In the Media
FMR is proud to serve as the voice for the Mississippi River and the people who care about it — at the Capitol, in our communities and in the media. Many thanks to the reporters who take the time to cover important river issues.
Despite agencies like the DNR and others objecting to aspects of the Environmental Impact Study for a mine proposal in Cottage Grove, the city council approved the review.
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies.
FMR's Land Conservation team is working with the City of Otsego to restore Highlands of River Pointe Park. Part of a former farmstead, this ecologically rich preserve holds oak savanna, woodland and floodplain habitats. The public preserve lies within a bend of the Crow River before it flows into the Mississippi.
FMR Conservation Director Alex Roth talked about the importance of Pine Bend Bluffs as habitat for birds and other species — and how thousands of volunteers for 25 years have been making a difference there.
As community members push for a strong critical area ordinance, organizations including FMR came together to host a town hall with Mayor Melvin Carter to ask about these riverfront rules, Ford Area C and more.
Companies advancing clean energy products and systems say for a sustainable environment, they need to mine for materials like nickel. But natural resource defenders in Minnesota say mining creates environmental harm by putting water sources at risk.
If you missed our Plants, Pollinators and Pints events, check out The Northeaster's recap, which includes native gardening tips.
The cutoff wall, a vital component of the infrastructure around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, has drawn attention in recent years due to questions about its ownership and maintenance. A study is underway, but it won't resolve everything.
In this commentary, FMR's water program director explains how a biofuels tax provision in a federal bill includes an accounting trick with a potentially dire outcome for the environment.
The DNR and Army Corps are assessing different methods for the invasive carp barrier slated to be done by 2029, the third of its kind in the country. FMR Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted.
Ignoring a key emissions measurement known as "indirect land use change" would undermine climate goals, threaten water quality and violate basic scientific principles. FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell is quoted.
Our LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Demonstration Box Tending on Nicollet Island volunteer event made it into Lavender's Pride guide.
FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark's letter to the editor states: "Here’s what the science says: If done responsibly, including by prioritizing winter-hardy oilseeds, SAF would not only lower aviation emissions — it would drastically reduce agriculture pollution and give Minnesota cleaner, healthier waters. If not done responsibly? SAF could do more harm than good."
St. Paul's draft rules to guide riverfront development in the critical area isn't as strong as they could be, especially around bird-safe building. FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark calls for Saint Paul to be a “true river city” and adopt stronger MRCCA language.
FMR's Trevor Russell explains why we're on board to turn Minnesota into a hub for sustainable aviation fuel: Growing winter oilseeds for lower-carbon aviation here would mean no new agricultural acres, more income for farmers and healthier waters for us all.