Water Valuation and Non-Market Benefits of Taneum Canal Company Water Rights

Client: Multiple

Location: Yakima, WA

Summary: Cardno ENTRIX conducted a study for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to evaluate the willingness of recreational trout anglers to pay for increased streamflows to benefit fish populations and habitat. The goal was to estimate the economic benefit of acquiring water rights to restore more natural streamflows on Taneum Creek in the Upper Yakima River Basin. Cardno ENTRIX estimated the value of increased streamflow by measuring the value to anglers of increased populations of resident trout and other salmonids. The study included a direct survey of recreational trout anglers to collect travel cost data and determine their willingness to pay. Cardno ENTRIX estimated recreation participation rates and demand, and constructed a random utility method (RUM) travel cost model. Cardno ENTRIX also used benefits transfer methodology to assess the value of increased salmon populations to Washington State residents. Once all direct recreation and non-market value benefits were estimated, the regional economic contribution of angling in the local economy was estimated with and without additional streamflows.

Final results identified the financial benefits of 1. various levels of improved fishing quality to anglers and 2. regional economic benefits in terms of increased jobs and income associated with additional water rights and streamflows in the Taneum Creek basin.