Populus euphratica Olive. as the skeleton of the desert riparian forest is a green barrier for protection oasis of the southern areas of Xinjiang. Degradation of P. euphratica forest is the concentrated expression of ecological vulnerability in the desert areas. In order to understand the residents cognition degree to the ecological value of P. euphratica forest and willingness to pay (WTP) for P. euphratica forest protection along the Tarim River Basin, The questionnaires and interview methods were used , the largest payment were estimated with contingent valuation method (CVM) and the main affecting factors were explored.The main conclusions showed that the residents income, education and cognition degree to the P. euphratica forest were significant impact on the maximum payment value; Different ecological environment, economic and social conditions along the Trim River Basin had a critical influence to payment options and the size of payment willingness for the residents; The maximum willingness to pay per capita of 53 groups, 13 groups, 34 groups amounted to 220.89 yuan / year, 499.08 yuan / year, 653.20 yuan / year, the per capita amount paid in descending order was 34 group > 13 group> 53 group.
