Age-Friendly Minnesota recently released “A Field Scan of Older Adults and Nature in Minnesota” outlining needs…
Message from GMPT Chair Mike Nigbur: Another successful Legislative Action Day in the books!
I want to thank all of the people that came to the GMPT’s Legislative Action Day on Feb. 26. It was a day filled with networking, education, and even some fun.
We had Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Sarah Strommen participate and share her perspectives on the DNR priorities across their system and various partnerships. We had Executive Director Renee Mattson along with Chair Tom Ryan and Project Plan Coordinator Joe Czapiewski from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission provide an overall commission update and insight on the new master plan improvements. We also had Dan Golner and Mai Moua from the DNR grants program share information on grants available through their agency and their thoughts and pitfalls regarding grant submissions. Students from Minnesota State Mankato also participated; it is great to see our next generation of parks and recreation leaders spending their time with us to help advocate for our parks and trails.
I would be remiss if I did not express our appreciation to Sen. Carrie Ruud for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with our group to share her support for parks and trails across the state. GMPT members also met with other legislators, attended some hearings, and worked the floor promoting parks and trails and the funding needed.
Our work is not yet done, however. You will likely receive action alerts from us during the session that urge you to make some personal contacts on legislation that we are trying to move forward. Additionally, there could be action alerts on legislation that may be adverse to parks and trails. When those alerts are forwarded, we need your help to make those needed contacts.
If you missed out this year’s Legislative Action Day, I am sure we will have one again next year, so plan ahead.