Agenda - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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See UASFLA Section C-1 for further guidance on technical reviews. COMPETITIVE REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS The program is competitive and requires a review and ranking process to make funding determinations and awards. The review and ranking process will take place after March 31, 2021 and funding announcements will be made in the summer. Program staff will review applications and, if necessary, a site visit will be conducted. The review will focus on priorities set in the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and project specific criteria identified below. MINNESOTA'S 2020-2024 STATE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN Minnesota's 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) provides guidance and direction to the state's outdoor recreation providers for their work in protecting, maintaining and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for the state's residents and visitors. An important part of developing the SCORP is public and stakeholder input. To better understand patterns and priorities for outdoor recreation in Minnesota, several efforts were used to gather information and feedback from outdoor recreation providers and from the public including an Outdoor Recreation Household Survey, Parks and Trails Legacy Celebration Events and an Outdoor Recreation Providers Survey. A twelve member Steering Committee was formed to help guide the development of the SCORP. The Steering Committee included local and regional park agency staff, members of outdoor recreation advocacy groups, and community leaders involved with health, youth, and accessibility issues. The SCORP identifies current and future trends affecting outdoor recreation in Minnesota including: issues around public health; addressing diversity, equity and inclusion challenges; demographic changes in Minnesota's population; climate change impacts and accessibility. Taken together, these trends and the strategies within the four Strategic Directions represent both challenges and opportunities for Minnesota's outdoor recreation providers for the next five years. The intention is that the 2020-2024 SCORP will aid these agencies and organizations as they plan for and invest in facilities and programs to meet the outdoor recreation interests of Minnesota's residents and visitors. Applications are assessed to ensure that the proposed project is consistent with identified priorities established in the SCORP. SELECTION PRIORITIES Natural Resources Qualities (Approximately 45%) Natural resources qualities include endangered, threatened, or special concern species or communities; high quality native terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems; ecological viability; outstanding geological or physiographic features; protection of water quality; protection of shore land along rivers, lakes or streams, restoration efforts; high priority inholdings and potential vulnerability to exotic species. NS November 2020 6