Shashi Kumar
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Principal Secretary Department of Environment and Forests
Government of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Yogesh
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Biodiversity) Department of Environment and Forests
Government of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Pradeep Chaudhry*
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Department of Environment and Forests Government of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Domestic tourists visit Biological Park, Itanagar of Arunachal Pradesh state of India to have a glimpse of the wildlife of the region. Beautiful landscape and surroundings of the park make this site one of the favourite spots for them, both for recreational and educational purposes. A study was conducted during winter season of 2014-15 to quantify the recreational use value (one of the components of Total Economic Value) of the park. The travel cost method, which is now extensively used worldwide for estimating the economic use value of natural resources, has been used for the purpose. The main aim of the study was to find annual recreational use value of the park (Rs 34.71 million or US $ 0.53 million), consumer surplus per tourist visit accruing to the domestic tourists (Rs 534 or US $ 8.20), feasibility of park entry fee enhancement and recreational value per unit area of this park in comparison to other protected areas of India. The findings provide adequate justification for enhanced investment in the park to ensure continued flow of vital life supporting ecological, economic and socio cultural services.