ABSTRACT
The growing demand for recreation increases the value of the natural resources that can be used to provide it. These changes in values call for continuing adjustments in resource allocations to better satisfy varying wants and preferences of consumers. In the case of privately-owned property used primarily to provide recreation for the owner or other private persons, the increasing worth of the resources for outdoor recreation finds expression in higher prices bid and paid for such properties. But the market cannot, or does not, operate in this way for public outdoor recreation areas. Land and water resources generally are constantly being re-evaluated in terms of needs for their products and services. This perhaps comes into sharpest focus in current public issues and public decisions regarding such things as the establishment of national recreation areas; the setting aside or preserving of areas for parks and open spaces in and near our expanding urban areas; and in questions of justification, location, and operation of water development projects.
