Spatial fit between water quality policies and hydrologic ecosystem services in an urbanizing agricultural landscape

摘要: Sustaining hydrologic ecosystem services is critical for human wellbeing but challenged by land use agriculture and urban development. Water policy management strive to safeguard services, yet implementation often fragmented. Understanding the spatial fit between water polices needed assess targeting of portfolios at landscape scales. We investigated 30 different public policies four (surface groundwater quality, freshwater supply, flood regulation) in Yahara Watershed (Wisconsin, USA)—a Midwestern that typifies tensions agriculture, development, resources. Spatial extent was mapped, indicators were quantified subwatersheds using empirical estimates validated models. found a misfit overall regions quality concern, indicating need better targeting. can also be leveraged protect other such as supply regulation. Individual application areas varied substantially their congruence with each service, not all are protected single highlighting broad spectrum sustain diverse landscapes. identified where future could targeted improving services. Joint analysis effective assessing aspects institutional fit, provides foundation guiding efforts.