Pilot Study Effects of Implementing Day Use Fees at Corps of Engineers Projects
Abstract
This pilot test was conducted as part of the Natural Resources Research Program Work Unit entitled 'Measuring the Effects of Recreation Fee Programs.' Three Corps of Engineers projects in Texas (Lake Georgetown, Lake Whitney, and Lake Lavon) were selected for the pilot study. Respondents at day use recreation areas with beaches, picnic tables, and boat launches that had the potential to be fee areas were queried concerning perceptions of fees, perception of area quality; willingness-to-pay under different fee scenarios; and the importance and performance of 19 common facilities, services, and amenities. Overall, visitors to these Corps sites were evenly divided in their support and opposition to fees. Respondents indicated the greatest support for fees if the fees stay in the area where collected. There was also strong support for fees that were higher for better quality areas (73% either strongly or mildly agreeing). Of the different fee alternatives tested in the analysis, an entrance fee without restricted pass has the largest percentage impact on visitation and an annual pass for $12.00 has the smallest percentage impact on visitation. Revenue could be optimized in an entrance-fee-without-restricted- pass scenario. Day use fees, Fees, Recreation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA269937
Entities
People
- Christopher White
- Roy Rylander