Open Space, Recreation, and Conservation Resources

Massachusetts Outdoors 2006, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is a five-year plan developed by each state to be eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants - it is the state's Open Space and Recreation Plan, and provides regional data for the entire state.

These guidelines define the requirements for a municipal open space and recreation plan prepared for Division of Conservation Services approval. Explains data required and reviews pertinent conservation and recreation issues that need to be addressed in the Plan.

Offering guidance on preparing municipal Open Space and Recreation Plans required for participation in our grant programs, and helpful in preparing a strategy to protect natural resources and provide high quality outdoor recreation experiences.

Non-profit organizations dedicated to helping citizens and communities with recreation, resource protection, and conservation.

Links and more information about the Massachusetts CPA, an innovative tool for communities to address important community needs and finance specific acquisitions and initiatives.

Data Bank information about the CPA from the Department of Revenue including information about local acceptance, state matching funds, and trust fund balances.

The Community Preservation Coalition, an alliance of open space, affordable housing, and historic preservation organizations that works with municipalities to help them understand, adopt, and implement the CPA

MACC is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the education of and support for Conservation Commissions.

MRPA is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, development, and improvement of all recreation and park services within Massachusetts as well as on a national level.

The NRPA has advocated the importance of thriving, local park systems, the opportunity for all Americans to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and the preservation of great community places.

A variety of programs of the federal government provide assistance to local and state governments as well as private landowners. A sampling of these programs are:

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

Since 1935, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (originally called the Soil Conservation Service) has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. We provide financial assistance for many conservation activities. Participation in our programs is voluntary.

Under the L&WCF Act, states work closely with the National Park Service to analyze recreation needs, set priorities for funding, and supervise and coordinate the selection of projects. Over the 36 years since the L&WCF was created, more than $936 million in federal funds have been appropriated to the 13 states of the Northeast Region and District of Columbia to acquire and develop land for parks and open space. This investment on the part of the federal government was matched by at least an equal amount from state and local governments for a total financial commitment of over $2 billion to parks, open space and recreation in the Northeast.

In addition to managing 391 national park units and related cultural and natural heritage programs, the Park Service provides assistance to communities working on restoring rivers, building trails, or making local parks flourish. The Park Service surveys historic buildings, landscapes and roads to preserve their images for future generations, and certify historic rehabilitation projects to qualify them for federal tax credits.

Matching grants and technical assistance is available to economically distressed urban communities, providing direct Federal assistance to urban localities for rehabilitation of critically needed recreation facilities. This program also encourages systematic local planning and commitment to continuing operation and maintenance of recreation programs, sites, and facilities. Only cities and urban counties meeting established criteria are eligible for assistance.