Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

?? New Podcast Episode Alert! ???? Imagine introducing 10,000 kids to the thrill of ice fishing—many for the very first time. That’s exactly what the 10,000 Ice Anglers Project is doing across Minnesota, and our latest podcast episode dives into how they’re making it happen. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Ruiz and Karl Erickson about this incredible initiative that’s breaking down barriers to outdoor access, teaching critical ice safety, and creating the next generation of conservationists. ?? Key Takeaways from the Episode: ?? The impact of hands-on outdoor education ?? The logistical challenges of getting thousands of kids onto the ice ?? How partnerships with schools, law enforcement, and outdoor groups make this possible ?? Why access to outdoor recreation is about more than just fun—it’s about confidence, connection, and community ?? Want to support this initiative? ?? Volunteer to help kids experience ice fishing firsthand ?? Donate to cover staffing, transportation, and equipment ?? If you're in the outdoor industry, consider partnering to keep this growing! ?? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr This episode is a reminder that outdoor experiences can be transformative, and it’s up to all of us to create more opportunities for future generations. Let’s make the outdoors more accessible—one fishing hole at a time. #IceFishing #OutdoorEducation #YouthEngagement #FishingForTheFuture #Podcast #Minnesota #OutdoorRecreation

?? Excited to share my latest podcast episode featuring the incredible work of IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and their Trail Labs program! Big news: Trail Labs is coming to Minnesota! After years in Bentonville, AR, the program will host workshops in Winona and Duluth. These locations showcase two different but equally successful approaches to integrating trail systems into communities. Join us as we chat with John Cox and Marty Caivano about how communities can develop sustainable mountain biking infrastructure that drives economic growth and enhances quality of life. Key takeaways: ??♀? The evolution of mountain biking from fringe sport to community asset ??♀?How to build trails that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ??♀?The importance of connecting trail systems to downtown areas ??♀?Managing increased trail usage and emerging trends like e-bikes ??♀?Whether you're a civic leader, trail advocate, or passionate mountain biker, this episode offers valuable insights into creating vibrant outdoor recreation communities. Listen now: https:https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr #MountainBiking #TrailDevelopment #OutdoorRecreation #CommunityDevelopment #IMBA #Minnesota #Sustainability

?? $20M in grant funding now available for environmental restoration and recreation projects in Minnesota's Twin Cities East Metro area through the 3M PFAS Settlement. Some eligible projects: ?? Aquatic and wildlife habitat restoration ?? Fish contamination research and monitoring ?? Outdoor recreation improvements Who can apply: Local governments, nonprofits, watershed districts, Tribes, schools, and state/federal agencies Minimum grant: $20,000 Deadline: April 4, 2025 Learn more and apply: mndnr.gov/3mp2

Calling all Hikers! ??♀? ?? Discover how the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is reshaping outdoor recreation in southeastern Minnesota! In our latest episode, we explore an ambitious project to create Minnesota's newest long-distance hiking trail. Join us as we speak with Marty Walsh ("Lead Instigator") and Alexa Shapiro (Trail Director at MDHT) about: 1. How the unique geology of the Driftless Region creates the perfect terrain for hiking 2. Building partnerships between private landowners and public land managers 3. Creating economic opportunities for small communities through outdoor recreation 4. Turning a grassroots vision into reality with recent LCCMR funding This trail will be the closest long-distance backpacking opportunity for millions of people across the Upper Midwest. Learn how the team is working to make it happen! Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr #OutdoorRecreation #MinnesotaTrails #EconomicDevelopment #DriftlessRegion #CommunityDevelopment #Hiking #Minnesota

?? New Episode Alert! Excited to share our conversation with Lloyd Vogel, founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear, a Minnesota success story in the outdoor industry. From a basement startup to an 8,000-square-foot warehouse in Saint Paul, Lloyd's company has carved out a unique niche in ultralight outdoor gear by focusing on small, innovative manufacturers. Key insights from our chat: - Why chasing value beats chasing money in business - How the outdoor retail landscape is evolving in the Midwest - What "ultralight" really means (and why it matters) - The future of innovation in outdoor gear Plus, Lloyd shares his journey from "Chief Gear Detective" to CEO, and why you might find red pepper flakes in your next Garage Grown Gear order! ??? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr

This is a big deal. The EXPLORE Act is the largest outdoor recreation-specific piece of legislation in American history. It was the result of a massive bipartisan coalition that leveraged the public's love for time spent outdoors to move the levers of government. The EXPLORE Act will impact our industry in major ways, and we will have time to dive deeper into #alltheways. However, in the meantime, I want to highlight a big reason this act is important for Minnesota... +Codification of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. This is a fantastic federal program managed by the National Park Service and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the nationally competitive ORLP program provides matching grants (up to 50% of total project costs) to assist communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. This is really an exciting achievement and hats off to all those who worked tirelessly to make it happen.

?? NEW EPISODE: The Numbers Behind Minnesota's Outdoor Recreation Economy ?? Ever wonder what outdoor recreation means for Minnesota's economy? Our latest episode of Explore Minnesota More reveals some stunning figures: ?? $13.5 BILLION contributed to state GDP in 2023 ??♀? 96,000 jobs supported across Minnesota ?? 10.5% growth (outpacing the national average!) Join me and special guest Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, as we analyze the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis data and discover why outdoor recreation isn't just about lifestyle—it's a major economic driver outperforming traditional industries in our state. From boating and fishing to snowmobiling, we explore what's driving this growth and the challenges ahead for our sector. Plus, get the inside scoop on federal legislation that could transform outdoor recreation policy (and just passed the U.S. Senate as of yesterday!) ?? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr #ExploreMinnesota #OutdoorRecreation #MinnesotaEconomy #OutdoorIndustry #EconomicDevelopment Explore Minnesota

?? Exciting news for Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy! New federal data shows our state's outdoor sector generated $13.5 billion in economic value in 2023, growing 10.5% from the previous year. Some highlights: + Minnesota led the Midwest in outdoor recreation job growth at 4.1% + The sector represents 2.8% of state GDP - above the national average + Strong performance across boating, fishing, hunting, and cycling industries This data confirms what many of us already knew - Minnesota's outdoor recreation isn't just about quality of life, it's a CRITICAL economic engine for our state. ?? ?? ?? #MinnesotaBusiness #OutdoorRecreation #EconomicGrowth #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/gwnS-gse

?? Exciting news for Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy! New federal data shows our state's outdoor sector generated $13.5 billion in economic value in 2023, growing 10.5% from the previous year. Some highlights: + Minnesota led the Midwest in outdoor recreation job growth at 4.1% + The sector represents 2.8% of state GDP - above the national average + Strong performance across boating, fishing, hunting, and cycling industries This data confirms what many of us already knew - Minnesota's outdoor recreation isn't just about quality of life, it's a CRITICAL economic engine for our state. ?? ?? ?? #MinnesotaBusiness #OutdoorRecreation #EconomicGrowth #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/gwnS-gse

?? ?? Calling all cyclists and apple enthusiasts! We have a podcast episode just for you! ?? ?? In 2025 and 2026, the USA Gravel National Championships will be held in La Crescent, MN, a quaint little town in Southeastern Minnesota known as Minnesota's "apple capital" and soon to be known as America's "Gravel Capital!" Join me as I sit down with Jeremiah Burish, the vision behind this event, to discuss the who, what, when, where (and most importantly) the why? ?? ???? ?? https://lnkd.in/gM737Zfr Explore Minnesota - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - USA Cycling