How New York City Used an Ecosystem Services Strategy Carried out Through an Urban-Rural Partnership to Preserve the Pristine Quality of Its Drinking Water and Save Billions of Dollars

The New York City watershed protection program may be the most well known example of economics driving a decision to invest in water based ecosystem services. In this narrative the Albert Appleton, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Director of the New York City Water and Sewer system, during the creation of the program steps through the social and political process of developing this program. He gives insights in to the difficulty of breaking with status quo policy approaches and the benefits for following instinct allowing for innovation and cooperation that resulted in saving New York City billions of dollars and protecting their environment.