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
The DNR submitted the 2024-2028 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to the National Park Service for their review and approval. When approved, the new SCORP will be posted on this web page.
For purposes of grant applications, the 2019-2023 SCORP document remains the operating plan until the NPS approves the new SCORP.
- 2019-2023 SCORP
- Appendix 1: Wisconsin wetlands strategy
- Appendix 2: Population attributes and projections
- Appendix 3: Places open to the public for nature-based recreation
- Appendix 4: Recreation opportunities, trends and needs, by region
- Appendix 5: Tourism economic impact, by county
- Appendix 6: Outside in Wisconsin: results of the 2016 SCORP recreation participation survey
- Appendix 7: Public lands visitor survey: a methodological comparison pilot project
- Appendix 8: Recreation Opportunities Analysis report
- Appendix 9: 2018 Grant Program Guidance for LWCF and other grants
- Appendix 10: Recreation grants and guidelines for the development of local recreation plans
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].
