The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Montana’s strategic roadmap for sustaining and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. Mandated by Chapter 2 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program (Federal Assistance Manual, Volume 69), the SCORP identifies recreation trends, assesses needs and barriers, and sets priorities for future investment and coordination across the state.

How the SCORP is used:

• Helps communities and partners align local projects with statewide priorities
• Supports grant and funding alignment, including LWCF
• Informs outdoor recreation planning, investment, and collaboration
• Provides a shared framework for advancing inclusive access and responsible stewardship

SCORP and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

An approved SCORP is required for Montana to remain eligible for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State Assistance Program. FWP administers the Stateside LWCF grant program, which provides federal matching grants to eligible entities for outdoor recreation development and access across the state.

Interested in applying for LWCF funding?

Visit the Montana LWCF Grant Program webpage for eligibility, application materials, and timelines.  Land & Water Conservation Fund Recreation Grants | Montana FWP

Review the SCORP key goals below and consider how proposed projects align with statewide priorities.

Through extensive public engagement, surveys, and collaboration with land managers, six key goals emerged to support Montana’s long-term vision for outdoor recreation.

1. Enhance trail networks, pathways, and recreation connectivity
2. Expand access and inclusivity in outdoor recreation
3. Repair, maintain, and modernize recreation facilities and infrastructure
4. Conserve Montana’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources
5. Support economic vitality through outdoor recreation
6. Foster education, stewardship, and collaboration

A full list of SCORP goals, recommendations, and action items is provided in the plan.

The SCORP was developed through a transparent, inclusive, and data-driven process that included statewide outreach, surveys, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with recreation managers and partners.

Project Timeline:

Information gathering (July 2023)

Data collection and analysis (January 2024)

Issue identification (June 2024)

Draft SCORP development (October 2024)

Public comment on draft SCORP (May 2025)

Submitted to NPS for certification (November 2025)

Final plan published (March 2026)

Regional profiles summarize recreation trends, needs, and barriers across Montana’s seven regions. Partners can use these profiles to better align local projects with statewide goals and implementation strategies. Download Regional Profiles for each FWP region below:

• Region 1: Northwest MT (PDF) 
• Region 2: West-Central MT (PDF) 
• Region 3: Southwest MT (PDF) 
• Region 4: North-Central MT (PDF) 
• Region 5: South-Central MT (PDF) 
• Region 6: Northeast MT (PDF) 
• Region 7: Southeast MT (PDF)

This webpage will serve as the central hub for accessing the final plan, sharing implementation resources, and reporting progress and accomplishments throughout the life of the SCORP.

• 2020-2024 Montana SCORP (PDF) 
• 2014-2018 Montana SCORP (PDF)