Abstract or Summary
The intent of this guidebook is to provide a framework to practitioners, natural resource managers and coastal restoration managers in the Mid-Atlantic region so that they can incorporate ecosystem service valuation into restoration projects at the beginning, rather than at the end. This guidebook presents numerous reasons why applying ecosystem service valuation to coastal restoration projects has multiple advantages, including greater stakeholder support and greater likelihood of project success. The goal of an ecosystem service valuation study is to quantify the benefits to people provided by a particular ecosystem service. Benefits can include flood risk reduction to homeowners, improvements to commercial fisheries or increased recreational opportunities. By conducting these valuation studies, managers and practitioners can improve the management and design of projects for both people and nature, and increase community support and funding for restoration projects.