The purpose of this report is to produce a review on water resource valuation issues and techniques specifically for the appraisal and negotiation of raw (as opposed to bulk or retail) water resource allocation for agricultural development projects. The review considers raw water in naturally occurring watercourses, lakes, wetlands, soil and aquifers, taking an ecosystem function perspective at a catchment scale, and takes account of the demands from irrigated and rainfed agriculture. It is hoped that the review will have particular application to developing countries where agreed methods for reconciling competing uses are often absent, but nevertheless takes account of valuation approaches that have been made in post industrial economies.

This study has provided significant information about several aspects of boating conflicts between recreational boaters and commercial tow boat operators on the Illinois River and on the Upper Mississippi River. The first insight gained is that both recreational boat operators and commercial tow boat operators are willing to be interviewed about their attitudes, preferences, and suggestions for improvement. Survey forms were used to personnel interview 207 recreational boaters, 21 commercial tow boat operators and 10 Corps of Engineers lock personnel.