Committees

Advocacy plays an integral role in the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota’s work to fulfill our mission. The Parks & Trails Action Team is made up of dedicated people who actively work on behalf of our state’s interconnected systems of parks and trails. Our influential Action Team presence is felt at the Capitol and in cities and local communities throughout the state. Through the combined strength of our grassroots Action Team network and the expertise of volunteer attorneys and natural resource experts, the Parks & Trails Council has become the state’s most powerful voice for parks and trails. Action Team members receive the monthly Action Team newsletter and email updates and alerts providing the latest in-depth information on parks and trails related issues and projects.

Maureen Reed, Chair

The Development Committee is responsible for:

• Developing policies and strategies to establish and meet both short-term and long-term revenue goals
• Ensuring optimum board and donor participation in meeting revenue goals; and
• Providing content expertise on key topics as identified by management.
• Working with the Minnesota Environmental Fund (MEF) to establish workplace payroll deduction giving programs.

Bob Erickson, Chair

The Finance Committee is responsible for guiding, overseeing and supporting the financial and tax practices of the organization, including approval and conformance regarding up-to-date fiscal policies and procedures; development of the annual budget; and ensuring accurate tracking and analysis of financial highlights. The Treasurer serves as Chair, and there are six other voting members, including the President, who are elected at the annual meeting. Others with an interest in Council finances or finance and investment expertise are encouraged to attend.

Tom Pavey, Chair

The function of the Human Resources Committee is to ensure that organizational management goals and activities are consistently being met in an effective and efficient manner. Performance management can include both employee
performance and performance of the organization in relation to management processes and which comply with local, state and federal laws.

Mike Prichard, Chair

This committee is in charge of the Samuel H. Morgan Land Acquisition Fund and the management of its land acquisition projects from start to finish. The committee is elected by the board of directors and has seven voting and several non-voting members. Each land acquisition project has a project manager. Members wanting to help with land acquisition or suggest projects should contact the office.

Mark Larson and Carol Backstrom Co-Chairs

The Legislative Committee is responsible for developing the Parks & Trails Council’s legislative priorities and annual legislative agenda. Committee members actively engage in legislative advocacy at the Capitol and in their communities and promote the Council’s priorities by writing letters, calling legislators, and engaging targeted members of local communities.

Tim Farrell, Chair

This committee is responsible for recruiting new board members and finding speakers for the Annual Dinner and Meeting. Members are welcome to suggest board candidates at any time.

Nan Upin and Erik Nelson, Co-Chairs

This committee helps support all outreach and communications materials and events. Committee members are asked to help develop communications plans, print materials and outreach and marketing campaigns. Outreach Committee members actively volunteer for Parks & Trails Council events and assist with various outreach initiatives.

John Leinen Jr., Organizer

Parks & Trails sponsors two trail clearing trips a year to help build and maintain the treadways of our state's trail system. Trips have included clearing various trails throughout the state and on the North Shore.