How Do We Compare?

The following graph looks at how much acreage we have compared with other states as a function of population. In this respect, RI has considerably less protected recreation land than our neighbors. As you will see on the following page, there is a growing need for outdoor recreation as visitation to State Parks increases.

Data here are shown comparing Rhode Island to Delaware and New Jersey, because DE is closest in population size, and NJ is similar in density to RI. Per Capita data allows us to take into account population differences between these states, and thus compare them effectively.

How much land is enough? The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) designates the service standard that the state has set for specific activities. These standards are based on how many people per area are the desired population for specific activities at one time, and rely on standards set by the National Park Service (these standards are not available on line - contact RIDEM for more information). For example, hiking standards are 15 persons per mile, which means that the state should provide enough hiking trails so that on any given day there are no more than fifteen people who wish to hike for every mile of trail. Included in this are turnover rates per day, and the daily capacity that exists in RI. From this information, the SCORP plan gives a demand, and a surplus / deficit rating for individual recreation opportunities. RI shows a small surplus for All-Day Hikes and for Freshwater Fishing, but has large deficits for most other types of recreation. This includes Baseball, Basketball, Ice Skating, Football, and Tennis.