Stakeholder Preferences for Water Quality Alternatives in the Red River Basin
Abstract
The objective of this research is to estimate stakeholder preferences for management alternatives within the Red River of the North basin. Specifically, this thesis analyzes preferences related to water quality, water-based recreation, water supply, and institution. Results are estimated using choice experiments. Data show that residents are willing to pay approximately $84 per year for wetland restoration, $76 per year for additional bike trails, and $117 for enhanced fishery management. Taken to an aggregate level of all counties with land in the basin, willingness to pay is approximately $24 million for wetlands, $22 million for bike trails, and $34 million for enhanced fishery management. These values can assist institutions in making decisions related to the basin's water resources.