Generating Instream Recreational Alternatives

by Marshall Flug, Colorado State Univ, United States,
Darrell G. Fontane, Colorado State Univ, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: National Water Conference

Abstract:

A methodology combining an optimization model and a spreadsheet program is presented to assist resource managers in developing and evaluating instream recreational alternatives. Recreational benefit functions for white water rating, boating, and fishing are used to evaluate recreational activity benefits for various flow scenarios. A dynamic programming optimization model is used to generate a variety of equally optimal and near optimal river flow alternatives to maximize total recreational benefits. Alternatives generated by the optimization model are stored in a spreadsheet program. The spreadsheet program is used to graphically display activity and total recreational benefits for each time period of analysis for each alternative. The methodology is applied to the New River Gorge National River as a case study.

Subject Headings: Water-based recreation | Optimization models | Spreadsheets | Water resources | Streamflow | Rivers and streams | Case studies

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search