Below is a message from GMPT Chair Joe Tart. You can reach him at joseph.tart@chisagocounty.us.

Hello, GMPT members!

Get excited, because registration for GMPT’s Annual Fall Meeting is now open! Our 2026 Fall Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, as part of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Annual Conference in Duluth! Join us and check out the best of what GMPT and MRPA have to offer.

We'll kick things off at 10:45am on October 21 with our annual business meeting, where we'll recap this year's successes, elect officers, and adopt GMPT's 2027 legislative priorities. Then, join us for a brown bag lunch and networking session, where you'll connect with Greater Minnesota colleagues and highlight the accomplishments of our members. After lunch, GMPT lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel will discuss grant funding and other issues that local and regional parks and trails will face at the legislature in 2027. Learn what you can do to prepare and advocate for Greater Minnesota priorities. Plus, there may be a few surprise visits from legislators!

As a bonus, MRPA has generously invited members who register and attend the Fall Meeting to attend any of the MRPA Annual Conference afternoon breakout sessions at no additional cost if they choose to stay for the remainder of the day. Registration and attendance at the GMPT Fall Meeting is required to take advantage of this opportunity. If you are planning to attend the MRPA Annual Conference on Thursday and Friday, please register for the conference separately through MRPA.

If you are already registered for the MRPA Annual Conference, you do not need to pay an additional registration fee to attend the GMPT Fall Meeting. However, please register using the free option to let us know you'll be there.

Click here to register!

The $38 fee to register includes lunch and materials, as well as access to the afternoon sessions at the MRPA Annual Conference.

If you have any questions about this year's Fall Meeting or future GMPT events, please email us at contact@greatermnparksandtrails.org. Hope to see you there!