|
Director’s Note:
A quick word about change: as I look out on February, I’m reminded of how fast outdoor recreation opportunities and interests can evolve. I caught myself the other day telling someone, “This is MN ice-climbing season.” I said this because, over the course of a few weeks, Minnesota will host (or have hosted) three separate ice-climbing festivals in Sandstone, Winona, and Duluth. Ice climbing. In Minnesota? I get the ice part, but the climbing part? Ten years ago, if you had told someone that Minnesota would be the premier ice climbing destination in the US, they would have stared blankly as if a loon was roosting on your head. But it’s true. This dynamic spirit of embracing change is what makes outdoor recreation and the industry it supports so exciting. Interest in activities waxes and wanes (how many times has rollerblading been in and out of fashion?), and our industry thrives on the agility to identify what people want to do outdoors and support their enjoyment. We have a year of change ahead, but we’ll navigate it together. See you out on the ice!
Partnership Updates:
Last month, we reviewed our accomplishments for 2024. Now, we turn to our to-do list for 2025. This will be another year of laying the foundation for success in the future. Here is a sneak peek.
- We will release our first MN outdoor recreation industry impact report in early June. The report aims to provide stakeholders with the data they need to better understand the industry's impact on their local community, whether that means sales, revenue, jobs, etc.
- We will host the first Outdoor Industry Summit at Hyland Hills Chalet in Bloomington, MN, on June 26. The Summit will be an opportunity for industry interests to gather, build community and share knowledge.
- From July through year-end, we plan to embark on an outreach campaign meeting with communities across this great state to share the economic data and gather feedback on ways we can act to grow Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry.
- We plan to host the Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership Community Advisory Group (CAG) in September. The CAG will engage and inform ORIP's work and consist of members from across the state and the industry spectrum.
These are some of the highlights we look forward to in 2025. This is by no means an exhaustive list. The second full year of ORIP will be a busy one. Once we come out the other side, our foundation will be stronger than ever!
Outdoor Industry News:
All 87 Counties Overwhelmingly Love Minnesota’s Outdoors.
It is clear that one topic continues to unite all Minnesotans: the outdoors. Last November, voters showed overwhelming support for environmental conservation by approving an extension of lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The measure received a record-breaking 2.5 million "yes" votes (77.2% approval). It passed in all 87 counties, demonstrating widespread bipartisan commitment to protecting the state's natural resources — a program that now provides over $100 million annually for conservation efforts. Nice work, Minnesota! See the full story here.
ATVs Have Big Impact for Northeastern Minnesota.
A new University of Minnesota Extension study reveals ATV riders contributed $36.1 million to northeastern Minnesota's economy in 2023, specifically benefiting St. Louis, Lake, and Koochiching Counties. The report, presented by the Northeastern ATV Joint Powers Board in January 2025, highlights how ATV tourism has become a major economic driver, supporting hundreds of jobs across various sectors including hospitality, retail, and trail maintenance, with local businesses reporting significant increases in revenue, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Find the study here!
Minnesota is the Epicenter of Teaching the World to Build MTB Trails.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will host its Foundations trail workshops in Minnesota during 2025, with sessions planned for Winona in spring and Duluth in fall. These workshops aim to help create model mountain biking communities by teaching participants about trail planning, design, building, and promotion. This is a fantastic opportunity for local communities interested in building new trails for public enjoyment and economic impact. Find out more information about the program here.
Grant Highlights:
LCCMR:
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Approximately $103 million from the lottery-generated funding is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
The LCCMR is requesting proposals to address updated funding priorities that were established in 2024 following adoption of a new strategic plan. Anyone with a project idea consistent with these priorities may submit a proposal. Priorities fall within the following categories:
A. Resiliency
B. Water
C. Education and Outdoor Recreation
D. Fish and Wildlife
E. Energy
F. Land
G. Small Projects
The 2026 RFP contains an explanation of the LCCMR’s proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR’s online proposal and grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged.
RMAP:
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program or RMAP, encourages the development, whether by start-up or expansion, of small businesses in rural areas.
RMAP loans made to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) offer micro businesses opportunities for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, supplies, real estate and other necessary business assets. Grant funds awarded to MDOs support guidance and education for self-employment and micro business development.
Eligible applicants for the RMAP are non-profits, Indian tribes, or public institutions of higher education. Recipients of RMAP funds establish revolving loan funds and provide business based training and technical assistance to support rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Applications are now being accepted for the deadline of March 31, 2025.
Event(s) Spotlight:
Duluth Sport Show:
The Duluth Sport Show combines two events — a boat/RV show and a deer classic — into one big outdoor recreation event. One ticket gets you access to everything, with displays of boats, RVs, camping gear, hunting and fishing equipment. Dealers will be there showing new models with special show-only discounts. The show is February 13-16 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. More info here.
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon:
For over 40 years, Minnesota’s North Shore has come alive with the excitement of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon race. This race celebrates and honors the spirit of John Beargrease and attracts thousands of worldwide spectators in person and online and hundreds of mushers and volunteers from across the nation.
The series features several races, including the longest sled dog marathon in the lower 48 states. Each race requires mushers to fend off Minnesota’s extreme winter weather and rugged terrain. Join them for the 2025 event, kicking off on March 2, from the comfort of your home or in person! More info here.
Calls 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.
|
