| Using natural resources as a model, Harrington presents a way of measuring the availability (or scarcity) of recreational resources by using surrogates for prices, which indicate what must be given in order to enjoy a recreational experience. The cost of travel to a recreational area or the cost of congestion caused by others using the same site are two of the variables he uses. Harrington's approach allows policy makers, resource economists, recreation professionals, and others to characterize the availability of recreational resources in economic terms, providing a yardstick for comparison and analysis. Thus, decisions can be made about what investments are needed in new recreation resources. The authors notes, however, that additional data -- especially detailed participation information, visitation records for short intervals, and costs of congestion -- should be collected to test his methodology. |