Backcountry recreationists' valuation of forest and park management features in wilderness parks of the western Canadian Shield

Abstract

The economic value of four forest ecosystems, fire-damaged forests, cut blocks, and several park management features was estimated for backcountry recreationists, primarily canoeists, in Nopiming Provincial Park in eastern Manitoba. The analysis was conducted using the travel cost random utility model. It revealed that the forest ecosystems associated with jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) and white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) were valued by recreationists. On the other hand, the analysis predicted that recreationists would pay to avoid black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP) and aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.) ecosystems, fire-damaged forests, portages, and cottages. The results provide weak statistical evidence that cut blocks that are not in the line of site of recreationists provide positive benefits. While park management variables play a role in determining recreation values, the ages and types of forests located at recreation sites are more important. These findings support a major role for fire in determining recreation economic benefit flows from forests in the Canadian Shield.