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2014-2018 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
A strategy for the future of outdoor recreation in Montana.
The 2014-2018 Montana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) represents a collaborative effort between Montana’s diverse outdoor recreation providers, the tourism community, and residents; and provides a strategy to guide management of Montana’s outdoor recreation resources in a holistic and effective manner.
What is SCORP?
The purpose of the SCORP is to outline Montana’s five-year plan for outdoor recreation management. The plan will:
- Identify major outdoor recreation trends, needs, and issues of statewide importance
- Evaluate the supply and demand of recreation facilities and resources
- Provide guidance to direct Montana’s stateside apportionment of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program
- Provide strategies, priorities, and actions for implementation to enhance recreation over the next five years
The SCORP is an update of the 2008-2012 plan, and is scheduled for completion in December 2013. The final plan must be signed by the Governor and approved by the National Park Service.
For more information on the Land and Water Conservation Fund program, visit our Recreation Grants page.
A Collaborative Process
The SCORP process places a strong emphasis on public participation in the development of the plan. Montana State Parks staff will work closely with fellow state agencies, local government representatives, federal recreation management partners, and non-governmental organizations to gather input and feedback at key milestones throughout the process.
A SCORP advisory committee has been established to help with this process, and includes members representing Montana State Parks, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Recreation and Parks Association, Montana Office of Tourism, U.S. Forest Service, National Parks Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and University of Montana.
Public involvement is also vitally important to reflect the values and concerns of Montana residents, and to make the plan easy to use. Montana State Parks is partnering with the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research to conduct a public use survey will be conducted around the state in fall 2012, and the results will help identify recreation usage, demand, and key priorities from Montana residents.
SCORP Planning Process
- Spring 2012 - Information Gathering
- Fall 2012 - Data Collection & Analysis
- Winter 2013 - Issues Identification
- Spring 2013 - Plan Development
- Summer 2013 - Public Comment
- December 2013 - Plan Finalization
What Are Your Thoughts?
Public feedback is welcomed throughout the planning process, and the public will have an opportunity to formally comment on the Draft Plan when it is ready for review.
Contact Information
For more information about the Montana SCORP, contact:
- Maren Murphy
- Parks & Recreation Planner
- 406-444-3750
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