Incorporating deer and turtle total value in collision mitigation benefit-cost calculations

Abstract

This document is a task report for a larger Wildlife Vehicle Collision (WVC) Reduction and Habitat Connectivity pooled fund study. It addresses the potential use of passive use economic values for wildlife to inform the mitigation of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Passive use, also known as non-use values, are the values individuals place on the existence of a given animal species or population as well as the bequest value of knowing that future generations will also benefit from preserving the species. This report describes a pilot survey and study of willingness to pay by Minnesota households to pay for exclusionary fencing and passage structures to reduce vehicle/animal collisions in the state. The species of focus were deer and turtles. The study found strong support for fencing and passage structures, and statistically significant willingness to pay increased taxes to support their construction.