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In this episode, we sit down with Ray Ruiz, founder and executive director of Baztec, an organization dedicated to introducing fishing and outdoor recreation to underserved communities in Minnesota. Ray shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a passionate angler and educator. He discusses the importance of family-centric approaches to outdoor recreation, the challenges of engaging diverse communities, and his vision for creating high school bass fishing teams. Ray emphasizes the value of building trust and getting uncomfortable when working with new communities. He also highlights the personal rewards of passing down fishing knowledge through generations and the potential for outdoor recreation to open up new career paths for youth. Throughout the conversation, Ray's enthusiasm for fishing and commitment to community service shines through, offering inspiration for listeners to get involved in outdoor activities and share their passion with others.

Credits:
Guest: Ray Ruiz, Founder and Executive Director of Baztec
Hosts: Lauren Bennett McGinty and Sarah Strommen
Intrepid Field Correspondent/Producer: Randolph Briley
Original Music by: Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake

Important Links:

• Baztec
• Learn to Fish - MN DNR
• Fishing - Explore Minnesota
• Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership
• Minnesota Junior BASS Nation

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In the inaugural episode of Explore Minnesota More, hosts Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, and Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, delve into the remarkable transformation of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Once an abandoned mining region, Cuyuna has now become a premier outdoor recreation destination, thanks to the vision and hard work of the local community.

Guests Aaron Hautala and Vern Lewis share their personal experiences and insights into the challenges and triumphs of Cuyuna's evolution. From the early efforts to create a state recreation area to the incredible impact of mountain biking and outdoor activities on the local economy, this episode explores the power of community collaboration and the potential of outdoor recreation to revitalize a region.

Whether you're an avid mountain biker, a paddling enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of outdoor recreation, this episode offers an inspiring look at how a community can turn natural resource challenges into sustainable opportunities. Tune in to find out why Cuyuna should be your next must-visit destination for adventure and inspiration.

Cuyuna Adventure Town USA
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew
Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association
Blandin Foundation
International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA)
Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Special thanks to Andrew Haaheim for composing our theme song!