September Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Director's Note
As September 2024 begins, Minnesota's outdoor recreation scene is buzzing with new opportunities (and I'm not just talking about leaf peeping and the archery season that opens on September 14).

Our newsletter this month is packed with developments that show how our state is growing its outdoor economy. We're highlighting the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program, which is starting its third round and offers great support for small towns. Minnesota has also joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, putting us in the middle of a national network of industry stakeholders working tirelessly to grow the industry. The DNR is reaching out for new members to join its advisory groups, making sure we hear from all kinds of people about how to make our outdoors even better. There's also good news about federal funding – we're getting more money to improve access to outdoor spaces across the state. Our podcast is sharing inspiring stories of outdoor success from around Minnesota. Upcoming episodes include Game Fair, the MN Nordic Ski Opener, and the MN Zoo's Treetop Trail.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or work in the industry, there's something for you. Minnesota is leading the way in making our outdoors enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Read on to learn how we're making that happen.

***BIG NEWS*** Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Program Launches Third Round
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program is back for its third round. This multi-agency initiative offers rural communities expert planning assistance to boost their local outdoor recreation economy. Over 8-12 months, participants will craft actionable strategies through collaborative workshops, turning local visions into concrete plans. Don't miss this chance to build your community's outdoor scene. Applications are due October 16, 2024!

If you want to learn more about communities that have successfully leveraged the RERC program, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has compiled a terrific resource. See here.

MN-ORIP is the Newest Member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
In August, ORIP joined New Hampshire and Wyoming to become the latest state members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). Many of you are probably familiar with the work of ORR, but to those who are not, ORR promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. They educate decision-makers and the public on balanced policies that conserve public lands and waterways and enhance infrastructure to improve outdoor enthusiasts' experience and quality of life. See the press release here.

Minnesota DNR Seeks Applications for Advisory Groups
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to fish and wildlife conservation, promoting knowledge and skills in fishing, hunting, trapping, and related activities, conservation policy and funding, parks and trails, and aquatic invasive species

Advisory groups are one way the DNR works with Minnesotans to further the department's mission. Participation in one of these appointed roles is an important way Minnesotans can contribute their ideas and perspectives.

The Minnesota DNR strives for each committee to include people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, locations, and experiences. This is so that we can benefit from the breadth of knowledge and insight that such diversity brings and so that our advisory committees reflect the population of Minnesota.

New Survey Highlights Optimism for Minnesota Businesses
According to a survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota business services firms expect improved profits, productivity, and job growth over the next 12 months.

More than half of respondents expect sales revenue, profits, productivity, and employment to increase or stay the same in Minnesota over the next year. Two-thirds of firms expect labor availability to remain about the same, while nearly 65% anticipate raising wages by at least 3% to attract workers during Minnesota's labor shortage.

On inflation, 56% of respondents expect it to rise over the next year, down from 65% in last year's survey. This figure reflects cautious optimism about slowing price increases. CNBC recently ranked Minnesota the 6th best state for business in the country.

DEED and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis have conducted this survey annually since 2006. A detailed report of the 2024 Survey of Minnesota Business Services Firms is available on the DEED website

ICYMI… Interior Department Provides $325 Million to Increase Access to the Outdoors
Big news for outdoor recreation! The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is distributing a whopping $325 million to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and D.C. – the largest annual payout since 1979. This record-breaking investment, part of the Biden-Harris administration's America the Beautiful initiative, is set to transform local outdoor spaces nationwide. It's a game-changer for communities, proving that protecting our natural heritage and expanding outdoor access can go hand in hand. Minnesota received $5,471,584. To learn more see here.

Listen to Our Podcast!
If you love Minnesota outdoors and want to learn more about the people responsible for Minnesota's tradition of excellence in outdoor recreation, check out Explore Minnesota More. Previous episodes include a peek into how Minnesota hosted one of the greatest Nordic skiing events in American history and how Cuyuna transformed from a mining town to one of the top 25 mountain-biking destinations on the entire planet. Explore Minnesota More features the stories of the people building the outdoor experience in our state.

Call(s) to Action
The success of our State's outdoor industry is founded upon the actions by Minnesotans passionate about the outdoors. Here are a few steps you can take to help us out.

• Know someone interested in the outdoor industry? Please share this newsletter with them.
• Do you have any feedback about what you've just read? My door is always open. Let me know how we can improve.
• If you have any ideas for stories we should highlight through the podcast, I would love to hear them. We're looking to tell the stories of champions, visionaries, entrepreneurs, activists, and athletes who make Minnesota's outdoor ecosystem one of the best in the US.

Randolph Briley (he/him)  |  Deputy Director - Outdoor Recreation

121 7th Place East, Suite 360, St. Paul, MN 55101 

C: 320-319-6692

randolph.briley@state.mn.us  |  exploreminnesota.com | outdoorindustrypartnership.com