Stated choice models for predicting the impact of user fees at public recreation sites

A crucial question in the implementation of fee programs is how the users o f recreation sites will respond to various levels and types of fees. Stated choice models can help managers anticipate the impact of user fees on peop le's choices among the alternative recreation sites available to them. Mode ls developed for both day and overnight trips to several areas and types of sites in the Midwest have included user fees as one of the site attributes used to predict choices. Two of these models are presented to illustrate h ow stated choice models can help assess the impact of fee changes on the li kelihood of choosing a site, and the importance of fees relative to other s ite attributes in people's choices.