Public Comment SCORP

November 23, 2019

Public Comment Needed by Dec. 12, 2019 for Vermont's SCORP.

Public Comment Needed for Vermont’s SCORP

What is the SCORP?

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is a plan which assesses the provision and need for outdoor recreation in a state. States are required to update their SCORP every five years to remain eligible to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well the federal Recreational Trails Program funds. The plan guides outdoor recreation policies, programs and funding for projects.

Please share you voice, edits and suggestions before December 12th, 2019

Every five years the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is produced, which is a key piece of the puzzle for the state of Vermont to receive federal funding for recreation projects. After gathering survey data, a draft of the plan has been produced and is open for public comment. The survey tools and responses have been provided for everyone's review and is available at this link:

https://fpr.vermont.gov/SCORP

Your voice in this process is a key component of the SCORP being representative of things the public wants for trails, waterways, hunting, hockey, etc. in Vermont. Kingdom Trails, along with the Vermont Trails & Greenway Council, is encouraging you to take a look at how your interests are being represented - and to submit your thoughts:

As a trail user how do the elements of the plan support your interests?
KTA, as part the VT Trails & Greenways Council, is advocating for private landowner protections from over-regulation. Did you know that over 70% of trails in VT are on private land (99% of KTA's). From your perspective, does the plan commit to private landowner protections enough?
Does the SCORP point out and lift up the value of the trail-based nonprofits in VT that make most the outdoor recreation possible, and sets VT uniquely apart from many other states?
94% of respondents rated outdoor recreation as "very important" or "essential." Is this SCORP accurately reflective of your hopes for outdoor recreation?
If an Office of Outdoor Recreation is created - does the SCORP explicitly state how the invested resources will benefit trail-based organizations in VT?

If you don't have time to read the draft - consider using the following in your comments:

Please add a commitment to engaging Nonprofit trail providers in a long-range trail expansion plan that allows them to effectively raise funds, hire builders.
Please explicitly state the value and importance of protecting private landowners from over-regulation.
The SCORP should include a clear statement isolating a commitment to supporting the value of trail-based nonprofits.
The SCOPR does not share any specificity, benchmarks or timelines attached to the primary goals and objectives - can we get more?
How will an office of Outdoor Recreation benefits trails, trail groups and VT's trail-based nonprofits exactly? This should be stated in the plan.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Vermont State Treasurer, Mike Pieciak, speaks at the 2025 Outdoor Recreation Day at the Statehouse

KT is taking action—on the trails and in the Statehouse!

By Abby Long • February 13, 2025

KT is taking action—on the trails and in the Statehouse! This 2025 Legislative Session, KT is teaming up with other amazing trail organizations through the Vermont Trails & Greenway Council, to advocate for H.147 a bill to establish the Recreational Trails Compensation Study. Why does this matter? Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy generates $2.1B annually, nearly 5% of the state’s GDP, that's 2nd in the nation after Hawaii (Go VT!) KT alone drives $10M in economic impact annually. Therefore, the state must recognize and incentivize these generous private landowners, including the 106 who make KT possible and allow public access to trails.