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Abstract: Forested riparian buffers have proved to be an effective management practice that helps maintain ecological goods and services in watersheds. In this study, we assessed the non-market benefits and opportunity costs associated with implementing these buffers in an eastern Canadian watershed using contingent valuation and wood supply modeling methods, respectively. A number of buffer scenarios were considered, including 30 and 60 m buffers on woodlots and on all land (including woodlots, agricultural, and residential lands) in the watershed. Household annual WTP estimates ranged from −$6.80 to $42.85, and total present value benefits ranged from −$11.7 to $121.7 million (CDN 2007), depending on the buffer scenario, affected population, time horizon, and econometric modeling assumptions considered. Opportunity cost estimates range from $1.3 to $10.4 million in present value terms, depending on silvicultural and agriculture land rental rate assumptions. Overall, we found that the net present value of riparian buffers was positive for the majority of scenarios and assumptions. Some exceptions were found under more conservative benefit, and higher unit cost, assumptions. These results provide decision makers with data on stated benefits and opportunity costs of riparian buffers, as well as insight into the importance of modeling assumptions when using this framework of analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sustainable environmental management is contingent on having an effective environmental planning system. A new methodology for designing and evaluating environmental planning systems is described and applied to a case study evaluation of the Canadian environmental planning process. The methodology is based on eight international best practice principles for environmental planning and 45 indicators. The research illustrates the benefits of the evaluation methodology in identifying how to improve environmental planning systems to achieve desired results. The methodology is applicable to a wide variety of jurisdictions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on a study which examined how Canadian firms perceive the costs and benefits of actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and their assessment of the contribution they could potentially make to the Kyoto Protocol target. Information on the Kyoto Protocol; Information on the Voluntary Challenge and Registry program; Conclusions and policy implications of the study.

Examines the types of contaminated site-related policies and programs that are being taken in Canada and compares them to those being taken in the United States and Europe. Comparison of known or suspected contaminated sites among several industrialized nations; Sustainable development benefits pertaining to brownfield sites; Obstacles which hamper the clean up and redevelopment of contaminated sites.