Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is proud to announce that the 2014 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan process is underway! Development of the SCORP is an opportunity to identify emerging outdoor recreation trends, needs, and issues in Colorado, as well as an opportunity to chart the course for the state's outdoor recreation future.
The 2014 SCORP will serve as a clearinghouse for important outdoor recreation data that is relevant to local, regional, and statewide planning efforts. The SCORP will also be used to guide Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant allocations to local governments.
Every five years, each state updates their SCORP plan to remain eligible for stateside LWCF dollars, which are administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The Colorado State Trails Program, within Colorado Parks and Wildlife, is charged with distributing these grants to projects that align with SCORP priorities, particularly local and regional trail projects.
Local Government Survey
As part of the 2014 SCORP update, CPW recently surveyed close to 400 city and local park and recreation departments, open space departments, and other districts and agencies that oversee local recreation. CPW asked these agencies to weigh in and respond to key questions to help better understand and quantify key local and regional issues. A total of 174 responses were received during the online survey period. Results of the local government survey will be available in fall 2013.
Public Survey
CPW is currently soliciting feedback from the public on outdoor recreation preferences and trends via a public online and written survey. Thousands of residents from around the state have been invited to participate and share their thoughts and perspectives. This information will be key in guiding the development of statewide outdoor recreation priorities identified in the SCORP.
SCORP Advisory Group
CPW is also convening diverse group of outdoor recreation leaders representing over 40 organizations and agencies that have a vested interest in outdoor recreation. It is envisioned that these individuals (aka SCORP Advisory Group) will help develop statewide priorities and recommendations that will serve to guide Colorado's outdoor recreation future.
All of the above information will be presented in a Draft 2014 SCORP Plan, which will be made available on this site in late 2013. The final 2014 SCORP will be completed by early 2014. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months!
For more information about the SCORP, you can contact the SCORP planning team at scorp@state.co.us or 303.869.1350.