Value of Instream Recreation in the Sonoran Desert

Abstract

This study investigates recreation use value for access to a Sonoran Desert canyon, and associated instream flow, through a case study of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. The Wilderness is one of the last perennial streams in Southern Arizona, tributary to the famed and imperiled San Pedro River. Available permit information is combined with zip-code level census data to estimate a zonal travel cost model of recreation trip demand. Estimated consumer surplus per visitor day values are $25.06 and $17.31 (in 2003 dollars), for two separate access sites. Results indicate a significant recreation value of surface water sites in the Sonoran Desert region, while the value discrepancy may imply a premium for remote recreation.