inconsequential. Thus, although views with certain characteristics do appear to positively impact property values, no general consen- sus exists as to the extent of these impacts (Yu et al., 2007) and the values calculated by studies are difficult to compare given that they used different methods, study areas, time frames, and means for quantifying views. Given the potentially large changes in views that occur with development, an important research question is the value of such changes as perceived by community residents. Assessing the impacts of land use and land cover changes on views is likely to become increasingly important to land use and natu- ral resource planners. Here again, recognition of the value of this amenity could be an important component of landscape planning in urbanizing communities.
As environmental amenities are frequently negatively affected by urbanization and because this is often reflected in home sale prices, estimates of the monetary value of these impacts would serve to improve land use planning. This study identifies the degree of influence of the two environmental amenities discussed in the preceding paragraphs, view quality and open space access, on res- idential property values in Ramsey County, MN using a hedonic pricing model. In estimating the values of these amenities, we hope not only to illustrate their importance to residential property own- ers, but also to provide planners and policy makers with estimates of values that would permit them to better evaluate the impacts of land use change before decisions are made and landscape changes become irreversible. Our results may thus be used to inform land use planning so as to minimize the negative economic, social, and environmental outcomes associated with urbanization.