Conjoint analysis: a pragmatic approach for the accounting of multiple benefits in southern forest management
Abstract
With conjoint analysis as its foundation, a practical approach for measuring the utility and dollar value of non-market outputs from southern forests is described and analyzed. The approach can be used in the process of evaluating alternative silvicultural and broader natural resource management plans when non-market as well as market outputs are recognized. When applied to the case of designing a nature and recreational park within a pine forest of North Carolina, the approach accurately predicted potential visitors' first choice, from five competing options, at rates as high as 86.7%.