GMRPTC Update: So much good news!

Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.

Grant funds at work!
The GMRPTC strives to meet the changing needs and challenges faced by our designated facilities. Commissioners and consultants take into consideration feedback and suggestions for ways to improve our processes and provide assistance in emerging areas of need. One such improvement is the launch of the Environmental and Archeological Review grant. The grant is available on an annual basis, with no set deadline for application. Grant funds are available for application until the fund is depleted, with new funds available starting on July 1 of each year.

At the July 24 meeting, Commissioners approved the first two grants in this new category: Morrison County Belle Prairie Park and Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park—both for Phase I archeological reviews. With archeological review costs ever increasing, these funds will be of great help to both parks and, as importantly, set them up for future success in submitting funding applications with these reviews already complete.  

For more information about the Environmental and Archeological grants, please visit the Commission website at www.gmrptcommission.org.

Universal access is a priority
At the July 24 meeting, Commissioners discussed the important topic of universal access across the system. For a few years now, Connecting People with the Outdoors (CPO) grants have provided funding opportunities for access improvements, multilingual signage, and programming enhancements. In the near future, more funds will be available for CPO, as well as added guidance about ways to make improvements. Look for more information on this subject in future newsletters and on the GMRPTC website.

July 24 Commission Meeting in Warroad
Commission meetings move around the state to take opportunities to visit designated parks and trails. The July meeting was held in Warroad, followed by a tour of Warroad Point Park. Warroad successfully secured a grant of $2.7 million for Phase I improvements to the park, which will provide better and safer lake access for boat launches, as well as the first phase of harbor development, restrooms, and parking lot improvements.