HOCP Quarterly Meeting
January 30 – 31, 2014
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park Headquarters (day 1)
360 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649 – (218) 283-6600
Voyageurs National Park’s Rainy Lake Visitor Center (day 2)
1797 Township Road 342, International Falls, MN – 218-286-5258
Notes:
- Please register online using the form below. Not required but very helpful.
- Print directions in advance. There is no wi-fi and spotty mobile phone service in the park. There is free wi-fi at the Coffee Landing in International Falls.
- For a printable PDF version of this invitation, click here.
- See below for what to bring, lodging, meals, costs
- All times are Central Standard Time
Day 1: Thursday, January 30
Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, 360 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649 (from International Falls, take Highway 11 East approximately 1 mile. Turn left once you see the Voyageurs National Park Headquarters building on the left with 4 flags flying) (218) 283-6600.
11:30 am | Informal lunch at Coffee Landing (444 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649) (218) 373-2233
1:30 pm | Welcome and Introductions: Frank Jewell, HOCP Steering Committee Chair, and Rob Eckland, Koochiching County Board Chair
2:00 pm | Park Update – Mike Ward, VNP Superintendent
2:30 pm | Presentation/Discussion: “The Heart of the Continent Rocks.” | We’ll explore the geologic story of the heart of the continent and discuss what it means to you (i.e. recreation, tourism, education, etc.) Led by: Interpretive Park Rangers Chris Amidon & Justin Olson
3:30 pm | Break
4:00 pm | Updates: HOCP Geotourism Initiative and Volunteer Initiative.
4:30 pm | Presentation: “Economic Development in a Small Gateway Community.” Tannis Drysdale, a economic development practitioner from Fort Frances, will share her experiences and insights in the implementation of programs and strategies, and invite us to all compare notes.
5:30 pm | Adjourn
6:00 pm | Dinner, catered in (cost $17: collected cash or check on site—let us know if you have dietary restriction)
7:30 pm | Community Presentation: Destination Voyageurs National Park: Joe Mershon will share an exciting collaboration success story—a volunteer, community-based, grassroots program to enhance local tourism.
Day 2: Friday, January 31
Voyageurs National Park’s Rainy Lake Visitor Center, 1797 Township Road 342, International Falls, MN (11 miles from town).
8:30 am | Informal Breakfast (Coffee/tea and pastries provided.) If you want full breakfast, there are many good local options available.
9:00 am | NPS Pilot Program Presented by Park Ranger Steve Mazur. Join Park Ranger/Airplane Pilot Steve Mazur to learn about the park’s aviation program and others who have flown the skies of the area. Weather and lake conditions permitting, Steve will land the park plane. Everyone will have a chance to see inside the plane.
9:30 am | 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Kris Reichenbach of the Superior National Forest will lead a short presentation and discussion.
10:00 am | HOCP Topics, as needed
10:30 am | Field Trip: Snowshoe Hike. Ranger guided snowshoe hike on the Oberholtzer Trail, led by Lisa Maass, VNP Exotics Interpretive Ranger. Bring warm clothes. See below.
12:00 noon | Adjourn
12:30 pm | Informal Lunch at Margaritas, International Falls, MN. 1323 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-3333. Those who can will informally join for lunch before departing.
What to Bring
Please bring warm clothing and boots, for the Friday morning field-trip. It could be as cold as -20°F, or perhaps a balmy +10 ° F. Park staff will have extra warm gear for those who need it.
Lodging
Participants are responsible to book and pay for their own lodging. The following two places are nearby and are holding some rooms available until January 25th. Please contact them directly to book a room.
• Thunderbird Lodge: 2170 County Road 139, International Falls, MN 56649. (218) 286-3151
• AmericInn: 1500 U.S. 71, International Falls, MN 56649. (218) 283-8000
Meals
One meal, Thursday evening dinner, will be catered in, and the cost collected at the time (approximately $17). Other meals will be on your own, including the informal pre-meeting lunch Thursday at the Coffee Landing (444 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649. (218) 373-2233, and post-meeting lunch at Margaritas, International Falls, MN. 1323 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-3333.
Costs
No cost to participate in the meetings. The only costs to plan for are lodging (book your own) and meals (one meal catered in, cost of approximately $17 to be collected at the time).
Questions: Feel free to call or email with any questions: Tawnya Schoewe, meeting coordinator: phone number (218) 283-6670, [email protected]; or Bret Hesla, HOCP coordinator: [email protected]