With the release of the draft 2024 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is actively seeking public input on this comprehensive strategy designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing Colorado’s outdoor spaces.
Colorado’s changing demographics play a crucial role in shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Between 2022 and 2023, the state’s population grew by 36,500, reaching 5.8 million people, with 90% of this growth concentrated along the Front Range.
Additionally, Colorado is experiencing an aging population and increased racial diversity, particularly among younger residents. These shifts necessitate a thoughtful approach to ensure that outdoor spaces remain accessible and appealing to all residents.
The draft SCORP, developed with broad input from public and outdoor recreation and conservation interests, including The Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP), lays out a five-year roadmap to ensure that Colorado’s outdoor recreation opportunities remain outstanding.
This plan tackles pressing issues such as population growth, climate change, and habitat loss, while striving to maintain the state’s natural beauty and recreational appeal.
According to a recent CPW public survey, 72% of residents engage in weekly outdoor activities, with 81% citing these pursuits as vital for their well-being. The survey also revealed that 90% of participants feel more positive after spending time outdoors.
The most popular outdoor activities among Coloradans include walking, hiking, and picnicking, with most of these activities taking place in local parks and on trails. The primary motivations for engaging in outdoor recreation include enjoyment, mental health benefits, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Land managers surveyed as part of the SCORP development process echoed many of the public’s concerns. Land managers prioritize maintaining existing infrastructure, ensuring visitor safety, improving ADA accessibility, and connecting regional trail systems.
The draft plan also addresses the need to adapt to emerging recreation trends such as e-bikes, pickleball, and stand-up paddleboarding. These evolving preferences highlight the dynamic nature of outdoor recreation and the importance of flexible management strategies.
Another concern is climate change. The 2024 draft SCORP proposes climate-resilient recreation and conservation strategies to address these challenges. These include improving understanding of climate impacts, fostering collaboration among land managers, integrating natural hazard response plans, and implementing climate-resilient conservation projects.
The draft SCORP identifies four priorities to guide Colorado’s outdoor recreation future: access and opportunity for sustainable recreation, natural and cultural Resource stewardship, land, water, and wildlife conservation, and sustainable funding for Colorado’s outdoors. These priorities form the backbone of the plan’s objectives and strategies, providing a clear path forward for key agencies and partners.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis highlighted the comprehensive nature of the planning process, noting that extensive research and stakeholder engagement were conducted to understand how recreation resources meet the needs of Coloradans.
He also pointed out the challenges and opportunities faced by land managers and the economic implications of outdoor recreation on the state’s economy.
“The draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan presents a path forward that aligns conservation efforts with public interests and resource management needs, ensuring a balanced approach to maintaining Colorado’s natural areas amidst growing population and pressures on public lands,” Davis said.
The public has until August 6 to review the draft 2024 SCORP and provide feedback to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
