Rewilding and forest recreational value: A choice experiment analysis of the impact of large herbivores and fences in nature management

Grazing and browsing by large herbivores is increasingly being used as a management tool to promote biodiversity. While research has explored their ecological impact, less attention has been given to their effects on the recreational value of nature areas. Given the importance of outdoor recreation for societal welfare, it is crucial to understand how the presence of large herbivores affect recreationists and whether potential negative effects can be mitigated. In a discrete choice experiment among nearly 2900 respondents in Denmark, we investigate the impact of the presence of herbivores and fences on the recreational value of forests. Based on multinomial and mixed logit models, we show that the tree species type, stand age structure, herbivore species, dog access, the number of access roads through a fence and distance significantly influence willingness to travel, whereas the type of access point and fence height are only of limited importance. Herbivore species differ in their impact, with red deer being the most preferred and domesticated livestock least favored. Using a latent class model, we show a minority (11 %) of respondents strongly preferring to visit a forest without large herbivores and fences, while the majority show a positive preference. The results also show that allowing dogs to the forest is crucial for approximately 15 % of respondents. In conclusion, we find that the presence of herbivores and related consequences for access and fencing leads to an aggregated welfare loss for a minority of the population, whereas the majority experience a welfare gain.