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Evaluating Regional Demand Models for Estimating Recreation Use and Economic Benefits: A Case Study
Author(s) -
Loomis John B.,
Sorg Cindy F.,
Donnelly Dennis M.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr022i004p00431
Subject(s) - recreation , resource (disambiguation) , cost–benefit analysis , regional planning , economic evaluation , environmental economics , environmental resource management , computer science , environmental planning , business , environmental science , economics , urban planning , engineering , microeconomics , civil engineering , ecology , biology , computer network , political science , law
The U.S. Water Resource Council has twice recommended that regional or multi‐site recreation economic models be relied on in place of single site models. This recommendation is evaluated by developing the advantages and disadvantages of different types and sizes of Regional demand models relative to water resources planning issues needing to be addressed in benefit cost analyses. The accuracy of use and benefit estimates of two different sized regional travel cost method demand models is compared with benefit estimates from single site travel cost and contingent value methods estimates. The results indicate that regional or large multi‐site demand models may not be as cost effective or as accurate as single site models in answering simple resource issues such as benefits of an existing site. For planning issues dealing with evaluation of the benefits of building a new recreation site or improving quality at an existing site, the regional approach is desirable, however.