Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. The main objective of this research was to assess the tree cover distribution, ecosystem service awareness and value to respondents within the study area. The tree cover assessment was implemented using the ISODATA classification of the MOD44B product sourced from the LPDAAC archives. The ecosystem service awareness was assessed using simple percentage distribution and a normalized Likert scale. The WTP characteristics of respondents were assessed using a simple percentage analysis and a double-bonded contingent valuation analytical approach. The results showed that the percentage of tree cover within the study area ranged from 10% to 66% tree cover. The average tree cover within the study area was ≈ 15%. Approximately 13.1% of the state had some form of percentage tree cover. The assessment of the tree ecosystem service awareness among respondents within the study area showed knowledge of the existence of these services and a high level of conversance with the various forms. The WTP characterization shows that 85% of the respondents were willing to pay for the retention and regeneration of trees within their immediate environment.

Keywords : Remote-Sensing; Tree-Cover; Landmass; Ecosystem-Services; Willingness-to-Pay.