Research Interests
My early work and a large part of my current research portfolio focuses on using the tools of non-market valuation to estimate the value to (eBird) bird watchers of avian biodiversity by studying the influence of spatial and temporal variations in bird populations on bird watchers’ behavior (work co-authored with Trudy Ann Cameron of the University of Oregon). I have projects studying other types of environment-dependent outdoor recreational behavior, including hiking in the Mount Adams Wilderness (solo work) and recreational fishing along the Sacramento River (work co-authored with Anita Chaudhry and Pete Tsournos of California State University - Chico). Future projects include the effects of water management on ecosystem services and its valuation in the Sacramento River; anglers’ consumption of fish as a function of mercury found in the river-run salmon, trout, and shad; and understanding the value of flooded rice fields in the Sacramento Valley as surrogate wetlands for the Pacific Flyway.
Published Papers
Kolstoe, S., Cameron, T.A. & Wilsey, C. (2018). Climate, land cover, and bird populations: Differential impacts on the future welfare of birders across the Pacific Northwest. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, 47(2), 272-310.
Accepted Version
Online Appendix Material
Abstract
Using a random utility maximization model for birding destination choices based on the reports of Oregon and Washington State members of the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology eBird citizen science project, we estimate spatially differentiated welfare effects that birders may experience as a consequence of forecasted changes in land cover and climate. We forecast per-trip welfare effects (equivalent variations) expected under a business-as-usual scenario using published forecasts for both land cover and species richness. We find significant county-level heterogeneity across eBirders in forecasted average per-trip welfare effects. The results suggest differential distributional consequences across active birders in different areas.
Kolstoe, S. & Cameron, T.A. (2017). The Non-market Value of Birding Sites and the Marginal Value of Additional Species: Biodiversity in a Random Utility Model of Site Choice by eBird Members. Ecological Economics, 137, 1-12.
Online Appendix Material
Abstract
The eBird database is the product of a huge citizen science project at the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Members report their birding excursions both their destinations and the numbers and types of birds they observe on each trip. Based on home address information, we calculate travel costs for each birder for trips to alternative birding hotspots. We focus on the Pacific Northwest U.S. (Washington and Oregon states). Many birders are “listers” who seek to maximize the cumulative number of species they have been able to see, and each hotspot is characterized by the number of bird species expected to be present. In a random utility model of destination site choice, we allow for seasonal as well as random heterogeneity in the marginal utility per bird species. For this population of birders, marginal WTP for an additional bird species is highest in June when birds are in their mating-season plumage (at more than $3 per species per trip). Total WTP for a birding outing also depends on other site attributes (including ecological management regime, the possible presence of endangered bird species, urban/rural location, ecological region and relative congestion/popularity). Evidence of variety-seeking can also be discerned in birders' destination choices.
Riddel, M., & Kolstoe, S. (2013). Heterogeneity in life-duration preferences: Are risky recreationists really more risk loving? Journal of risk and uncertainty,46 (2), 191-213.
Abstract
We conduct multiple price list experiments that elicit life duration risk preferences from amateur auto racers, technical rock climbers, SCUBA divers, and a student control group. We posit a preference function that allows for risk aversion and probability weighting. We are particularly interested in whether the behavior of risk takers, such as risky recreationists or smokers, is best explained by a risk-tolerant utility function or if immunity to possibility bias arising from over-weighting of low probabilities is a more important motivator of the choice to engage in risky activities. We find that amateur auto racers are more rational than either students or other risky recreationists because they are less likely to overemphasize low-probability events. Women, older subjects, and rock climbers are more susceptible to possibility bias than others, making them likely to over-invest in disease treatments that have a low probability of success.
Accepted Version
Online Appendix Material
Abstract
Using a random utility maximization model for birding destination choices based on the reports of Oregon and Washington State members of the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology eBird citizen science project, we estimate spatially differentiated welfare effects that birders may experience as a consequence of forecasted changes in land cover and climate. We forecast per-trip welfare effects (equivalent variations) expected under a business-as-usual scenario using published forecasts for both land cover and species richness. We find significant county-level heterogeneity across eBirders in forecasted average per-trip welfare effects. The results suggest differential distributional consequences across active birders in different areas.
Kolstoe, S. & Cameron, T.A. (2017). The Non-market Value of Birding Sites and the Marginal Value of Additional Species: Biodiversity in a Random Utility Model of Site Choice by eBird Members. Ecological Economics, 137, 1-12.
Online Appendix Material
Abstract
The eBird database is the product of a huge citizen science project at the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Members report their birding excursions both their destinations and the numbers and types of birds they observe on each trip. Based on home address information, we calculate travel costs for each birder for trips to alternative birding hotspots. We focus on the Pacific Northwest U.S. (Washington and Oregon states). Many birders are “listers” who seek to maximize the cumulative number of species they have been able to see, and each hotspot is characterized by the number of bird species expected to be present. In a random utility model of destination site choice, we allow for seasonal as well as random heterogeneity in the marginal utility per bird species. For this population of birders, marginal WTP for an additional bird species is highest in June when birds are in their mating-season plumage (at more than $3 per species per trip). Total WTP for a birding outing also depends on other site attributes (including ecological management regime, the possible presence of endangered bird species, urban/rural location, ecological region and relative congestion/popularity). Evidence of variety-seeking can also be discerned in birders' destination choices.
Riddel, M., & Kolstoe, S. (2013). Heterogeneity in life-duration preferences: Are risky recreationists really more risk loving? Journal of risk and uncertainty,46 (2), 191-213.
Abstract
We conduct multiple price list experiments that elicit life duration risk preferences from amateur auto racers, technical rock climbers, SCUBA divers, and a student control group. We posit a preference function that allows for risk aversion and probability weighting. We are particularly interested in whether the behavior of risk takers, such as risky recreationists or smokers, is best explained by a risk-tolerant utility function or if immunity to possibility bias arising from over-weighting of low probabilities is a more important motivator of the choice to engage in risky activities. We find that amateur auto racers are more rational than either students or other risky recreationists because they are less likely to overemphasize low-probability events. Women, older subjects, and rock climbers are more susceptible to possibility bias than others, making them likely to over-invest in disease treatments that have a low probability of success.
Working Papers
Blending Supplementary Surveys with Citizen Science Data to Estimate Representative Use Values for Non-market Environmental Goods: An eBird example. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
Draft Manuscripts
Low-Snowpack and Wildfires: A Welfare Double-Edged Sword for Hikers
Salmon are King: A Recreational Site-Choice Model of Fishing during an Extreme and Prolonged Drought (with Anita Chaudhry and Pete Tsournos)
Salmon are King: A Recreational Site-Choice Model of Fishing during an Extreme and Prolonged Drought (with Anita Chaudhry and Pete Tsournos)
Works in Progress
Exploring Preferences of eBirders over Backyard and Local Birds, A Stated Preference Approach. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
How Citizen Science Can Be Used By Social Scientists to Understand the Non-Market (Use) Value of Environmental Goods: An eBird and Wildfire Example. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
Rendering Citizen Science Data more Useful for Welfare Analysis: Correcting for Avidity Bias in Member Participation Rates. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
Unpacking Sample Selection Bias in Destination Site Choices: A Simulation Exercise (with David Kling and Tu Nguyen)
Wildfires, Air Quality and Birding: How Participation Changes. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
How Citizen Science Can Be Used By Social Scientists to Understand the Non-Market (Use) Value of Environmental Goods: An eBird and Wildfire Example. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
Rendering Citizen Science Data more Useful for Welfare Analysis: Correcting for Avidity Bias in Member Participation Rates. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)
Unpacking Sample Selection Bias in Destination Site Choices: A Simulation Exercise (with David Kling and Tu Nguyen)
Wildfires, Air Quality and Birding: How Participation Changes. (with Trudy Ann Cameron)