Abstract
This paper provides an introduction to methods used by economists a value nonmarket resources. Recent applications to valuing Montana trout stream fisheries, including the major waters in the Clark Fork Basin are described. One finding is that the present recreational value of the Montana stream fisheries is quite large on the order of 3.0 billion dollars. This estimate is conservative since includes nonangling recreational use and potentially significant existence (or intrinsic) values. The valuation across streams varies considerably reflecting differences in both water quality and quantity. The highest value/mile (annual basis) in the state IS on the Madison River at $184.000/mue. The Upper Clark Fork value per mile ($7.400) is the second lowest for the group of 20 major waters compared. Angler characteristics (such as average distance traveled. fishing technique angler preferences. and mean trip length) also vary considerably across site and help explain differences in value per trip. Consistency, reliability and precision of the results are discussed.
Start Date
20-4-1990 3:20 PM
End Date
20-4-1990 3:40 PM
Document Type
Presentation
Economic Valuation of Fisheries: Nonmarket Studies in the Clark Fork Basin
This paper provides an introduction to methods used by economists a value nonmarket resources. Recent applications to valuing Montana trout stream fisheries, including the major waters in the Clark Fork Basin are described. One finding is that the present recreational value of the Montana stream fisheries is quite large on the order of 3.0 billion dollars. This estimate is conservative since includes nonangling recreational use and potentially significant existence (or intrinsic) values. The valuation across streams varies considerably reflecting differences in both water quality and quantity. The highest value/mile (annual basis) in the state IS on the Madison River at $184.000/mue. The Upper Clark Fork value per mile ($7.400) is the second lowest for the group of 20 major waters compared. Angler characteristics (such as average distance traveled. fishing technique angler preferences. and mean trip length) also vary considerably across site and help explain differences in value per trip. Consistency, reliability and precision of the results are discussed.