Donations as an alternative to wilderness user fees: the case of the desolation wilderness

Abstract

Day-use visitors to the Desolation Wilderness were asked about making voluntary donations at the trailhead. Of the 111 visitors who used one of the four trailheads at which voluntary donations were requested, 55% reported making a donation, with an average reported donation amount of $4.20. Subjects were categorized into three groups: donors, would-be donors, and nondonors. Donors had fewer previous visits, and fewer years since their first visit than nondonors. Among donors, higher place attachment was associated with larger donations. Donors and would-be donors perceived significantly more similarity with the Forest Service than did nondonors.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Martin, Steven R. 2000. Donations as an alternative to wilderness user fees: the case of the desolation wilderness. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 4: Wilderness visitors, experiences, and visitor management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-4. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 142-147