A local remant prairie was severely damaged by ATVs recently. What is the economic value of a remnant prairie?

Question

How do we know what monetary value to file in our complaint? Are there scientific hypotheses or equations we could use to justify our complaint? This is in Northern Illinois where few native areas exist.

Answer 1

I doubt the damage is permanent since it is physical and not chemical.(nature is pretty durable) As long as no "keystone" species were eliminated I would think a month or so of good rain would restore the tire track damage and it would once again be scrubland that no one would enjoy.

Answer 2

Unless your "remnant" prarie has been declared a wildlife sanctuary or has mineral or water rights your property has whatever current value adjacent properties have. The only way to place a  value on the restoration is to hire a licensed geologist to evaluate the damge and assess a cost estimate for that restoration.