I was in Annapolis last Friday in an interesting meeting with Eric Sprague. He was helping me catch up with the Bay Bank, Chesapeake Fund, etc. During the conversation we began to discuss the various ecosystem service efforts/projects/markets that are evolving. Both Eric and I realize that there is a significant amount of activity going on in various regions with varying degress of interaction/communication. This naturally leads to differences in approach as well as certain evolving questions.
As we spoke, it occurred to me we were discussing a very common behavior in the process of creating knowledge. Thomas Kuhn has written extensively on the evolution of scientific thought, creation, and knowledge. What we are doing as ‘workers in a nascent vision’ is critically important to developing sound, sustainable knowledge about ecosystem services and ecosystem service economies. The regional ‘nodes’, the interaction, the arguments, and the chaos are all profoundly valuable. Particularly given the ecological complexity and diversity we all encounter in our various regions, those differences create perspectives that inspire creativity.
The next time a conference call makes you question your sanity, think of it as a step to new knowledge.
Richard Pace 
Hi Rick,
Nice to know that this chaotic journey will eventually be of some benefit… It’s certainly not a linear path we’re on though.
I left high-tech sales two years ago to try to help develop this new ecosystem services marketplace within the Willamette Valley. The product section of your homepage indicates that EcoAsset Markets may have a technology platform that could contribute to the marketplace infrastructure we’re developing. Is it still mostly on paper or have you already gained some experience applying it to real investment decisions?
Cheers, Damon
Damon Hess
Portland, OR
503-805-6884
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