The 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Minnesota's outdoor recreation policy plan. It gives outdoor recreation decision-makers and managers a focused set of priorities and suggested actions to guide them as they make decisions about outdoor recreation.
The National Park Service requires this plan to maintain eligibility to participate in the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program, also known as LAWCON or LWCF.
2025 update
SCORP extension and future planning
The National Parks Service has approved a one-year extension for the existing Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which will remain in effect through December 2025. During this extension period, Minnesota will continue using the current SCORP priorities and Open Project Selection Process to guide project selection criteria for any Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) applications in 2025. Minnesota is in the process of preparing the next SCORP for 2026-2030.
As Minnesota prepares for the next SCORP (2026-2030), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will facilitate the development of the new plan with guidance from a steering committee. This committee represents diverse perspectives from agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens on issues important to outdoor recreation and conservation in Minnesota.
Download the full report: State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (3 MB)
SCORP strategic directions
- Connect people to the outdoors by providing a welcoming environment, improving access and affordability, increasing marketing efforts, expanding programming, creating partnerships and providing a quality experience.
- Acquire land and create opportunities by placing a priority for acquisition and development in densely settled, rapidly growing areas and regional centers. Acquire private in-holdings in existing parks, exceptional one-time opportunities, high quality natural resources, trail connections and protect water resources. Develop facilities that meet differing outdoor recreation needs for all abilities, that are open and flexible to accommodate new and emerging nature-based recreation uses and construct sustainable and resilient infrastructure to provide high quality and compatible recreational opportunities.
- Take care of what we have with regular reinvestment to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for current and future users.
- Coordinate among partners by creating integrated and accessible information and enhancing coordination across jurisdictional boundaries, funding resources, and among agencies, organizations and nonprofits.