Economic valuation of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park using contingent valuation method and individual travel cost

This study aims at estimating the recreation value of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park, using contingent valuation and iindividual travel cost method. The contingent valuation method uses maximum likelihood logit model for estimating the willingness to pay, based on was used. Also, in the travel cost method, the functional forms of travel, with linear, logarithmic, linear-logarithmic, logarithmic-linear estimated based on econometric criteria and linear functional form were chosen. The results showed that the average WTP for a person to visit the park is 17919 RLS and recreation values ​​per acre was 53553.5 RLS ha/year. The results of travel cost method also showed that the consumer surplus per person for every visit was 39309.76 RLS and recreation values ​​per acre was 117343 RLS ha/year. The result also showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two methods in this study. The management of the park can use these estimates to consider the entrance fees. In addition, these figures showed the necessity of allocating the resources for maintaining the park and upgrading its facilities.