Harness the Power of UP!

Put UP! Outside to work for you

Hello!

I am Karen Umphress. ​After over 20 years as a project manager/business analyst and a decade of working for a non-profit, I started UP! Outside so I could work for myself and for you.

UP! Outside is a different kind of consulting company. My laid-back approach makes it easy for you to work with me and my partner network. But it doesn't detract from my attention to details.

I am a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM) from the University of St. Thomas. I have created projects small and large: from comic books to large design guidelines; from a new software program to a full system software change-out; from a meeting to a training conference; and from a webinar to a full video training program.

Let's work together on your project to achieve success; and have fun while doing it.

Services

UP! Outside and our network of partners can perform many functions for you including:

  • Project management
  • Grant writing and reporting
  • Event management
  • Guidebook creation management
  • Natural surface trail design
  • Cartography
  • Club and Association creation
  • Advocacy training

Because UP! Outside is a sole proprietorship limited liability corporation, I have the freedom to expand work into areas that interest me. I have extensive experience in taking on many roles which will make your corporation or organization move to the next level.

Projects

UP! Outside has experience working on many different types of projects. Some of the types of projects that we work on are:

  • On-road motorcycle event
  • Trail system creation and feasibility studies
  • Design and planning guidebook
  • Children's education tools
  • Software system change out
  • Webinar series
  • Educational video series
  • Training

Recent projects

Border to border map

Border to Border Touring Route

This project is in partnership with Ultimate Trail Consulting and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, partnering with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association. The project entails creating a route across the upper third of Minnesota which extends from Lake Superior to North Dakota. Work includes holding 2 sets of listening sessions to gather input, determine potential and final route, create a set of maps, convey information to local units of government, gather and analyze feedback, submit final route and reports.

Flood Run logo

Flood Run

The Flood Run is a street bike charity run which started in 1965. The Polaris Foundation purchased the trademark for the run and took over the event. The goal was to keep the run as similar as possible to previous runs without any documentation from previous events, hold a charitable event to raise money and awareness of a Gillette Children's Specialty Care hospital, and to document the project for future events.

OSV on Trail

US Forest Service OSV Implementation Guide

The US Forest Service contracted with Great Outdoors Consultants (GOC) to create an implementation guide for over-snow vehicles (OSV). UP! Outside is working with GOC to create the entire guide, content, case studies, photos, illustrations, editing, layout, etc.

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission

Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission

The Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission is tasked with creating and funding regionally significant parks and trails in the 80 counties with make up greater Minnesota. Each of their 6 districts need general operational assistance. UP! Outside provides this assistance to District 1, the northeast district.

UP! Outside has also been contracted to map existing and planned mountain biking facilites in the norther tier of Minnesota.

Club workshop

State of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has commissioned UP! Outside to help form off-highway vehicle clubs and assist them in becoming successful. This project consists of several educational presentations regarding forming clubs such as non-profit and tax exempt information, as well as mentoring assistance for the clubs which will form.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scouts ATV Training

Working with the Polaris Foundation, UP! Outside has been commissioned to create and implement ATV safety programs for the Boy Scouts of America National and World Jamborees. These programs range from bringing in ATV Safety Institute’s (ASI) trainers for the National Jamboree to using the latest technology to provide a rider experience during the World Jamboree.

Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly!

Representing Tread Lightly! at numerous events in the midwest. Setting up and manning booths and sharing the Tread Lightly! outdoor ethics with the public.

MN OHM

State of Minnesota OHM Master Plan

Up! Outside in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and District 23/Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA), is creating a master plan for the use of off-highway motorcycles (OHM) across the State of Minnesota. The master plan will be used to gauge current use and trends, the desires of the riders, current and proposed opportunities, and as a strategic tool to guide the department’s future management of the recreation.

Clients

UP! Outside works with companies, non-profit, and government agencies including:

  • Polaris Foundation
  • Tread Lightly!
  • Great Outdoors Consultants
  • State of Massachusetts
  • Minnesota Greater Parks and Trails Commission
  • Ultimate Trails Consulting
  • Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you about any questions or projects you may have. We work on many different projects, from large to small.

Phone: 612.965.8619
Email: info@upoutside.com

8051 W 195th St
Jordan, MN 55352