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Director’s Note:
Hello, Outdoor Enthusiasts!
As we step into a new season, this month’s newsletter highlights the continued strength and resilience of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation sector. From expanded walleye harvest opportunities and record-setting bicycling participation to key investments in startups and workforce development, there is much to celebrate. We also look ahead to major industry events and collaborative efforts—both statewide and nationally—that are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future for outdoor recreation. Thank you for being part of this growing movement.
See you on the trail! - Randolph
Partnership Updates:
Minnesota DNR Announces 2025 Mille Lacs Lake Walleye Regulations
The search for the elusive walleye is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s summer outdoor recreation economy, so it is great news to see that one of the state’s premiere walleye lakes is healthy enough to allow for increased harvest.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced new walleye regulations for Mille Lacs Lake for the 2025 open water season, running from May 10 to November 30. Anglers can harvest two walleyes daily, with a minimum size of 17 inches, and only one fish over 20 inches. This increase follows years of conservation efforts by the DNR and Ojibwe treaty Tribes, which have helped restore the walleye population to a healthier state. The safe harvest limit for state-licensed anglers is set at 113,600 pounds, while Ojibwe treaty fishers have a limit of 88,000 pounds.
Anglers can visit the Minnesota DNR website for full information on fishing regulations and updates.
Launch Minnesota Awards Over $400,000 to 16 Innovative Startups
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced $400,000 in grants to support 16 innovative Minnesota startups. All but two grantees are startups led by entrepreneurs of color, veterans, women or persons with disabilities or are in Greater Minnesota.
Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants provide up to $35,000 to promising, innovative and scalable technology businesses to use toward operational costs such as research and development, direct business expenses and technical assistance. Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort spearheaded by DEED to support startups and grow Minnesota's innovation ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2019, Launch Minnesota has awarded $9.5 million in grant funding, 64% of which has been awarded to targeted founders. Grant recipients have raised more than $240 million in additional post-award funding.
I’m highlighting this program for two reasons: this is a very important program for start-ups in Minnesota, and if you review the list of recipients, there are no outdoor recreation start-ups. Hopefully, we can see the next rollerblades in future cohorts!
Outdoor Industry News:
Snowsports Can Grow, If Only Mother Nature Would Cooperate
A recent article from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis discusses the challenges faced by snow sport businesses in the Ninth District, encompassing states like Minnesota, due to inconsistent winter weather patterns.
Key Points:
- Economic Impact of Snow Sports: snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and snowboarding are significant contributors to winter tourism in these states. For instance, businesses like the Pequaywan Inn in northeastern Minnesota can derive up to half of their annual revenue during snowy winters.
- Fluctuating Participation: participation in these snow sports has varied over the past decade, correlating closely with snowfall levels. Snowy winters, such as those in 2018 and 2019, saw increased activity, while milder winters led to declines.
- Snowmaking and Operational Challenges: ski areas often use snowmaking equipment to mitigate natural snow shortages, but this process is costly and less effective during warmer temperatures. Snowmobiling relies heavily on natural snowfall, making it more vulnerable to inconsistent winter conditions.
- Adaptation Strategies: some businesses are diversifying their offerings to counteract unpredictable winters. For example, the owners of the Pequaywan Inn are considering adding all-terrain vehicle rentals to reduce dependence on winter revenues.
In summary, while snow sports have potential for growth, winter weather reliability remains a critical factor influencing the success of related businesses in the region.
The 25 in 2025 Campaign Kicks Off
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), along with the Confluence of States and over 110 leading outdoor recreation organizations from across the United States, launched the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign. They are challenging states to create the 25th office of outdoor recreation in this calendar year, following 24 other states (including Minnesota!) who have created such offices since 2013. In the coming months, the campaign will highlight the accomplishments and importance of existing offices of outdoor recreation with new resources and research that will culminate in a convening this fall to celebrate the 25th state.
The ’25 in 2025’ campaign follows a historic year for the outdoor recreation economy that included passage of the EXPLORE Act, the most comprehensive update to outdoor recreation policy in recent history, as well as a new data release from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showing that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion (2.3% of GDP) and 5 million jobs for the U.S. economy in 2023, growing 36% in real terms since 2012.
Catalyst is Coming to Minnesota
The Catalyst Conference 2025 is set to take place on September 9-10, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, bringing together sustainability leaders, product innovators, and changemakers from across the outdoor industry. This must-attend event will focus on advancing people by strengthening worker safety, fostering leadership, analyzing consumer trends, and encouraging collaboration. It will also highlight innovations in product development by enhancing compliance, improving data management, and integrating sustainable practices. Additionally, the conference will address environmental responsibility by exploring ways to lower emissions, increase product durability, adopt clean chemistry solutions, and implement producer responsibility initiatives.
With registration opening soon, now is the time to mark your calendar and prepare to engage with industry leaders shaping the future of sustainability in outdoor recreation. To get a sense of the conference’s impact, check out the Catalyst Conference 2024 recap and see how past discussions have driven meaningful change.
Bicycling Participation Hits Record High in 2024, with Youth Leading the Surge
The 2024 U.S. Bicycling Participation Study, released by PeopleForBikes, reveals that 112 million Americans aged 3 and older—35% of the population—rode a bicycle at least once in 2024, marking the highest participation rate since the study's inception in 2014.
Notably, youth participation (ages 3 to 17) increased from 49% to 56%, reversing a decline observed since 2018. This surge suggests the emergence of a new generation of lifelong cyclists. However, safety concerns persist, with 53% of riders expressing worry about vehicle collisions, highlighting the need for continued investment in safe cycling infrastructure.
The study also found that 50% of riders are familiar with local bike lanes, paths, and trails. Additionally, traveling to social or recreational activities has become the primary reason for transportation cycling, surpassing errands and shopping.
These insights are based on surveys from 16,000 adults nationwide and provide valuable data to guide industry investments, advocacy efforts, and infrastructure development
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Launches Workforce Consortium
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) recently launched the National Outdoor Recreation Workforce Consortium in partnership with the West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.
The Consortium unites private-sector outdoor recreation interests with leading 2- and 4-year institutions to provide career and technical education for the outdoor recreation workforce. Its goal is to better prepare companies, higher education institutions, and the workforce for tomorrow’s outdoor recreation career opportunities.
To learn more about the Consortium see here. To share your interest in being involved with the Consortium, email orr@recreationroundtable.org.
Program Highlights:
Outdoor Retailer’s Hosted Buyer Program
Outdoor Retailer has opened applications for its hosted buyer program, subsidizing travel expenses for qualified retailers attending the June 2025 show. Targeting product development teams, independent specialty retailers, and omnichannel retailers poised to purchase outdoor apparel, footwear, gear, and related products, the program offers several benefits
- Travel Assistance: Financial support to offset travel costs.
- Concierge-Led Matchmaking: Assistance in discovering new brands and products, scheduling appointments, and building relationships.
- Educational and Networking Opportunities: Access to multiple days of education sessions and direct connections with industry leaders.
The Outdoor Retailer show is scheduled for June 18-20 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retailers interested in participating can apply through the Outdoor Retailer website.
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
The Job Creation Fund provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying jobs, constructing or renovating facilities, or making other property improvements. Companies may sometimes receive awards of up to $2 million.
The Minnesota Job Creation Fund can be a valuable resource for outdoor recreation businesses looking to expand, create jobs, and invest in their operations. This funding can support facility expansions, new product lines, or hiring skilled workers. By leveraging the Job Creation Fund, outdoor recreation businesses can strengthen their workforce, enhance their capacity, and contribute to Minnesota’s thriving outdoor economy while benefiting from financial support that offsets growth-related costs.
For further Information, see here.
Event Spotlight:
Access for Older Adults with Specific Needs
Nature enriches lives at every age, offering benefits to our health and well-being. Learn more during this free, one-hour Access for Older Adults with Specific Needs webinar, Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Central. You will hear from four inspiring programs from across Minnesota that support access to nature for people with specific challenges – dementia, Parkinsons, and vision impairment - and also learn about the Age-Friendly Minnesota Nature Resource Center.
Hear from Minnesota program leaders pioneering inclusive nature engagement, and gain inspiration and practical ideas to create meaningful, safe, and enjoyable outdoor experiences for yourself, loved ones, or those you serve. Participants will learn practical tips and considerations for adapting outdoor experiences to ensure that nature remains accessible and enriching for all.
Register now at this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/
ZmdYoaQ1TrWoMxDvQm4GKw#/registration
The Inaugural Strib Unbound Comes to Theo Wirth
Join the Minnesota Star Tribune for a celebration of the state’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities at Strib Unbound: Outdoor Adventure For All on April 26, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead in Minneapolis. This free, family-friendly event will showcase non-motorized outdoor activities, with a focus on biking, camping, hiking, and paddling. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, expert presentations, food, music, and a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
The event features an exciting lineup of speakers and performers, including Mikah Meyer, a world-record-setting adventurer and advocate for inclusivity in outdoor spaces; Yia Vang, award-winning chef and owner of Vinai; Emily Vikre, co-founder of Vikre Distillery and celebrated author; and musical performances by Bizhiki and Thomas Sticha.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend the day outside, Strib Unbound offers an inclusive space to connect, learn, and experience the best of Minnesota’s great outdoors.
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