South’s wetland forests worth billions

The economic benefits of Louisiana’s wetland forests add up to $74.9B, according to an analysis reported by the Dogwood Alliance, a North Carolina-based environmental non-profit; but are disappearing. Estimates suggest that as much as 80 percent of habitat across the South has been lost. What remains is threatened by logging, agriculture, and urban development. Louisiana has 5.2M acres of wetland forests, including 260,000 acres in the Atchafalaya Swamp alone, said Sam Davis, research director and author of the report. "We shouldn't have to put a price tag on forests," he said. "But when we do, it shows just how valuable they are when we invest in their protection." Louisiana's wetland forests provide protection from extreme weather by absorbing water and slowing storm surge. That kind of protection is estimated to be worth $23.8B. Wetland forests also attract tourists, hunters, filter water, provide habitat for pollinators, and absorb carbon dioxide to aid with slowing climate change, he said. The combined value of these services is worth 15 times more than what wetland forest wood is valued for timber. (Source: NOLA.com 02/03/18) Mississippi’s wetland forests are worth $51B; Alabama’s $34.4B; and $80.8B in Florida.