Economic benefits supported by surface water in eastern Oregon’s Harney Basin

The Harney Basin is a closed river basin in southeastern Oregon. Surface water in the basin is used for a variety of social, economic, and ecological benefits. While some surface water uses compete with one another, others are complementary or jointly produce multiple beneficial outcomes. The objective of this study is to conduct a baseline economic assessment of surface water in the Basin as it relates to wet meadow pasture production and outdoor recreation. Given the complex interactions between surface water management on public and private land, identifying and quantifying these economic outcomes can be used to assist future decision making in the Basin.