Northampton County consultants estimate $435 million a year in environmental benefits from preserved land

November 20 — Consultants for Northampton County told the Energy, Environment, and Land Use Committee that conserved open space generates substantial economic and health benefits, presenting a Return on Environment analysis the county can use in upcoming planning.

"In total, we find that the environmental benefits in Northampton County is about $435,000,000 in value a year," said Rebecca Garvin DeJoseph, senior vice president and principal of eConsult Group, presenting the study’s headline estimate. The consultants described their figures as model‑based estimates and emphasized conservative assumptions and replacement‑cost framing for environmental services.

The report updates a 2014 Lehigh Valley analysis and was produced over eight months with Michael Baker International and eConsult Group. Samantha McLean, senior community planner with Michael Baker International, said the study combined baseline environmental and demographic data with public engagement—an online survey (316 responses), two pop‑up events and four study‑committee meetings—to calibrate local use and spending patterns.

Why it matters: county officials have directed roughly $25 million toward farmland preservation, open space and…