The Maine State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) process and ultimately the final approved plan qualify Maine to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Funds. Additionally, the Maine SCORP satisfies state legislative requirements and helps guide Bureau decision making.
Maine’s SCORP identifies the demand for and supply of outdoor recreation areas and facilities based on available information, and discusses outdoor recreation issues of statewide importance based on public and focus group comment. The plan’s Implementation Program suggests broad priorities for expenditure of LWCF dollars in Maine.
There is still time for public comment.
The SCORP plan is currently drafted for review. Go to the Table of Contents post to download and review all draft sections. Comments will be taken up until mid November, when the document will be finalized for submission to the National Park Service.
Share your perspective by posting comments to content on this blog site, attending public listening sessions to be scheduled for the summer of 2009, or by providing written comments. For more information, visit our “share your thoughts” page on this blog site or go to our BPL SCORP page.
June 5, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I have many thoughts about outdoor recreation in Maine, but today on the top of my mind is the negative impact that LD 1088 could have on recreational activities across the state. The Tax Reform Bill passed yesterday by the House and being debated today in the Senate proposes to extend the 5% sales tax onto many recreational activities. Adding a tax to recreation will make it more expensive and further discourage Mainers from getting outside and participating in many of their favorite activities. I am the General Manager of the Camden Snow Bowl, a community ski area that is located at the year round Ragged Mountain Recreation Area. Taxing lift tickets, tubing tickets, toboggan tickets, season passes, lessons and rentals of skis, snowshoes and snowboards will further discourage Mainers from getting outside and being active during our long winters. Taxing registrations for after school sports leagues will also make them less affordable for Maine families. Shouldn’t we be encouraging our children and families to become more active? Taxing these activities won’t help.