Examining the Effects of Hypothetical Modifications in Permitting Procedures and River Conditions on Whitewater Boating Behavior

Abstract

In this study we combine a travel cost modeling approach with the surveyed stated preferences of whitewater boaters at the Chattooga River to examine the possible effects of six hypothetical modifications in river use permitting process or changes in river conditions on intended future trip behavior of respondents. To varying degrees, all of the hypothetical modifications in river use permitting (procedures and pricing) and changes in river conditions would lead self-guided (kayaking) visitors to significantly reduce the number of river trips they planned to take in the future, while four of the six resulted in significant reductions for guided (rafting) visitors. Results suggest that the travel cost modeling approach, supplemented with users' trip responses to hypothetical scenarios, can be an appropriate way to predict the effects of possible management alternatives. While the estimation method requires a somewhat complicated cross-sectional statistical process, the software is readily available and the information provided can be quite helpful for policy makers and managers. Our consumer surplus estimates are consistent with previous boating studies at $745 per guided rafting trip per party ($149 per person) and $444 per self-guided kayaking trip per party ($113 per person)

KEYWORDS:

• Whitewater boating
• travel cost model
• outdoor recreation
• stated preferences
• intended behavior