Legislative Updates

2025 Legislative Action Day – a great success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Legislative Action Day on February 25! Our day kicked off with a discussion led by Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel about GMPT’s legislative activity to date and how members can help in our efforts.

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) Executive Director Renee Mattson updated everyone on projects that were recommended for funding this year, exciting developments on mountain bike trail development, and art in the parks. 

We were also pleased to welcome Brandon Alkire, Legislative Director for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, as one of this year’s guest speakers. Alkire spoke about the important role that Native Americans have played in protecting natural resources and how that intersects with park and trail development. We look forward to finding areas for collaboration in the future!

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen and Assistant Commissioner Shannon Lotthamer provided an updated overview of their strategic priorities and the potential impact of changes at the federal level. We also learned that Commissioner Strommen co-hosts a podcast called “Explore Minnesota More” that can be found on your favorite podcast app (check it out here).

If you were unable to attend the event or just want to review what you learned, click the links below to view the meeting recording, presentation slides, and other advocacy materials.

RECAP: Legislative forum packed with parks & trails legislation information

GMPT’s February 14 legislative update forum once again delivered everything members need to know to stay informed! Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel led 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. If you want to learn more, click the links below to watch the forum recording, view the presentation slides, or read an AI-generated summary. Also make sure to mark your calendars for our next legislative forum at 2pm on Friday, March 14! Click here to register.

---

If you have any questions on these developments or our legislative work, you can reach out to GMPT Lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.