Spatial preference heterogeneity in forest recreation SPATIAL PREFERENCE HETEROGENEITY IN FOREST RECREATION

Heterogeneity in household preferences for recreational use of forests may lead to spatial sorting, i.e., households choose their residential location in accordance with their preference for forest recreation. In this study, we analyze the preferences for recreational use of forests in Lorraine (Northeastern France), applying stated preference data. Our approach allows us to estimate individual-specific preferences for recreational use of different forest types. These estimates are used in a second stage of the analysis where we test whether preferences depend on access to recreation sites. A correlation between access to forests and preferences may indicate spatial sorting determined by spatial heterogeneity in the access to forest recreation. Spatial sorting has implications for the estimation procedures in valuation studies but may also have policy implications.