Measuring the economic benefits of riparian areas

In an attempt to identify the net benefits of different allocations of western water resources, resource economists have developed several techniques to value nonconsumptive water uses--uses which are not well-represented in the marketplace. The application of these techniques to sites with flowing streams and riparian ecosystems is the topic of this thesis. A survey incorporating the travel cost method, the contingent valuation method, and local economic impact analysis was used to assess the benefits of the Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg, Arizona. Wildlife viewing is the primary visitor activity at this site, and is fully dependent on the availability of water in the Hassayampa River. This riparian site produces economic benefits that, while previously unmeasured and unaccounted for, should be included in future water allocation decisions.

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