How people can help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – It only comes around once every five years: the SCORP survey.

The Wyoming Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan survey aims to gather information on the wants and needs for outdoor recreation in Wyoming to help secure funding for local projects.

SCORPs are imperative to gain important funding for outdoor recreation projects across the state.

“This plan identifies the current outdoor recreation resources and evaluates the lack of needed resources while providing an opportunity for private citizens, user groups and local governments to set priorities for acquiring, developing and protecting these recreation opportunities,” Louisa Lopez, recreation grants manager with the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office & Division of State Parks & Trails, said.

It’s a survey that essentially all states in the nation do but it’s only updated about once every five years. Since the last survey in Wyoming, recreation activity has seen a significant boost across the state.

According to a press release from the City of Laramie, Wyoming national and state parks have seen a 25% increase since 2019. National parks had 8.7 million visitors in 2021 while state parks topped out with 5.7 million visits in the same year.

“The more people who complete this survey, the better the state can secure funding for local projects,” Owen Schlidt, management analyst for the City of Laramie, said in an email to Wyoming News Now.

The survey isn’t just for the enthusiasts who free climb, paraglide and spearfish every weekend. It’s for everyone.

“This survey is meant to be taken by anyone who gets outside in Wyoming including residents, frequent visitors, and travelers. You could be a dog walker, a mountain biker, a hunter, a softball player, a fitness class participant, a rock climber, a paraglider or anything in between,” the release stated. “It does not matter what type of recreation you do or even if you don’t enjoy outdoor recreation, your perception and experience with outdoor recreation in Wyoming matters.”

The survey can be accessed here.

Anyone completing the survey will be entered into a raffle for a free YETI Roadie cooler.

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