Economic Models and Planning Outdoor Recreation

Abstract

The growth in outdoor recreation activity over the past decade, and the increased limitations on the supply of natural environments and facilities required as inputs to this activity, have precipitated growing concern on the part of planners and managers over the adequacy of recreational facilities. This paper reviews the major economic modeling approaches for forecasting recreation activity, and for measuring the benefits from it. These approaches are major considerations in decisions on the planning, provision, and management of recreation areas and facilities.