ACORN
Arizona Collaborative Outdoor Recreation Network (ACORN)
ACORN is a working group that brings together land managers, agencies, nonprofits, tribes, and partners to turn Arizona’s outdoor recreation priorities into coordinated, on-the-ground projects. Led by the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation and Arizona State Parks and Trails, ACORN connects statewide strategy with regional action.
Why ACORN Exists
Arizona’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) sets the vision for outdoor recreation statewide. ACORN serves as the implementation network by helping partners align projects, share resources, reduce duplication, and move priority recreation, conservation, and access efforts forward more efficiently.
How ACORN Works
ACORN operates at two connected levels, ensuring statewide alignment while supporting regionally driven, project-focused collaboration.
Executive-Level Meetings (Statewide)
Who: Agency directors, deputy directors, and senior leadership
When: Quarterly
These meetings focus on statewide alignment and strategic direction, helping ensure regional work is supported by coordinated policy, funding, and leadership.
Executive-level focus includes:
- Aligning statewide outdoor recreation priorities
- Identifying policy, funding, and coordination barriers
- Elevating high-priority regional projects
- Setting direction for ACORN’s regional and project-level work
Regional Working Sessions (Project-Focused)
Who: Federal, state, tribal, county, and municipal land managers, plus regional partners
When: Quarterly, rotating by region (virtual)
Regional working sessions are where projects move forward and local challenges are addressed through collaboration and resource sharing.
Regional sessions focus on:
- Sharing and advancing regional projects
- Partner matchmaking and resource coordination
- Identifying funding and technical assistance needs
- Elevating regional priorities to executive leadership
Regions follow the SCORP framework, ensuring statewide coverage, including Central, Southern, Northern, North Central, and Western Arizona.
Get Involved
Land managers and partners can:
- Bring project ideas for collaboration and support
- Participate in regional working sessions
- Request SCORP-aligned tools, templates, or technical assistance
Contact
Dawn Collins — Arizona State Parks and Trails dcollins@azstateparks.gov
Neil Large — Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation nlarge@azstateparks.gov
