Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Background
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) are intended to evaluate outdoor recreation supply, demand, trends and issues. They are used to set forth ideas about recreation's future role in the state and serve as the blueprint by providing broad guidance to governments at all levels, communities, businesses and organizations on recreation needs and opportunities.
States are required to complete SCORPs to be eligible for participation in the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Program. Describing the supply and demand for outdoor recreation in the state as well as describing the criteria and system to distribute LWCF funds are required components of the SCORP. States have the flexibility to incorporate other topics in their SCORP that will help provide a better understanding of the needs and priorities unique to their outdoor recreation resources.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund was enacted by Congress in 1965 "to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States" through the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation resources and facilities. States are allocated funds as matching (50%) grants for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities.
Planning Update
Draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan For 2024-2028
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has drafted an updated Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). In addition to describing the demand for outdoor recreation and the supply of opportunities, this iteration of the Wisconsin SCORP focuses on residents' motivations for recreating in the outdoors and the barriers they face that prevent them from participating. The SCORP identifies a set of challenges facing the outdoor recreation system in Wisconsin and strategies to address them. These strategies provide guidance to local units of government, non-profit groups and others seeking LWCF grants. The public is encouraged to review and provide comment on the draft report.
- Document and Appendices [PDF]
- Document Only [PDF]
- Appendix A: Wisconsin's Wetland Strategy [PDF]
- Appendix B: Land & Water Conservation Fund [PDF]
- Appendix C: Climate Change Impacts on Wisconsin Regions [PDF]
- Appendix D: Wisconsin's Population [PDF]
- Appendix E: Results from the 2023 Statewide Survey of Wisconsinites' Recreation Behavior [PDF]
- Appendix F: Results from the 2024 County, City and Village Park Questionnaire [PDF]
- Appendix G: Lands Open to the Public for Outdoor Recreation [PDF]
- Appendix H: 2023 Grant Program Guidance Booklet [PDF]
Have your Voice Heard!
The public is encouraged to submit comments to the report via the online input form.
The public may submit comments regarding the draft report through Dec. 15, 2024. Comments will be summarized and shared after the close of the comment period.
In addition to the online input form, comments and questions may be submitted to John Pohlman via email, phone or U.S. mail.
Email: John.Pohlman@wisconsin.gov
Phone: 608-264-6263
U.S. Mail: Wisconsin DNR
Attn: John Pohlman, LF/6
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Funding
The preparation of the Wisconsin SCORP is financed in part through a planning grant from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund [exit DNR].
