Shaping the future of outdoor recreation in West Virginia.

Thanks to all who shared ideas, experiences, and dreams for outdoor recreation opportunities in West Virginia. During this community input phase we collected more that 2700 responses.

Over the next few months we will be reviewing the many responses to update and align West Virginia’a recreation roadmap with the ideas, needs, and dreams shared.

Planning for Our Recreation Priorities.

Mountains, rivers, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and so much more. Enjoying the outdoors is deeply rooted in West Virginia’s geography and abundant nature.

Thanks to all who participated in the survey. Your input will make a difference.

About the Plan

What do you think West Virginia should do to create better outdoor recreation opportunities?

Every five years, West Virginia brings together input from citizens, public and private recreation providers, land managers, recreation user groups, and other stakeholders to define priorities and outline opportunities to enhance and improve outdoor recreation in our state.

This input becomes the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)–an important document that identifies regional and statewide outdoor recreation needs. The SCORP guides and supports decisions and helps focus energy and resources on a shared vision.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey phase. We collected over 2700 responses.

Why does the SCORP matter?

Vibrant and healthy communities and citizens

Access to Outdoor Recreation is vital to the health and well-being of our citizens, improves the quality of life in our communities, and has a significant positive impact on West Virginia’s Economy.

The SCORP Process

First we gather community input to define recreation Priorities.
Second we craft a plan to bring these priorities to life.
Next The state submits our plan to LWCF.
Then After we receive LWCF funding, we help organizations apply for these funds and create projects that align with the plan’s goals.
Repeat! The plan is updated every five years.

The Current Plan

To learn more about the Department of Economic Development's LWCF program and to see the current SCORP, click here.

Funding for Recreation Projects

Every five years, each state must prepare a SCORP to be eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund funding. West Virginia receives around $3M a year as part of this program. The SCORP guides and supports decisions and helps focus energy and resources on a shared vision.

Timeline

Fall 2024-Winter 2025:
Gathering community input through the recreation survery.

Spring 2025 Anaylze responses and review survey data to understand your recreation preferences and desires

Summer 2025 Create West Virginia's 2026-3031 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Your experiences and ideas matter.

You can help shape the future of outdoor recreation in West Virginia.

Sharing your ideas, experiences, and dreams helps us understand what outdoor activities are most important to you and how we can make West Virginia an even better place for outdoor fun and adventure.

Outdoor Recreation Planning