EBS STAFF
HELENA – On
the heels of a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis that shows
Montana is a national leader in outdoor recreation, Gov. Steve Bullock
announced on Dec. 17 the release of a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan. This document, known as the SCORP report, will provide the
state with five years of guidance in developing Montana’s outdoor recreation
infrastructure.
“It’s no
secret that Montana is an incredible place to live, work, play and raise a
family,” Bullock said in a press release. “The quality of life that our state
offers is second to none, with unparalleled access to world class recreational
opportunities. The plan addresses how we, as a state, can protect and enhance
the outdoor recreation assets that sustain our economy and our livelihoods and
support opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
The plan
identifies six statewide goals and recommendations for outdoor recreation. These
include promoting outdoor recreation opportunities for all Montanans, enhancing
public access to outdoor recreation resources and facilities, supporting the
economic vitality of communities and the state, improving quality of life
through outdoor recreation experiences, adapting outdoor recreation for a
changing environment, and honoring Montana’s outdoor legacy.
“At Montana
Fish, Wildlife and Parks, we believe that the ‘outside is in us all’. The SCORP
report reinforces this sentiment and shows that Montanans cherish their time
outside and the incredible experiences that Montana’s outdoor resources
offer,” said MT FWP Director Martha Williams in a statement.
The plan
also impacts the actions of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The 2019
SCORP elevates and broadens the strategic plan to take action and I anticipate
that it will take us and our outdoor way of life to a whole new level, setting
the bar for state planning,” said director Rachel VandeVoort in a statement.
The outdoor
recreation plan was developed in part by an advisory council with members
representing the public and private sectors, local, state, tribal and federal
agencies, and advocacy organizations. It also relied on expertise from
Elizabeth Covelli Metcalf, a University of Montana professor who oversaw
development of the plan.
“As a social
scientist and a professor of outdoor recreation, leading the planning efforts
for SCORP was an invaluable opportunity to work with Montana State Parks and
connect with the outdoor recreation community to develop goals that meet the
needs of the state,” Metcalf said in a statement. “As a Montanan who
enjoys recreating with my family, the completion of this project is also deeply
rewarding as it will impact our own experiences in the years to come.”
In addition
to serving as a planning document, the outdoor recreation plan provides Montana
with eligibility for Land and Water Conservation Funds, which have been used in
the Treasure State to the tune of $38 million to support outdoor recreation.
Visit files.cfc.umt.edu/humandimensionslab/SCORP_2020-2024.pdf to view the 2020-2024 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
