Application of the Regional Recreation Demand Model (RRDM) to Clearwater Lake, Little Rock District: Benefit Estimates and Visit Forecasts

摘要

The RRDM was developed by the Natural Resources Research Program to evaluate recreation use and economic benefits associated with changes in reservoir operation or construction of new projects (Ward and others, in press). Of primary interest to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are the effects of water-level changes on recreations use and economic benefits. This technical note analyzes the effects of proposed water-level changes at Clearwater Lake, Missouri. The RRDM is used to estimate recreation use and economic benefits associated with four proposed increases in water levels. The data collection is described, and the data sources are identified. Updating and calibration of the models is outlined, and per-user and total economic benefits are calculated. Finally, several management scenarios (that is, water-level changes) are analyzed.