Estimating the Value of Reducing Fire Hazards to Old-Growth Forests in the Pacific-Northwest - a Contingent Valuation Approach

Abstract

To expand the scope of natural resource values included in USDA Forest Service fire management analysis system, a mail survey of Oregon households regarding their willingness to pay for a fire prevention and control program on northern spotted owl critical habitat units in Oregon was performed. Using the voter referendum format, annual willingness to pay of $77 per Oregon household was estimated. This translates into a value of $28 per acre protected. The contingent valuation method may provide a promising avenue for incorporating society's broadening concern about biodiversity and natural values into public land management agencies fire management decisions.