While this study uses a very common version of CVM, it is unique in that (as far as the

knowledge of the author) it is one of the only studies to combine this with a complete nutrient

inventory of the sample region in which the study is conducted. This combination allows for a

more direct relationship between the sources of pollution that are detrimental to the resource and

the estimated amount individuals will pay to reduce those sources.

 Study Area

Ecological and Physical Characteristics of the Study Area

 The Ichetucknee Springs Basin is approximately 300 square miles located mostly in

Columbia County. Eight named springs create the Ichetucknee River that joins the Santa Fe

River four miles south of the headspring. The springs that collectively comprise the Ichetucknee

complex are first magnitude, with an average flow of 222 million gallons per day (SRWMD,

2007). The creeks and lakes in the basin drain through sinkholes into conduits in the limestone.

The conduits are gaps in the limestone where the rock has been dissolved away and through

which groundwater flows down gradient to Ichetucknee Springs. Large portions of groundwater

recharge occur in the un-confined areas of the springshed. Separate dye trace studies have

confirmed the connection of Rose Sink to the springs, and Black and Dyal Sinks, located in

Clayhole Creek, with Rose Sink and the springs (Upchurch and Champion, 2003).