Integrating ecological, hydrologic, and economic models for water valuation in the Frio River Basin, Texas /
An integrated modeling methodology is developed to analyze the viability of brush control for water yield in the Frio River basin, Texas. Ecological, hydrologic, and economic models are integrated to portray changes in forage production and water supply resulting from brush control, and to value su...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2000.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=727712231&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | An integrated modeling methodology is developed to analyze the viability of brush control for water yield in the Frio River basin, Texas. Ecological, hydrologic, and economic models are integrated to portray changes in forage production and water supply resulting from brush control, and to value supplemental water produced through brush control. Site-specific biophysical characteristics are used to simulate water yields from brush control across the watershed. Economic benefits from increased animal production for ranchers undertaking brush control are assessed. Benefits to Corpus Christi residential water consumers from ranchers' brush control activities are evaluated using the change in consumer surplus resulting from supplemental water produced through brush control. Results indicate an increase in water yield with brush control on 35% of the land area in the basin. However, the cost of brush control is more than the increase in returns it fosters on most range sites. Consumer surplus change for Corpus Christi residents over 25 years is zero under baseline conditions, implying subsidies for brush control in the Frio basin are not worthwhile at this time. Under conditions of increased population growth or loss of other water sources, however, water produced through brush control has value. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Agricultural Economics". |
| Physical Description: | ix, 161 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-81). |