FMR Updates

FMR Updates
New Mississippi River critical area rules on the way

At long last, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has published the official notice to adopt new land-use rules for the Mississippi River critical area and our local national park. FMR led the charge to revamp the rules several years ago and has maintained a strong voice for river protection throughout the extensive rulemaking process. While we haven't completed our final analysis, here are a few highlights of the proposed rules, including better protection of scenic views and river bluffs, and an overview of the process. If all goes well, new rules could be in place by the end of 2016!

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Critical area rules govern land use along the river throughout the Twin Cities metro.
Harnessing fire as a conservation tool

Fire was once commonplace on the American landscape. After nearly a century of suppression, it’s making a comeback. Find out why fires are on the rise, and how FMR uses fire as a tool to restore habitat on many of our restoration sites.

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FMR restoration efforts emphasize pollinator health

Pollinators have had a rough go of things lately, with habitat loss and overabundant pesticide use leading to declines in many bee and butterfly species. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. These declines have sparked a renewed interest in pollinators, leading to new initiatives and funding for the conservation of these species. Find out what FMR and others are doing to protect pollinators in Minnesota.

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Unpredictable weather, fuzzy eaglets and great horned owls

This time of transition between winter and spring can be a wishy-washy, ambivalent affair. It’s sunny and 50 degrees, then 20 and snowing. Likewise, some bald eagles are still hanging out in their winter homes or migrating along the Mississippi River, while others are nest-bound, feeding fuzzy eaglets. Another impressive hunter, the great horned owl, is also nesting these days. Luckily, there's great local spots to see all of this avian action, both outside along the Mississippi River and online.

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The eaglets have hatched!
Making the most of the Governor's Water Summit

When over 800 Minnesotans gather in a windowless basement on the first beautiful spring-like day, there must be a compelling reason. In this case the reason was water. Residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes showed up in droves to show their care and concern at the Governor's Water Summit. Among them, of course, were staff from FMR and our fellow water protection colleagues, plus 30 volunteer FMR River Protectors. Together, we made sure our top priorities for clean waters were heard loud and clear. Next up: Turning these basement conversations into noticeable improvements for Minnesotans' waters, communities and wildlife.

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Governor Dayton opening the first ever MN Water Summit
You're invited! Governor's Water Summit Briefing

The Governor's Water Summit is just around the corner. If you're planning to attend, in-person or online, please let us know! (We'd like to invite you to a pre-summit briefing, complete with beer and snacks in downtown St. Paul.)

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - 9:00am to 11:00am
Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Vermillion River Linear Park, Hastings