The economic value of off-highway vehicle recreation

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation is a popular form of recreation in the western U.S. Little attention has been given to developing an understanding of the nature of OHV recreationists. The purpose of this paper is to advance research on OHV recreation, specifically focused on the economic value of this recreation activity. A statewide telephone survey followed by a self-administered mail survey was conducted in Arizona. The contingent valuation method was used to calculate the value of OHV recreation. OHV recreation by Arizona residents produces a high value of consumer surplus to the users, ranging from $54 to $96 per trip; the extent of consumer surplus depending on the specific type of vehicle used.