Two days of public meetings in Duluth in early April will offer information and opportunities to collaborate on cross-border tourism initiatives. The HOCP Roundtable and Recreation Summit will feature a hands-on workshop, and evening of food, drink and interesting speakers, and a presentation about volunteer organizing.
The event is hosted by the Heart of the Continent Partnership, “a Canadian/American coalition of land managers and local stakeholders working together on cross-border projects that promote the economic, cultural and natural health of the lakes, forests and communities on the Ontario/Minnesota border. ”
The group has partnered with National Geographic to develop a comprehensive website for tourists to plan visits to the region. Its goal is to increase the number of people visiting and connect people who care for it. Travel the Heart now has 600 nominations, with more to be added at the workshop.
“Travel the Heart” Recreation and Tourism Summit
Thursday, April 6 – 1 p.m.
Paulucci Building, MN DNR offices
A workshop for businesses that offer adventure, food, drink, or accommodations. Participants will help identify and map the region’s special values, places, and stories. Learn how to navigate the website, create a page, and how geo-tourism benefits communities.
Thursday Evening Presentations
Thursday, April 6, 5:30 p.m.
Clyde Iron Works Event Center
- Emily Larson, mayor, Duluth: The importance of urban public lands and outdoor recreation
- Paul Danicic, executive director, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness: Economic impact of Outdoor Recreation of the BWCAW.
- Aric Fishman, author of ‘Thunder Bay Climbing: A Guide to Northwestern Ontario’s Best Kept Secret”: Outdoor Skills and Thrills
- Dave Pagel: Casket Quarry: Back from the Dead, the unlikely story of how a group of local outsiders became activists, and how ice climbing has transformed an abandoned industrial site into a regional asset for outdoor recreation.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation: History of a successful volunteering organization
Friday, April 7, 8 a.m.
Superior National Forest Headquarters
Registration is free but requested for planning purposes. Meals and refreshments are not included, except for possible pizza Thursday evening. Discounted hotel rooms are available at Pier B resort. Click here for information and registration.