Estimation of value of water for water-related recreation in saskatchewan

Abstract

Knowledge of value of a resource, including natural resources, is necessary tor its planning and management. No studies have been undertaken to assess the value of water in water-based recreation activities in Saskatchewan. This study attempts to measure the value of water in water-based recreation activities at selected provincial and regional parks located in Saskatchewan. Two methods of estimation were used: individual observation travel cost model and iterative-bidding contingent valuation model. Estimates were made for 21 recreation sites. A comparison of these estimates indicated the travel-cost model provided a somewhat higher range of values. However, the value estimates using the two methods were close. The value of a recreation day is estimated as $3.90 per visitor-day, with a range for various sites from $0.71 to $14.67 per visitor-day. Netting out from these estimates, share of non-water inputs, yielded a short-run value of water between $0.83 to $770 per dam3, and between zero at several sites to $151.69 per dam3 for the long run. © 1991 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.