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Recreation Benefits of Instream Flow: Application to Montana's Big Hole and Bitterroot Rivers

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  • Duffield, John W.
  • Ehlers, Susan M.
  • Brown, Thomas C.

Abstract

An important public policy issue in the Western U.S. is the allocation of water between instream uses including recreation and fisheries and consumptive uses such as irrigation. One basis for identifying appropriate levels of instream flows is maximization of net economic benefits. Since markets do not exist for most instream uses, valuation requires use of nonmarket techniques. This study provides a general framework for estimating the recreational value of instream flows. An application to Montana's Big Hole and Bitterroot Rivers is presented. Based on dichotomous choice contingent valuation, the marginal value of instream flows is in the range of $10 to $20 at low flow levels for these rivers. Precision of the estimates is examined through a simulation approach. At some flow levels, allocative gains may be achieved on the study rivers by reallocating water from consumptive to instream uses.

Suggested Citation

  • Duffield, John W. & Ehlers, Susan M. & Brown, Thomas C., 1991. "Recreation Benefits of Instream Flow: Application to Montana's Big Hole and Bitterroot Rivers," USDA Miscellaneous 377643, United States Department of Agriculture.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:usdami:377643
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.377643
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