Total economic valuation of the National Park Service lands and programs: Results of a survey of the American public

Haefele, M; Loomis, JB; Bilmes, L

HERO ID

7310231

Reference Type

Technical Report

Year

2016

Language

English

HERO ID 7310231
Year 2016
Title Total economic valuation of the National Park Service lands and programs: Results of a survey of the American public
Book Title Harvard Kennedy School Working Papers
Authors Haefele, M; Loomis, JB; Bilmes, L
Publisher Text Elsevier
Abstract This paper presents the first-ever comprehensive estimate of the total economic value of the National Parks Service. The estimate covers administered lands, waters, and historic sites as well as NPS programs, which include protection of natural landmarks and historic sites, partnerships with local communities, recreational activities and educational programs. Our estimate of the total economic value to the American public is $92 billion. Two-thirds of this total ($62 billion) is for National Park lands, waters and historic sites; the remaining $30 billion is attributed to NPS Programs. The estimate, which is based on very conservative assumptions, includes not only the value attributed by visitors to the parks, but also a significant “non-use” or “existence” value. This is the value derived by the public from simply knowing that NPS assets are protected for current and future generations, regardless of whether or not they actually choose to visit.
Doi 10.2139/ssrn.2821124
Report Number 16-024
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Number Of Pages 48
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Haefele, Michelle and Loomis, John B. and Bilmes, Linda, Total Economic Valuation of the National Park Service Lands and Programs: Results of a Survey of the American Public (June 28, 2016). HKS Working Paper No. , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2821124 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2821124