BACKCOUNTRY RECREATIONISTS VALUATION OF FOREST AND PARK MANAGEMENT FEATURES IN WILDERNESS PARKS OF THE WESTERN CANADIAN SHIELD

The economic value of four forest ecosystems, fire-damaged forests. cu t locks, and several park management features was estimated for backco untry recreationists, primarily canoeists, in Nopiming Provincial park in eastern Manitoba. The analysis was conducted using the travel cost random utility model. It revealed that the forest ecosystems associat ed with jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and white spruce (Picea glau ca (Moench) Voss) were valued by recreationists. On the other hand. th e analysis predicted that recreationists would pay to avoid black spru ce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) ecosystems, Fire-damaged forests, portages, and cottages. The results provide weak statistical evidence that cut blocks that are not in the line of site of recreationists provide positive benefits. While park m anagement variables play a role in determining recreation values, the ages and types of forests located at recreation sites are more importa nt. These findings support a major role for fire in determining recrea tion economic benefit flows from forests in the Canadian Shield.