news release online
<http://flawildflowers.org/resources/pdfs/2014/FDOT_study_news_release-final.pdf>*



*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *



Contact: Lisa Roberts, Florida Wildflower Foundation: 407-622-1606,
lroberts at flawildflowers.org; photos available upon request.



MAITLAND, FLA. - A recently released Florida Department of Transportation
study conservatively estimates that roadside vegetation along the state
highway system performs nearly a half-billion dollars worth of ecosystem
services. The study found that value would increase to $1 billion if
sustainable vegetation management practices such as reduced mowing were
adopted. The value would triple to $1.5 billion if wildflower areas were
incorporated into roadside landscapes. Ecosystem services include carbon
sequestration, runoff prevention, and support of crop pollinators and other
insects, as well as contributions to air quality, invasive species
resistance and roadside aesthetics.



The Florida Wildflower Foundation requested the Florida Department of
Transportation study on behalf of the Florida Native Plant Partnership,
which includes the foundation, Florida Association of Native Nurseries,
Florida Native Plant Society, and Florida Wildflower Plant and Seed Growers
Association.



"These findings are a significant step toward fully understanding the
benefits of vegetation, including wildflowers and native plant communities,
along Florida's state highways. It's clear such vegetation, which is often
viewed as a financial liability, has significant value to every Floridian
in terms of the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the waterways and
springs we enjoy," said Lisa Roberts, Florida Wildflower Foundation
executive director.

 Research found that the $33.5 million cost of vegetation management during
FDOT's 2011-12 fiscal year was more than offset by the value of carbon
sequestration alone, a service that potentially could generate income for
FDOT with the sale of carbon credits. The University of Florida-IFAS
report, "Economic Impact of Ecosystem Services Provided by Ecologically
Sustainable Roadside Right of Way Vegetation Management Practices," also
concluded that FDOT could reduce its costs by 30 percent by implementing
sustainable management practices, such as reduced mowing. Jeff Caster,
FDOT's State Transportation Landscape Architect, suggests, “The roadsides
where wildflowers occur naturally may be the best places to reduce mowing.”



FDOT manages about 186,000 roadside acres - about one-half percent of
Florida’s total area.



To view the full report, visit
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_EMO/FDOT-BDK75-977-74-rpt.pdf



Florida Wildflower Foundation

225 S. Swoope Ave., Suite 110

Maitland, FL 32751
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