FMR Updates

Why it's time for a new federal river program (MRRRI) that supports farmers

by Trevor Russell

August 9, 2021

When it comes to agriculture, the proposed Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative would help farmers improve soil, enhance water quality, reduce nutrient loss and boost profitability — goals policymakers of all stripes should agree with. >>

2021 Gulf of Mexico dead zone far bigger than expected

by Peter LaFontaine

August 4, 2021

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is three times bigger than it "should" be. Here's what you can do to help restore balance to the Gulf and the Mississippi River. >>

2021 Environmental Stewardship Institute

by Ashley O'Neill Prado, by Laura Mann Hill, by Sophie Downey

August 1, 2021

FMR's third year of the Environmental Stewardship Institute, themed Resilient Waters: Building Community and Connection, wrapped up with spectacular projects from our high school-aged fellows — everything from comic books to interactive websites on topics ranging from composting to pollinators. >>

Field days provide a Forever Green respite from this dry summer

by Peter LaFontaine

July 30, 2021

This summer has been droughty (and recently, smoky), leaving some conventional crops in trouble. But there are plenty of green growing fields and exciting developments when it comes to some of FMR's favorite clean-water crops. Here's a recap of a few field visits that make us hopeful for our state and our river. >>

What's missing from the Upper Harbor Terminal environmental review

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 28, 2021

We're anticipating several key Minneapolis city council votes on the Upper Harbor Terminal development project this fall. Next up is the project's environmental review. Here's what we think is missing from this report and how this important, mile-long riverfront redevelopment in North Minneapolis could be better. >>

2021 Legislative session wrap-up

by Trevor Russell

July 20, 2021

Here’s where major water-related environmental bills and issues stand at the long-delayed conclusion of the 2021 legislative session, including future water train proposals, PFAS and more. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

July 19, 2021

Ramsey County is grappling with a big question: Is responding to both our climate crisis and affordable housing crisis a zero-sum game? How can we create the housing the Twin Cities needs, while also preserving the homes of other species whose populations are collapsing? >>