Using the Travel Cost Method to Estimate Fresh-Water Based Recreation in North Central Florida

This thesis examines recreational benefits provided by several spring sites located in North Central Florida using the travel cost method (TCM). The first part of the study estimates the travel demand for springs using data collected from on-site intercept surveys from four springs in North and Central Florida. The second part derives the consumer welfare using the consumer surplus (CS), which represents the benefits from visiting the springs. To examine the robustness of the estimated CS further a sensitivity analysis of the calculated travel cost variable was performed. Lastly, to examine whether the individuals clarity response can be explained by the physical environmental measures presence in the springs. The results of the TCM estimation are consistent with previously published CS estimates and are on the high end in terms of dollar amount. The CS of the four sites is valued at $144,497,642 with an average trip valued at $177.49 per person per trip, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of $141.78-$234.04. However, the results of the sensitivity analysis of TCM yields some insightful results with higher projected CS value of the spring sites. The perception link between individuals clarity rating and the physical water measures using the ordered logistic regression estimation output could not be explained based on the results. The dependent variables used did not yield any link in relation to the individual perception. The results imply individuals place a substantial value on the CS estimated of the springs in North Central Florida. Using the TCM is one of the many ways to estimate the value of the springs. The results of this study will help inform key decision-makers on recommendations for protecting springs from further degradation due to economic growth and need of water resources. While the study provides a recreational value of individuals view placed on the springs, decision-makers will need to use the information to implement new policies at the State and County levels to preserve the spring sites for future generations.

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