The Willingness to Pay to Remove Billboards and Improve Scenic Amenities

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
John Whitehead Ph.D., Professor & Department Chair (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: We use the contingent valuation method to measure the amount citizens are willing to pay to improve scenic mountain-view amenities through the removal of billboards. Our approach addresses both the perceived property rights as well as the perceptions of the status quo in the southern Appalachian Mountains. We find that individuals who retire to the mountains have different preferences for land use and mountain views than individuals who have ancestors who lived in Watauga County. In the aggregate, we find that citizens are willing to pay almost one-half million dollars to remove billboards from Watauga County roadsides. This study provides insights to the debate surrounding land use along public roads.

Additional Information

Publication
Groothuis, P. A., Jana D. Groothuis, J. D., and Whitehead, J. C. (2007) The Willingness to Pay to Remove Billboards and Improve Mountain Views, Journal of Environmental Management, 85(4):1094-1100 (Dec 2007). Published by Elsevier (ISSN: 0301-4797). doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.11.007
Language: English
Date: 2007

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