From the Chair: The most wonderful time of the year

Below is a message from GMPT Chair Gina Hugo. You can reach her at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us.

Hello GMPT Members! We are so grateful for each of you and all you do to make nature accessible to Minnesotans and all the visitors who flock to our state! It is my FAVORITE time of year—one month before the Summer Solstice and the months to follow. I hope the sun brings you the same positive energy and fuels your passion for providing quality outdoor experiences to everyone.

I just visited Acadia National Park in Maine! Yes, it was stunning! It also made me realize how lucky we are to have incredible areas just a drive away. No need to fly halfway across the Country—just hop in the car and drive to one of the hundreds of local parks or trails across the 80 counties of our state. This is all thanks to YOU! Whether you are a business member, agency employee, or volunteer—your contribution makes a difference.

If you haven’t yet registered for the summer meeting, don’t miss the chance to celebrate this great work with us and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails Commission (GMRPTC)! We will meet in Elk River’s Woodland Trails Park, enjoy locally made artisan pizza, hear from DNR Commissioner Sara Strommen, get a shot at trying archery, AND you can bring your bike and hop on the connecting Great Northern Regional Trail. Check below for registration details.

Also, be sure to check out all the great articles in this issue of our newsletter! We especially want to highlight the fact that the GMRPTC is opening a SECOND grant application period! If you have a project that is ready to go—this funding round is for current FY dollars and can be used as soon as a grant contract is executed this year. More information is provided below from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson.

Enjoy the best of summer—see you on July 17th!