Urbanities Willingness to Pay for Trees and Forests in Recreation Areas    (View PDF)

John F. Dwyer, Herbert W. Schroeder, Jordan J. Louviere, and Donald H. Anderson

Abstract: A study of urbanites who use parks and forest preserves indicates that they are willing to pay substantial amounts to have trees and forests in recreation areas. Individuals were asked to choose from paired descriptions of hypothetical recreation areas that varied widely in attributes, including user fees. Analysis indicated the additional fees they would willingly pay for particular attributes, for example, an additional $1.60 per visit to have a site that was "mostly wooded, some open grassy areas under trees," rather than "mowed grass, very few trees anywhere." Variations in preferences and willingness to pay were identified for five distinct market segments. The results reaffirm the importance of trees and forests in recreation areas to urbanites, and identify variations in preferences.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1989.054