The Economic Significance of the Long Point Marsh, Lake Erie, as a Recreational Resource

Abstract

Recreation competes with agricultural, residential, and other uses of wetlands and decisions regarding wetland use invariably have been made in the absence of information on the economic significance of wetland recreation. During 1978, data to assess the economic significance of wetlands for recreation were obtained from 703 users of public marsh at Long Point and Point Pelee on the north shore of Lake Erie. The Long Point marsh provided various recreational opportunities including nature viewing, fishing, and waterfowl hunting for over 17,000 users. It is estimated conservatively that these users placed a willingness to pay (consumer surplus) value on the recreation derived of over $213,000 and generated directly and indirectly some $225,000 in local spending on travel, food, accommodation, and other items. The Point Pelee experience demonstrates opportunities for enhancing the recreational and educational value of the Long Point marsh.