Why Do We Need A SCORP?
At 6.5 million acres (9,609 square miles), a small and rural state like Vermont faces many challenges in maintaining its reputation and living up to the expectations that are raised by recognition in the national media. Vermont's challenges include efforts to balance recreational pursuits with its premiere, yet fragile, natural resources base. With just 15 percent of its land in public ownership, Vermont faces the challenge of preserving its long-standing tradition of private lands being open for public use. As people continue to settle in the state from more urban and suburban places, the small town, rural culture of Vermont becomes increasingly threatened.
Vermont needs to find ways of improving the ability of its towns and agencies to be more pro-active in determining the appropriate locations, times, and frequencies for the increasing variety and intensity of outdoor recreational activities.
The people of Vermont care deeply about its traditions, natural resources, and the recreational opportunities these provide. These sentiments will serve Vermont well as it forges the future offerings of its multi-million dollar, and growing, outdoor recreation industry. The creation and implementation of this plan are key components of this effort.
Purposes and Benefits of the Plan
The plan serves a number of purposes and provides some important benefits to the state, as follows:
- Guidance for communities, agencies, and organizations in providing for recreational and natural resource based activities throughout the state;
- Guidance for legislative financial support, including capital budgets and community matching funds;
- Reinforcement of decisions regarding land acquisition for public lands;
- Input to recreation policy development;
- Better understanding by agencies and organizations of the public's needs and concerns regarding outdoor recreation;
- Opportunities to build constituencies for agency and organizational recreation programs;
- Better understanding and coordination among agencies and interest groups regarding outdoor recreation concerns;
- Encouragement of recreational partnerships; and
- Ensures Vermont's eligibility to receive funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Public Involvement
Starting in the fall of 2002 and continuing through January 2005, many activities involving the public took place toward the creation of this plan. These range from comparisons of recreational surveys of Vermont residents in 1992 and 2002 to an informal survey of members of a landowner organization; from meetings of the Recreation Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources to meetings of trails organizations throughout the state; and from questionnaires to municipal, state, and federal recreation managers to regional planning commission public meetings and reports.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
A. Purpose & Benefits of the Plan
B. How the Plan is Structured & How to Use the Plan
C. Public Involvement & Other Actions Taken to Develop the Plan
D. Key Findings of the Plan
E. About the Land & Water Conservation Fund
F. Map of Vermont's Federal & State Recreation Lands & Facilities
Chapter 2: How Vermont is Doing: Evaluating the 1993 Outdoor Recreation Plan
A. Maintaining Vermont's Unique Character
B. Providing Exceptional Opportunities for Recreation
C. Improving Public Awareness
D. Economic Contributions of the Recreation Industry
Chapter 3: Where Vermont is Headed: The Action Plan 2005-2009
A. Recreational Opportunities for Everyone
B. Protection of Vermont's Natural Resources Base
C. High Quality Outdoor Recreation Facilities, Programming and Operations
D. Providing More Resources and Diverse Programming
E. Solutions to Outdoor Recreation Conflicts
F. Public Access to Private Lands
G. Appreciation of and Respect for Resources
H. Health & Well-Being Benefits for Individuals and Communities
I. Providing Outdoor Recreation Information
J. Support for Vermont's Outdoor Recreation Industry
Chapter 4: Vermont trails & Greenways Plan
A. Vision, Desired Conditions, and Strategies: The Action Plan
B. Process Used to Develop this Plan
C. The Increasing Demand for Trails-Based Recreation
D. Trails-Related Resources & Suppliers: Achievements & Issues
Appendix A: Trends Affecting Outdoor Recreation in Vermont
Appendix B: Outdoor Recreation Resources: Achievements & Issues
Appendix C: Vermont Wetlands Conservation Strategy: 2005 Update
A. Major Accomplishments Since the Previous Plan Toward Conserving Wetlands in the State
B. Actions for Continuing Wetlands Conservation
C. Statement of Compliance with Section 303 of the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986
Appendix D: Publications Used in Developing the Plan
Contact Information:
Linda Henzel
VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
103 South Main Street, 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0601
802-241-3688
linda.henzel@state.vt.us
