Emily Harris

(graduated Fall 2004)

Campsite Solitude on the Lost Coast Trail: A Contingent Behavior Study

This study uses a combination of the travel cost method and contingent valuation method to determine the value of campsite solitude for overnight users to the Lost Coast Trail. A review of the literature reveals no other attempts to value solitude in this manner. The contingent valuation method asks respondents whether they would be willing to travel additional miles to be assured complete campsite solitude every night of their stay. Results indicate that to 26 percent of visitors solitude was very important.

Most respondents (81 percent) were either completely or moderately able to obtain solitude, while only 19 percent were either slightly or not at all able. Most visitors (61 percent) had at least one night of complete campsite solitude on their visit, while 39 percent camped every night of their visit within sight or sound of other groups. Logistic regression was used to determine that three variables (solitude importance, ability to attain solitude, and the cost of traveling additional miles) influenced whether or not a visitor to the Lost Coast Trail would be willing to travel additional miles to be assured complete campsite solitude. The findings provide mean monetized values of solitude categorized by importance of solitude and ability to attain solitude. The study also examines the experience outcomes desired by Lost Coast Trail recreationists and the benefits resulting from their experience.

Emily is currently a wilderness planner with the BLM in Ely, Nevada.

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