Friends of the Mississippi River

Mississippi River News

Join us at the Mississippi Makeover Open House

How can we transform a portion of the Mississippi River into a clean and abundant natural resource for wildlife, people and local communities? You are invited to learn about one possible plan to do just that January 28th. Read more…

DNR begins river rulemaking process — public comments and committee applicants sought

The DNR has kicked off rulemaking for the Mississippi River Critical Area with a comprehensive website, an official request for public comments and the establishment of stakeholder advisory committees to further review and comment on drafted rules. Read more…

Outdoor Heritage Council recommends funding FMR

FMR and other Metro Big Rivers Habitat Project partners have been recommended for state funding by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Read more…

[Photo: Amid rising concerns over the effects that road salt has on Minnesota's water resources, many river communities are trying to balance public safety and water quality.]

Featured Photo

Amid rising concerns over the effects that road salt has on Minnesota's water resources, many river communities are trying to balance public safety and water quality.

More river photos & videos…

Minneapolis Parks to buy Scherer Bros. lumberyard site

The Minneapolis Park Board has taken steps to purchase nine acres along the Mississippi River in the northeast part of the city — an exciting opportunity to expand riverfront parks and trails north of downtown! Read more…

Our volunteers have spoken!

FMR recently surveyed our Gorge Stewards volunteers to learn about their 2009 experiences with us. Here is what they had to say... Read more…

A fond farewell to Ellen Fuge

Everyone at FMR would like to thank botanist and ecologist Ellen Fuge for all that she contributed during her brief yet busy time at the organization. Read more…

January — Cracking trees and other scary winter tales

Druids, arboreal voodoo and wood-boring beetles: this month’s phenology column has it all. Read more…

Whose view? From where? — January 2010

Do you recognize this view? Can you tell us something where it is or why it is significant? Tell us about it! Read more…

Facebook fans make river resolutions

We asked FMR’s Facebook friends what they would resolve for the river this year. Here’s what they had to say... Read more…

Sign up early for popular workshops

It may still be snowing, but this is the perfect time to sign up for FMR’s river-friendly gardening and landscaping workshops. These classes cover raingardens, native plants and all the important watershed-wise basics — and they quickly filled in 2009! Read more…

Cutting back the winter salt

Amid rising concern over road salt’s effects on Minnesota's water resources, local public works officials are balancing public safety and water quality with increasingly complex winter road management. Read more…

Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program takes important step

In 2006, voters in Washington County overwhelmingly passed a $20 million referendum to protect water quality, woodlands and other natural areas. Three years later, the program still has not been initiated by the County Board and voters, landowners and conservation professionals are getting frustrated. On December 15th, the County Board took an important step toward implementation by approving a 2010 budget that includes debt service on the bonds needed to launch to program. Read more…

Riverfront parcel protected in Hastings

November 18, 2009 was a good day for the Mississippi River. On that day the Dakota County Farmland and Natural Area Program completed a Conservation Easement for a five-acre parcel located along the river bluffs in Hastings. Read more…