Measuring Benefits and the Economic Value of Water in Recreation on High Country Reservoirs

摘要

This report analyzed the public benefits from expanding recreation opportunities at high mountain reservoirs located in the Front Range of Colorado. Until recently, more than 100 reservoirs with 3,500 surface acres were closed to public use, representing 40 percent of the total surface area of reservoirs at 6,000 to 11,000 feet elevation. A representative sample of 200 persons were interviewed at 14 study sites. Respondents reported willingness to pay contingent on changes in congestion and water level.