Recreational kayak visitor use, distribution, and financial value of beaches in western Prince William Sound, Alaska, between 1987-1998

Abstract

Visitor use data was collected for the years 1987 to 1998 from sea kayak guide/outfitters, charter boats, lodges and rental businesses operating in western Prince William Sound, Alaska. The majority of the Sound is part of the Chugach National Forest and includes the 2.1 million-acre Nellie Juan Wilderness Study Area, where most recreational use examined in this study is concentrated. Results show that use increased from 6,646 visitor-days in 1987, at an annual rate of 7.5%, to approximately 12,786 visitor-days per season in 1998. Concurrently, gross revenues per beach for guide/operators and charters grew at a rate of 22% annually.

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

Twardock, Paul; Monz, Christopher. 2000. Recreational kayak visitor use, distribution, and financial value of beaches in western Prince William Sound, Alaska, between 1987-1998. 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. 175-180