October Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Dear Readers,

    It's Summer (85 degrees one day)? It's Fall (60 degrees the next)? It's that time of year! This month, we share some awesome updates on events, opportunities, and developments in Minnesota's outdoor recreation sector.

    The Great Lakes Outdoor Summit is in Duluth from October 24 to 26. It's a chance to learn, network, and enjoy outdoor activities. There will be exhibitors, presenters, sessions, and field trips.

     Minnesota has launched a new campaign to attract businesses to our state. The campaign showcases our economic opportunities and quality of life, which could attract new outdoor recreation businesses and boost our industry.

     There are some important grant opportunities available. The DNR is offering $1 million for urban and community forest projects and providing grants for projects that benefit the Lake Superior coastal area. These funds can help improve our outdoor spaces and create new recreation opportunities.

     We've seen good news in exports, with Minnesota's exports growing by 17% in the second quarter. This growth could benefit our outdoor recreation industry by increasing demand for Minnesota-made outdoor products and attracting more visitors to our state.

     A free online course called "Foundations of the Outdoor Recreation Economy " is available for those interested in learning more about the outdoor industry. It covers topics like industry sectors, employment, and best practices.

     Our podcast, Explore Minnesota More, continues to share stories about the people behind Minnesota's outdoor experiences. Recent episodes have covered topics like Nordic skiing events and the transformation of Cuyuna into a top mountain biking destination.

     We always welcome your feedback and ideas for stories. Your input helps us highlight the people and projects that make Minnesota's outdoor recreation industry special.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Randolph Briley
Director, Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Attend This Year's Great Lakes Outdoor Summit!
     We are 36 days from the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit (GLOS)! From October 24 to 26, hundreds will come together in Duluth to learn, network, and adventure. ORIP is a proud sponsor of the event.

    GLOS will have over 40 exhibitors, 20 presenters, 12 sessions, 2 socials, and 5 exciting field trip options. Enjoy Duluth's incredible offerings and leave with renewed inspiration and a strong connection to our thriving outdoor recreation community!

Register here.

ORIP Partners Announce New Campaign to Attract Businesses to Minnesota
    The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Explore Minnesota have launched a new initiative to attract businesses to Minnesota. The marketing campaign, running nationwide through June 2025, showcases the state's economic opportunities and high quality of life. It features testimonials from leading companies in critical industries and highlights Minnesota's strengths, including its skilled workforce, innovation ecosystem, and diverse economy. The initiative aims to position Minnesota as an attractive destination for businesses to start, grow, and invest.

    This is an exciting initiative for the outdoor recreation industry as we work to attract new businesses, residents, and entrepreneurs to our state who will create the next generation of outdoor recreation equipment, gear, and apparel.

    To learn more about the initiative, see here.

Minnesota DNR Offers $1M In Grants to Empower Community Forestry Projects
     The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering $1 million in grants to improve urban and community forests, focusing on underrepresented communities facing environmental challenges. The Centering Communities in Canopy Solutions grants aim to involve local organizations in designing and implementing forestry projects, with funds available for various activities, including tree planting, community outreach, and environmental education.

    This initiative will enhance green spaces in urban areas, improving access to nature and outdoor activities for communities with limited opportunities. By strengthening tree canopies and engaging residents, the program can create more pleasant and healthier environments for outdoor recreation, potentially increasing opportunities for activities like walking, picnicking, and nature observation in urban settings.

To learn how to apply, see here.

DNR Coastal Program Providing Grants, Celebrating 25 Years
     Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is accepting project funding applications until November 17 for initiatives that benefit the Lake Superior coastal area's natural, economic, recreational, or cultural resources. With approximately $600,000 available for projects starting in fall 2025, the program offers grants in administrative and coastal resource improvement categories, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. Since 1999, the program has distributed over $15.75 million to more than 700 projects, making it a crucial funding source for local communities and partners in the coastal region.

    This program is vital for outdoor recreation in Minnesota because it provides financial support for projects that enhance and protect the Lake Superior coastal area, a significant recreational destination. By funding initiatives that improve natural resources, develop recreational facilities, and manage coastal areas, the program helps create and maintain spaces for various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. This benefits residents and attracts tourists, contributing to the region's economic vitality while ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of Minnesota's valuable coastal resources for future generations to enjoy.

    To learn more about how to apply, see here.

Minnesota Sees a Surge in Exports
     Minnesota's exports of goods reached $7.1 billion in the second quarter of 2024, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth rate surpassed the national average of 5% and ranked among the top nine states. The surge was particularly strong in North American markets, with exports to Canada and Mexico increasing by over 40%.

    This is exciting news for our outdoor economy. This export growth could positively impact Minnesota's outdoor recreation industry in several ways. The increased international demand for Minnesota-made products could extend to outdoor recreation equipment and gear, potentially boosting sales for local manufacturers. The overall economic growth resulting from increased exports may lead to higher disposable incomes for residents, which could translate to increased local participation in outdoor activities and support for related businesses. Minnesota's growing international presence might also attract more foreign visitors interested in experiencing the state's outdoor recreational offerings, benefiting the tourism sector. With a thriving export economy, more resources may be available for investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure, such as parks, trails, and facilities. Additionally, emphasizing innovation and high-quality products in export industries could inspire similar advancements in outdoor recreation technology and equipment produced in Minnesota, further strengthening the state's position in this sector.

ICYMI…
     If you're interested in learning more about how trade policy impacts the outdoor recreation industry, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) recently organized an important online meeting that brought together key figures in the outdoor industry. This virtual gathering examined how U.S. trade policies affect the outdoor recreation sector, a substantial part of the American economy valued at $1.1 trillion. This discussion is particularly timely as the industry faces growing trade uncertainty. The outdoor recreation economy is not only a major source of employment, providing jobs for over five million people. It also plays a crucial role in supporting the nation's economic health and the overall well-being of its citizens, both mentally and physically. The recording of this significant briefing has been made available for those interested in learning more about these pressing issues.

    To view a recording of this meeting, 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.

Keep this Opportunity on Your Radar!
     "Building a Trail-Friendly Community: Three Things You Can Start Today":

This webinar introduces you to three simple, concrete strategies to engage your community, entice locals and visitors, and take the next steps toward making the most of outdoor recreation and trails.

Learn More About the Outdoor Recreation Economy… For Free.
     The Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy at Oregon State University is offering outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to transform their passion into a rewarding career. Their online course, "Foundations of the Outdoor Recreation Economy" (FORE101), is now available for free and provides essential insights into this trillion-dollar industry.

    The outdoor recreation economy generates over $1 trillion in annual economic output and millions of jobs across various sectors. FORE101 covers various topics, including industry sectors, employment pathways, environmental impact, social justice issues, and best practices for accessibility and inclusivity.

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