2025 Forums & EventsEconomic Impact of Outdoor Recreation | December 16, 2025This forum featured Randolph Briley, Deputy Director at Explore Minnesota, who provided an overview of Minnesota’s Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report, which highlights the sector’s contribution to jobs, GDP, and community vitality. This session dissected the latest data, explained why outdoor recreation remains a powerful driver of Minnesota’s economy, and offered insights into emerging trends that matter for businesses, policymakers, and local leaders. Whether you work in the industry or simply want to understand its statewide impact, this presentation will give you a clear, data-driven snapshot of where we are and where we’re headed. Click here to read the full forum AI summary. Presentation Slides: Emergency Response Plans | September 11, 2025We’ve all seen the headlines—the frequency of weather-related disasters such as tornadoes, extreme flooding, and vast wildfires has greatly increased over the years as climate change affects our region. The impacts of weather-related events can be devastating, widespread, and difficult to manage, which is exactly why it’s important to be prepared. So, GMPT hosted this webinar to discuss Emergency Response Plans for parks professionals, featuring topics covering everything from COOPs (Continuity of Operations Plans) to storm cleanup efforts to medical response coordination, and more. Climate change isn’t selective—it affects everyone and everywhere—so be sure to learn what you can do to prepare your team! Click here to read the full forum AI summary. Presentation Slides: Recommended Materials: Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation | May 13, 2025Ash trees are such an important forest cover in both urban and natural Minnesota parks and trail corridors. As more of us navigate the mitigation of high-risk, dying trees, and replacing lost canopy, we need to learn together! What is working, what has been cost effective, and what resources are available? Driftless Hiking Trail | March 19, 2025This forum on trail development featured special guest speaker Alexa Shapiro, the Director of the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project. Alexa presented an overview of the project, which aims to create a 100+ mile backpacking trail across southeastern Minnesota’s driftless area, including its goals, timeline, partnerships, and proposed trail routes. The presentation concluded with discussions on how to get involved in the project, potential challenges, and suggestions for further collaboration with local organizations and landowners. Legislative Update | March 14, 2025Due to technical difficulties, this forum was not recorded. Click here to read the forum summary. Elizabeth Wefel, the lobbyist from Flaherty and Hood, provided a legislative update, discussing the current state of the legislative session and the legislative agenda. She also highlighted the importance of member involvement in the legislative lobbying efforts of GMPT and discussed several financial and legislative issues affecting parks and trails funding. Lastly, Elizabeth emphasized the importance of connecting with lawmakers and sharing feedback, and encouraged everyone to stay engaged.Presentation Slides GMPT Legislative Action Day 2025 | February 25, 2025This year’s event provided networking opportunities, speakers from key partners, advice on lobbying, connections with a few government officials, and time for lobbying. The day’s events kicked off with a presentation from GMPT Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel, who provided an in-depth discussion of GMPT’s legislative priorities and some helpful tips on lobbying legislators. Featured speakers included the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen and Assistant Commissioner Shannon Lotthamer, who discussed the strategic initiatives at the DNR, opportunities for partnership, and the tips and tricks on DNR grants. Executive Director Renee Mattson from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) also spoke about the Commission’s latest work. Presentation Slides: Advocacy Materials: Legislative Update | February 14, 2025Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel leads a discussion on recent developments at the legislature, including GMPT’s legislative agenda and several bills affecting parks and trails in Greater Minnesota. The forum covered topics such as legacy funding, administrative costs, local sales tax legislation, and various other bills related to state trails and grants. Elizabeth also addressed concerns about upcoming legislation that could impact cities more than counties and discussed plans for an upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in parkland development. Presentation Slides: Forum: Grant Information | January 28, 2025In this forum all about grants, GMPT staff and representatives from the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC), and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) discuss funding opportunities and answer questions about the process for each one. Presentation Slides: |