Outdoor Retailer Urges Community to Oppose Federal Legislation Threatening Minnesota Boundary Waters, New Home of Reimagined August 2026 Show

February 19, 2026

Rally for the Boundary Waters set for August 19 at Outdoor Retailer with Amy and Dave Freeman, National Geographic Adventurers, and ultrarunner Alex Falconer

MINNEAPOLIS (February 19, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – As federal legislation moves to challenge long-standing protections for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Outdoor Retailer, the national gathering of the North American outdoor community, is calling on the outdoor community to take a stand now in defense of one of America’s most iconic wild places. That shared resolve will carry into the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show in Minneapolis, where a powerful evening rally on August 19 at 5:30PM will bring together National Geographic adventurers and advocates, Amy and Dave Freeman, and ultrarunner and state representative Alex Falconer to highlight the personal, environmental, and economic stakes of preserving the Boundary Waters.

The rally, the closing event of Industry Day programming at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is designed to energize and mobilize attendees through compelling stories and clear calls to action. Amy and Dave Freeman, who spent 365 days immersed in the Boundary Waters, will share firsthand experiences from one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the United States. Joining them is Alex Falconer, who completed a fastest-known-time 100-mile wilderness run while actively supporting Boundary Waters advocacy efforts. Together, they will underscore the ongoing urgency of protecting public lands and the essential role the outdoor community plays as federal protections face renewed threats.

“This is more than just a gathering, it’s the outdoor community stepping up for the future of the Boundary Waters,” said Sunny Stroeer, co-founder of the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village. “We’re bringing the outdoor community together in Minnesota to recognize what’s at stake and to stand up for a place that defines wilderness in America. Moments like this remind us that our industry has both a voice and a responsibility.”

“Protecting the Boundary Waters is about safeguarding clean water, wildlife habitat, and a way of life upon which generations of families and outdoor enthusiasts depend,” said Samantha Chadwick, associate director at Save the Boundary Waters. “This collective action is an opportunity to turn passion into impact and show decision-makers that the outdoor community will not stay silent when this extraordinary place is at risk.”

A Full Day of Learning, Capped by an Evening Rally

The Boundary Waters rally follows a full day of programming designed to equip retailers and brands for the future. The Retailer Playbook Lab (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) features hands-on workshops focused on modernizing operations, deepening customer engagement, and navigating a rapidly evolving retail landscape, concluding with a keynote from Eoin Comerford, founder of Outside Consulting. Industry Day (1:30 PM–5:00 PM) delivers fast-paced sessions examining the forces shaping the outdoor sector, from innovation and consumer behavior to policy and sustainability.

Industry Day is open and free for all registered badge holders. The Retailer Playbook Lab is complimentary and reserved exclusively for registered retailers. The evening rally is free to attend, with RSVP required. Retailers interested in travel support can apply through Outdoor Retailer’s Hosted Buyer Program, available on the Outdoor Retailer website.

About Save the Boundary Waters

Save the Boundary Waters is the locally based, national campaign led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in the Wilderness-edge town of Ely, Minnesota. Save the Boundary Waters leads and mobilizes a national coalition of 400+ conservation, access, hunting & fishing organizations & businesses and has been working tirelessly for more than a decade to permanently protect the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, & Canada’s Quetico Park from copper mining. Their work combines advocacy, litigation, and strong partnerships and a brilliant team of advisors, legal experts, and staff working to protect the Boundary Waters forever, for everyone.

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com (781) 640-8387 or marybeth@cgprpublicrelations.com