To get to our clean water goals in Minnesota, we need to plant more perennial and cover crops. But these crops need to be profitable before farm operations can effectively make the change. To address this challenge, two bills were introduced in mid-February in the house and senate that will fully fund the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. >>
Latest News
The frozen Mississippi River invites us to pause for a closer look, and our winter submissions eloquently capture the unique aspects of the river through winter's lens. >>
February 2019
The City of Minneapolis is moving quickly to advance the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan along 1 mile of riverfront in Northside Minneapolis. The plan allows private interests to take the lead and reap the majority of benefits from this publicly-owned property.
Minneapolis residents, join us in telling your city council representative and Mayor Frey that we can do better before the council's committee meeting on February 19. >>
January 2019
This city-owned barge terminal in North Minneapolis closed in 2014. On February 19, a city council committee will vote on a plan that lays out its future, impacting not only this 1 mile stretch of riverfront but the larger Northside community. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR.)
The Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal site is key to improving the North Minneapolis riverfront. Done correctly, the redevelopment of this city-owned site can better connect residents with the river and be a model of sustainability and community wealth-building. So why would the city let private companies take the lead and reap the majority of benefits? >>
February 2019
In late January, a key House committee approved legislation to fix last year’s controversial raid on Minnesota’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. FMR lobbyist Molly Pederson testified in support of the bill. >>
January 2019
The 2008 drawdown of the river around St. Anthony Falls drew thousands of people to glimpse the riverbed and learn more about our local national park. This year, another drawdown is scheduled for late February. (Photo by Tony Webster, CC2.0.)
In late-February 2019, you'll have a rare opportunity to see the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls lower than it's been for over 20 years. >>
January 2019
A key theme of the Mississippi Gorge plan update will be to preserve the natural character and tranquil setting along the river's edge. Natural surface trails in the floodplain may get improvements, but they will continue to be for pedestrian traffic only. (Photo by Lyndon Torstenson for MNRRA)
Master plans for three treasured regional parks in the heart of the urban Twin Cities are getting updated this year — the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park in Minneapolis, Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. In late January and early February, community members will have an opportunity to see the plans and to weigh in. >>
January 2019
Two workshop participants display their buckthorn wreath creations. (Photo by Shanai Matteson for Water Bar & Public Studio)
For some in the do-it-yourself crowd, wreath-making has become a fun way to create holiday decor. This past December, FMR and two local artists put a unique spin on this DIY theme, hosting an open studio wreath-making event with one big twist… we used invasive buckthorn. >>
January 2019
A view of the Mississippi River looking across to Lower Grey Cloud Island from the former site of Mississippi Dunes Golf Links. Preservation and restoration of this site could improve habitat for pelicans and other wildlife.
FMR is leading the charge to acquire and restore a once-manicured golf course in Washington County. Learn more about this opportunity and our hope to transform the former golf fairways and putting greens back to their natural state. >>
January 2019
Kicking off the return of our annual Legislative Blog, here's a summary of FMR's top three legislative priorities this session: Forever Green, Working Lands and fixing the Environmental Trust Fund raid. >>
January 2019