Incorporating passive use values in collision mitigation benefit-cost calculations: an application to deer and turtles in Minnesota

Abstract

Passive use economic values for wildlife are a missing component in benefit-cost analyses informing decisions on the mitigation of wildlife-vehicle collisions through construction of wildlife crossing structures. The study describes a pilot mail survey of willingness to pay by Minnesota households for exclusionary fencing and passage structures to reduce vehicle/animal collisions in the state to protect deer and turtles. The discrete choice experiment study found strong support for fencing and passage structures, and statistically significant willingness to pay increased taxes to support their construction. A significant share of respondents had previously heard of collision avoidance structures as described in the survey (69%). A very large majority of respondents were supportive of the use of these types of structures to reduce animal/vehicle collisions (56% strongly favored and 28% favored). A large motivating factor in support for funding collision avoidance structures was concern for animal welfare.