ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides the first comprehensive framework for valuing National Parks and other protected areas, whether wilderness, wildlife refuges, state parks, or regional parks. It focuses on the US National Parks, but these methods can be a starting point for economists and park professionals the world over to quantify the many values provided by their own parks and protected areas. The book presents a method to quantify and value the amount of carbon stored in National Park Service (NPS) units. It discusses a detailed valuation of specific types of educational materials developed by the NPS, and of the opportunities provided for experiential learning to both children and adults. The book analyzes the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where the NPS developed teacher materials and other NPS web-based learning material.
