ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the original data collection of both wetland attributes and the results of dollar metric evaluations of perceived worth. Traditional wetland valuation strategies have been based upon financial models expanded to frame such resource economics issues as valuing the imputed costs of environmental policy alternatives. The procedure used in the larger study called a joint-space technique, applies to a small-sample metric spatial analysis to first characterize and array wetland types. The initial task in defining the domain of the problem was to identify and describe wetland types considered to be endangered in Michigan. The interpretation of the principal components of the wetland preservation is of value apart from later application in field activities. The large difference in perceived value across wetland types suggests that policy makers should distinguish preservation priorities and establish an incentive structure which reflects the perceived value of differing types of wetlands.
