March Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Hello, Outdoor Enthusiasts!

In this edition of the newsletter, we’re diving into key industry updates—from inspiring conservation milestones to economic trends that impact outdoor businesses. We’re also celebrating the changemakers shaping our recreation landscape, highlighting upcoming events, and sharing valuable resources to help businesses thrive. Whether you’re a paddler, angler, entrepreneur, or advocate, there’s something here for you. Let’s gear up for a season of adventure!

Happy reading and see you outside!

Partnership Updates:

On Wednesday, February 19, Explore Minnesota held its annual Tourism Conference. The Outdoor Industry Leadership Partnership (ORIP) hosted civic leaders from Winona, MN, to discuss their recent experiences leveraging outdoor recreation for economic development and improving residents' quality of life. If you are interested, you can find a panel recording here.

Explore Minnesota More released its 20th episode on Thursday, February 27. In this episode, we highlighted the fantastic work of the small team behind the 10,000K Kids Ice Angler project. The key takeaway is that passionate champions can significantly impact people’s lives through outdoor recreation. We need to find these champions and support their work.

In some good economic news, a recent survey by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis reveals that most Minnesota manufacturers anticipate improving or stable business conditions in 2025. More than 85% of the 232 respondents expect positive trends in order volume, production, investments, profitability, and productivity despite challenges with labor availability. While 77% foresee a tight labor market, around 70% predict wage increases of at least 3% to attract and retain workers. In 2023, manufacturing accounted for $58.1 billion, or 12% of the state’s economy, employing 11% of the state’s workforce with an average annual wage of $79,000. DEED projects over 93,000 job openings in manufacturing production through 2032, underscoring the industry’s crucial role in Minnesota’s economy.

Outdoor Industry News:

This month, a significant topic in outdoor recreation is the potential implications of federal employment levels. The recent reduction of over 2,000 positions within the Department of the Interior, including around 1,000 roles from the National Park Service, has raised important considerations regarding the future of outdoor recreation across the United States. These changes have sparked discussions about the maintenance and accessibility of our vital federal public lands.

Additionally, there are valid concerns regarding the impact of reduced services, which may result in fewer open campgrounds, longer entry lines, and challenges in facility upkeep. Reducing essential staff, such as emergency medical technicians and firefighters, raises important safety considerations and may impact our capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters like wildfires.

However, while there was apprehension regarding the potential impact on seasonal hiring within our National Parks, we were encouraged by the advocacy efforts of outdoor recreation organizations. In response, Secretary Burgum recently announced the intention to hire 5,000 seasonal employees to support the upcoming busy summer season.

We will closely observe the potential effects on our outdoor recreation industry and engage in constructive dialogue as we navigate these changes.

Duluth Pack Sold
Historic Minnesota manufacturer Duluth Pack, known for its handcrafted canvas and leather bags since 1882, has been acquired by Minnesota businessman Kevin Hall and an unnamed partner. The ownership transition, which took effect on February 20, 2025, marks the end of Tom Sega's tenure as owner and CEO since 2007. Hall emphasized that while the company's core values, Duluth location, and commitment to quality will remain unchanged, customers can expect to see new faces and fresh perspectives in the company's communications. The 140-year-old company, which has expanded beyond its original canvas bags to include apparel and outdoor equipment, has already begun implementing changes with a light remodel of its Canal Park Drive store in Duluth.

The Nature Conservancy Hits a Huge Milestone Across Upper Midwest
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is celebrating the protection of 1 million acres of land across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota over 70 years. This includes over 700,000 acres in Minnesota alone. This land includes forests, grasslands, and freshwater areas, providing clean water, wildlife habitats, and spaces for outdoor activities. While some land is publicly owned, much is kept in private hands with conservation agreements that ensure sustainable use. TNC collaborates with partners, landowners, and Tribal Nations to preserve these natural areas for future generations and aims to continue expanding its conservation efforts.

Program Highlight:

Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program
The STEP program provides financial and technical assistance to qualifying Minnesota small businesses interested in exporting products or services to foreign markets. Participants may be first-time exporters or companies currently exporting but interested in expanding into new international markets. The STEP program can be valuable for outdoor recreation businesses looking to expand beyond Minnesota and reach international markets. Many outdoor brands—such as manufacturers of camping gear, fishing equipment, paddle sports gear, winter sports products, and technical apparel—have strong potential for global demand. For Further Information: https://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/export-financing/

Event Spotlight:

Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo
The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo celebrates “fly fishing, its environs and the people who share in its majesty.” The expo is the largest fly-fishing event in the region. With vendors from the Midwest and across the country, including fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits, they offer the newest and best in the world of fly fishing. The expo strongly emphasizes fly fishing education, and there will be over three dozen free programs and seminars, as well as ongoing free casting instruction over the three days of the event. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Minnesota Trout Unlimited. The expo takes place March 21-23, in St. Paul. For more information, see here.

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