Every five years the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) produces a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The purpose of the SCORP is to identify regional and statewide outdoor recreation issues and needs, providing a framework to guide decision makers in managing North Dakota’s outdoor recreation resources. In addition, completion of this study is needed for North Dakota to maintain eligibility to receive Land and Water Conservation Fund grants through the National Park Service and Recreational Trail Program grants through the Federal Highway Administration.
North Dakota Century Code also requires the Department to “initiate a continuing appraisal of the total state recreation resources, potentials, and needs and the adequacy of current efforts to meet the demands” (N.D.C.C. 55-08-03.1).
The 2008-2012 SCORP was the 8th update of the SCORP, first produced by NDPRD in 1970. The SCORP examined health and fitness in North Dakota, recreational opportunities associated with wetlands and public recreation demand in North Dakota. Data was gathered through public input meetings in each of ND legislatively determined planning regions in addition to a statewide household telephone survey and a survey of state and local outdoor recreation providers. The 2008-2012 SCORP, including state and regional outdoor recreation priorities can be found here (pdf 2mb).
Because the current SCORP will expire December 31, 2012, NDPRD has begun the planning process for the 2013-2017 SCORP. NDPRD will be conducting a household survey of ND residents in February, which is to be followed by a survey of federal, state, local and non-profit outdoor recreation providers. These two surveys will provide the backbone for determining outdoor recreation supply and demand as well as issues of statewide and regional importance.
When the 2013-2017 SCORP is completed in September, it will be comprised of three distinct documents. The first will be the main SCORP document which will look at overall recreation needs and issues in North Dakota. It will also include a plan, developed in consultation with outdoor recreation stakeholders groups, to address those needs and issues. The second document will more closely look at recreational trail needs in ND. This is intended to aid recreation providers in their decision making process when determining what kind of trails to develop. The third document, which is a requirement of the National Park Service, will look at recreation priorities related to wetlands.
If you have questions regarding the SCORP contact NDPRD at 701-328-5369, email aspencer@nd.gov or check this website.
