{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.018167456556082148, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0071090047393364926, 'mean_word_length': 5.150485436893204, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
WHEN NOTHING ELSE 'WILL DO': COLORADO FOURTEENERS AND THE EFFECT OF LIMITED SUBSTITUTES ON RECREATION ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Many recreationists would agree that nothing can substitute for the majesty and beauty of reaching the top of high mountain summit. But when faced with $4 a gallon gas would they stand by that statement? As part of our 2006-2007 economic research study on the value of Colorado Fourteeners, we estimated the value that recreators place on a unique mountain experience. We found that some forms of unique recreation, like a cog railway up Pikes Peak, have the potential to diminish the value derived from nonmotorized means of recreation like hiking. We also found that many Fourteener recreationists have strong preferences for the mountain that they have “geared up” to visit. In essence, recreators appear to place a high value on the “uniqueness” of the recreation experience. Our studies show that this translates to a high dollar value, and it brings with it a variety of policy implications. This publication summarizes the most recent results of Colorado State University’s Fourteener research project and the policy implications that result from many visitors unwillingness to substitute another Fourteener or lower elevation Thirteener.