Recreationist willingness to pay for aquatic invasive species management.

Lucia R Levers,Amit K Pradhananga,Judi Hewitt

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0246860

Abstract

We estimated willingness to pay for local aquatic invasive species lake management in the form of a daily lake access fee by conducting summer lake surveys in Minnesota, USA. Similar pairs of lakes with differing infestations of zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, and starry stonewort, Nitellopsis obtuse, were used as study sites to infer how being at an infested lake vs. being at an uninfested lake and different local species would impact responses. We also examined recreationists’ visit motivation, and aquatic invasive species perceived risk, knowledge, and awareness of problem. We estimated mean willingness to pay about nine to ten dollars per day, which did not differ significantly by lake. Additionally, perceived risk, awareness of problem, and visit motivation were significant in predicting willingness to pay, which could have important ramifications for aquatic invasive species management.

Highlights

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a growing problem in freshwater systems throughout the world, negatively affecting native biota and human populations
Gull is relatively well known for its zebra mussel infestation, but it is frequented by non-locals who may not be as familiar
The higher perceived risk at Koronis may be due to the well-known nature of the starry stonewort infestation

Summary

Introduction

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a growing problem in freshwater systems throughout the world, negatively affecting native biota and human populations. This study builds on this body of research by exploring the social-psychological factors that influence willingness to pay for invasive species management. Recreationist willingness to pay for aquatic invasive species management environmental behaviors have been studied from a wide range of theoretical perspectives [8], research in the human dimensions of natural resources suggests that a cognitive structure of values, attitudes, and beliefs affect general pro-environmental behaviors, as well as behaviors targeted at invasive species [9, 10]. Minnewaska hosts zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L., a rapidly growing aquatic plant that forms dense mats at the water’s surface Both lakes have similar recreational activities and are considered more “local” lakes, which are not as popular for vacationing as Gull and Pokegama

Survey design and administration

Survey measures

Response summary

Willingness to pay estimation

Problematic variables and non-response bias

Discussion and conclusion