Valuing Riparian Amenities

Riparian habitat has been diminishing throughout the western United States due to land development and water diversions. Efforts to preserve remaining riparian habitat confront problems with competition for water and inadequate policy mechanisms to assure water for habitat maintenance. This article highlights economic tradeoffs in efforts to preserve the San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona and reports the results of a recent contingent valuation method study determining visitors’ willingness to pay for riparian area preservation.