Evaluation of water quality characteristics on water-based recreation at Lake Kemp, Texas

The purpose of this study was to quantify the economic value of water-based recreation at Lake Kemp, Texas in order to evaluate potential changes in recreational use that may result from chloride control efforts in the Wichita River basin. Results of this study should assist evaluation of chloride control projects intended to create a more potable water source. Three non-market evaluation techniques were used to estimate the value of water-based recreation at Lake Kemp. The travel cost method (TCM) and the contingent value method (CVM) were used to estimate the use value from current visitors at the site. Additionally, the CVM was used to evaluate hypothetical changes in site quality for both recreational groups (anglers and non-anglers). Economic impact analysis (IMPLAN) was used to examine total economic impact of water-based recreation at Lake Kemp. On-site face-to-face interviews were conducted from 25 May 2000 to 25 May 2001. Face-to-face surveys were used to collect data on travel expenditures and willingness to pay (WTP) for water-based recreation. The WTP values also were obtained to evaluate potential changes in water clarity and fish catches. One hundred seventy-seven parties (597 individuals) were contacted. Of these parties, 133 (75.1%) agreed to a face-to-face survey. The TCM yielded an average per-trip per-individual consumer surplus of $111.44 (95% confidence interval: $76.55 - $203.86). The CVM yielded a median consumer surplus of $44.26 (95% confidence interval: $26.92 - 61.88). There was a significant change (P<0.05) among days spent at Lake Kemp for all scenarios and recreational groups. Expenditure patterns were extrapolated from 70 usable mail surveys (cabin-owners and follow-up) to the 597 individuals who visited Lake Kemp during May 2000 to May 2001. There were 5336,613 of direct expenditures within Baylor county, S728,328 within the 10-county region surrounding Lake Kemp (including Baylor county), and $978,656 within the state of Texas (including the 10- county region). The total economic impact (primary and secondary) of water-based recreation at Lake Kemp was $425,269 in Baylor County, $983,664 in the 10-county region, and $1,508,471 in Texas. The results reported herein are based on data from one year (25 May 2000 - 25 May 2001), collected during a low-water year. Additionally, a 400% increase in site-entrance fees was implemented 1 January 2000 which may have lowered visitation. As a cautionary note, it is stressed that annual calculations herein apply for years with similar usage as 2000 to 2001 and are inappropriate for years with significantly different usage.