Nature Is Serious Business

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF OUR CLEAN AIR, WATER, AND OPEN SPACE? WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR QUALITY OF LIFE IF WE CONTINUE TO LOSE FORESTS, STREAMS, AND WETLANDS?

Pennsylvania’s constitution imposes a duty to conserve and maintain public natural resources for this generation and generations yet to come. If the goal is to maximize health, safety, and social welfare—and to conserve and maintain public natural resources—policy processes must distinguish clear and concrete economic values from which to choose.

Not understanding the financial value of nature to the local economy may bias decisions in favor of other investments. It is essential that we recognize the importance of trees, fields, forests, and streams in filtering our water, cleaning our air, mitigating floods and stormwater runoff, pollinating plants, and providing habitats and other environmental services.

By understanding nature’s financial value, and how it is connected to our quality of life and well-being, communities are better equipped to strike an effective balance between maintaining connected, open spaces and supporting smart growth. This approach helps improve environmental quality and ensures a sustainable economy.

Return on Environment Reports

OUR NATURAL ASSETS ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR EVERYDAY LIFE. DOWNLOAD THE REPORTS BELOW TO SEE HOW NATURE IS A MAJOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH.

BERKS COUNTY
Technical Report

CARBON COUNTY
Technical Report
Brochure
Fact Sheet

CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Summary Report
Fact Sheet

DAUPHIN COUNTY
Technical Report
Summary Report
Fact sheet

LEHIGH VALLEY
Technical Report

PERRY COUNTY
Technical Report
Brochure
Fact Sheet