About FWP
Montana's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Forging a New Frontier in Outdoor Recreation
Join FWP to develop Montana’s outdoor recreation vision and goals!
Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting the rugged majesty of the Rocky Mountains,
pristine lakes, winding rivers, and snowy slopes that glitter in the winter sunshine. Generations of Montanans have treasured the outdoors, attracting newcomers and nurturing the love for nature among those who call Montana home. Countless individuals work together to form our vibrant outdoor recreation community, and as we look to the future of outdoor recreation, we want to ensure that all Montanans have a say in our vision and goals.
Join us in forging a new frontier for outdoor recreation in Montana.
Project Background
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is currently completing the 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Completion of the SCORP is required for Montana to remain eligible for funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
What is SCORP?
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Montana’s strategic roadmap in the development of 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 existing outdoor recreation facilities and demands, and sets priorities for future investments and initiatives over a five-year planning cycle.
SCORP Requirements:
Must be updated every five years to ensure relevancy and compliance.
Requires comprehensive assessment of existing outdoor recreation opportunities and public demand.
Must include clearly defined goals and an implementation strategy outlining actions for achieving recreation priorities.
Ensures Montana’s eligibility for critical federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
What is the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)?
The LWCF is a federal grant program that provides matching funds to state, local, and tribal governments for outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment in 1964, Montana’s LWCF program has supported more than 800 projects statewide, including parks, trails, playgrounds, fishing access sites, and community recreation areas. The 2026–2030 SCORP will strategically guide Montana’s investment and distribution of LWCF funds over the next five years, ensuring projects reflect public priorities, enhance outdoor access, and sustainably manage recreation resources.
Goals and Timeline
Project Goals
Gather: Assemble a diverse coalition to collaboratively create a vision and set of priorities for Montana's outdoor recreation.
Develop: Craft an action document that reflects the needs of Montanans, public and private recreation providers, land managers, users, and other stakeholders in the outdoor recreation economy.
Support: Back the development of the vision and priorities with data and input from a broad array of stakeholders.
Ensure: Engage historically underrepresented groups such as rural communities, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities through targeted outreach.
Project Timeline
Data Collection and Stakeholder Engagement (January–April 2024)
FWP conducted comprehensive public surveys, regional workshops, and stakeholder meetings statewide, gathering feedback from recreation users, managers, landowners, and advocacy groups.
Drafting the Plan (May 2024–March 2025)
Analyzed collected data and public feedback to draft clear, actionable goals, priorities, and strategies for Montana’s 2026–2030 SCORP.
Public Review and Comment Period (May-June 2025)
Invited Montanans to review and provide additional feedback on the draft SCORP through online public comment, regional open houses, and targeted stakeholder sessions.
Final Production and Launch (July-September 2025)
Finalized and published Montana’s 2026–2030 SCORP, creating accessible outreach materials to communicate the plan’s vision and guide implementation statewide.
Join In!
Your input matters! Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) invites all Montanans to review and provide comments on the Draft 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). This is your opportunity to help shape the final plan that will guide outdoor recreation priorities and investments statewide for the next five years.
Review the Draft SCORP and Share Your Feedback
The draft SCORP will be available soon! The draft plan reflects extensive public input gathered earlier this year and outlines key goals, strategies, and action steps for outdoor recreation across Montana. Your feedback on this draft will help ensure the final plan aligns with Montanans’ needs, priorities, and vision for the future.
Stay Connected
To receive updates and announcements about SCORP implementation and future opportunities, join our mailing list.
