Free access vs private ownership: A comparison (Q1060664)

\textit{M. L. Weitzman} [ibid. 8, 225-234 (1974)] has established that under free access properties of average or better quality will be overutilized relative to the efficient private property equilibrium. This leaves open the question of what happens to the low quality properties. It is shown here that there are conflicting considerations and the outcome is ambiguous. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for less of a variable input to be attracted to a site when access is free than when a private owner makes a charge for access.