VERMONT OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN
A comprehensive plan for outdoor recreation in each state is a requirement for receiving support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The National Parks Service in the U.S. Department of the Interior administers the LWCF. The National Parks Service’s term for this planning process is known as the SCORP, which stands for Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Since 1965, the LWCF has provided Vermont communities and state agencies with tens of millions of dollars toward acquisition, conservation, and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. More than 500 separate recreation projects, such as bike paths, parks, and playgrounds, have taken place in more than 100 Vermont communities. As part of the planning process, Vermont periodically evaluates the quality and need for outdoor recreation and seeks public opinion regarding recreational opportunities throughout the state.
The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Plan, also referred to as the SCORP (Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan), provides the following:
- A vision, along with goals and actions, in support of outdoor recreation endeavors throughout the state in five-year increments;
- Reference materials for towns, organizations, and recreationists to use when coordinating their activities with statewide priorities, per requirements of some programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF);
- Vermont Trails and Greenways Plan as one chapter; and
- Vermont Wetlands Conservation Strategy.
Updating the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Plan
The timeline for preparing the 2010-2015 plan is shown below. The following link provides an opportunity to review key findings of the current plan and a form for submitting comments.
Key Findings for 2005-2009 plan and feedback form (.doc) (.pdf)
Thanks for your interest and for making comments.
2009 Schedule for Producing the 2010-2015 Plan
Research on Trends (January-March)
- Compile and look at the results of recent related attitudinal surveys
- Review census projections and models for predicting population growth and housing expansion
- Examine the findings of recent planning efforts and the intended impacts of legislation passed during the current planning period on recreational resources
Redefine Key Issues (April-June)
- Draft a revision of the key findings of the current plan and proposed additions.
- Create a survey via email and the website that solicits comments from all recreation stakeholder groups, including those involved in the 2005-2009 plan, in recommending changes to the key findings of the current plan and proposed additions.
Revise Desired Conditions, Strategies, and Actions (July-October)
- Announce in the media the opportunity for the public to review this information, and make copies available at our website and regional offices.
Finalize 2010-2015 Plan and Submit for Approvals (November-December)
After approvals are obtained, make the new plan available on the website and mail copies by request.
Current Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2005-2009
The scope of a statewide recreation plan is quite large, so it is not intended to be read from cover to cover. It provides guidance for outdoor recreation in Vermont for the next five years and serves as a reference document. Feel free to download the entirety of the plan below, or, to browse specific sections of the plan, head over to our SCORP Information Page.
