Ecosystem Services

In addition to these traditional markets and uses, awareness has developed of the many ecosystem services derived from our forest lands. Many of these goods and services are traditionally viewed as free benefits to society, or “public goods” such as wildlife habitat and diversity, watershed services, carbon storage, and scenic landscapes, for example. Lacking a formal market, these natural assets are typically not accounted for financially and therefore are often overlooked in public, corporate, and individual decision-making.

For more information on ecosystem services, visit the USFS Ecosystem Services website.