SCORP Resources and Documents

The SCORP was developed by analyzing data and gathering research from a multitude of public and private sources, including surveys of public preferences and local government perspectives. Information from the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) conducted by the U.S. Forest Service was also examined.  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was another analytical and visual tool incorporated into the process. Additional research and links to partners are also provided in the Additional Resources section. 

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Maps and GIS Analysis

GIS is a useful tool to help analyze complex data and display information in a visual format.  Maps provided in this section depict some of the influences impacting the demand for and supply of outdoor recreation in Colorado as well as the recreation amenities unique to each of Colorado's six SCORP regions.

For maximum quality, view the maps after downloading them to your hardrive.

Regional Recreation and Tourism Attractions Maps

• Front Range Region
• Northeast Region
• Northwest Region
• South Central Region
• Southeast Region
• Southwest Region

Colorado Demographic Maps (by County)

• Population Totals (2007)
• Projected Population (2030)
• Population Density (2007)
• Hispanic Population (2006)
• Projected Population Age 50+ (2030)
• Median Age (2000)

Additional Statewide Maps

• Land Management Status and SCORP Regions
• Bark Beetle Infestations (1994-2007)
• Fire Risk and "Red Zones"
• Wetlands and Water Resources
• Overweight and Obesity Incidence
• Travel Revenues (by County)
• Distribution of Recreation Grants (by County)
• Recreation Grants per Capita (by County)

Colorado Public Survey

Colorado State Parks contracted the Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business at University of Colorado to assess the outdoor recreational activities and preferences of 300 Colorado residents. 

View the results of this survey by downloading the final Public Survey Report.

Local Government Survey: Assessing Needs and Issues Across Colorado
In mid-June, a comprehensive survey targeting over 650 local governments was launched to gather information for the SCORP.  The survey assessed the issues and needs of municipalities, counties, special districts, recreation districts, and open space agencies which will help establish priorities for the distribution of future LWCF grants.  It also inventoried the facilities and resources managed by these agencies.  Download the Local Government Survey Summary or the results by region. Responses to open-ended questions about managers' most pressing issues and needs are also available.

Visitor safety and protection, maintenance of existing infrastructure, and the ability to offer youth programs are the most significant issues challenging local governments managing outdoor recreation resources.  Trails, playgrounds, and picnic sites top the list for investment needs.  Learn more about the opportunities local governments provide, how the needs and issues compare to the 2003 survey, and the priorities for each region by downloading the full summary above.

National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE)

The NSRE is an ongoing survey organized by the United States Forest Service (USFS) established in 1960 to track the outdoor recreation activities and preferences of people 16-years of age and older. 

Between 2002-2006, over 1,300 Colorado residents were surveyed.  Results revealed that "walking for pleasure" is the most popular outdoor recreation pastime among residents.  Over half of residents enjoy "viewing or photographing natural scenery" and over one-third of people fish. 

More results, including a comparison to the rest of the nation and the Rocky Mountain Region, are available in the NSRE Report for Colorado.

Portions of the report are downloadable by chapter:

• NSRE Exec. Summary and Table of Contents
• Chapter 1: Introduction & Methodology
• Chapter 2: Population Characteristics of Colorado and Market Region Chapter 3: The Big Picture
• Chapter 4: Colorado Trends
• Chapter 5: Characteristics of Participants by Activity
• Ch 6a: Market Segmentation (Clusters)
• Chapter 6b: Market Segmentation (Demographics)
• Chapter 7: National Participation Trends

Additional Resources

• Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Report: The Role of Parks and Recreation Agencies.
• Turning Inside Out: USFS Recreation Roundtable Report
• Outdoor Industry Foundation (OIF) Report: The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy
• California Children's Bill of Rights: The California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks and Tourism adopted this strategy "to encourage California’s children to participate in outdoor recreational activities and discover their heritage."  The Bill of Rights lists a number of outdoor experiences that every child in California should be given an opportunity to experience before graduating high school.
• Learn about Colorado's Active Community Environments where the physical environment of a community—including roads, sidewalks, parks, lighting, and other features—are designed to create opportunities for increased physical activity.
• Live Well Colorado is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing overweight and obesity rates and related chronic diseases in Colorado.