Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

What is the SCORP?

Every five years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leads the development of a comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to maintain eligibility for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and to inform additional investments from other federal, state, local and private programs. Given the significance of outdoor recreation in the state, this plan is much more than a federal requirement for funding. This plan reflects the shared vision and commitment of Colorado outdoor partners to advance recreation enjoyment and conservation of Colorado’s outdoor resources. Colorado’s previous 2019-2023 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) was developed in close collaboration with a wide range of partners to provide a shared vision for the future of Colorado’s outdoors. This plan also looks at current and changing demographics and recreation trends to help the outdoor recreation sector be culturally relevant and respond to future shifts.

How is the SCORP developed?

SCORP supports all user groups and seeks broad engagement of outdoor recreationists and conservationists as well as including community voices in solutions and action. To inform the development of the SCORP, CPW staff conduct extensive research and engagement to ensure that the key priorities in the SCORP reflect the values of Coloradans. Examples of ongoing research studies include equity mapping, Colorado Land Manager surveys and a statewide survey of the public. The SCORP is developed and written by CPW staff in conjunction with an advisory body called the Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP); a group which provides leadership in reviewing the strategic direction of the plan. The SCORP is also being developed in coordination with the Colorado's Outdoors Strategy, a collaborative vision for conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation.

What is happening now with SCORP?

The Draft 2024-2028 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan was open for public feedback from July 9th - August 6th 2024. CPW staff have incorporated public and partner input into the update of this plan to reflect the values of Colorado’s residents and visitors and to ensure a future with thriving outdoor recreation opportunities and resources. Public feedback is now being considered by CPW staff as they finalize this plan.