Updates and Articles

Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove
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. Read more
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan
The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
FMR convenes town halls for St. Paul city leaders and advocates
St. Paul residents showed up for the river and had a chance to speak directly with city leaders about riverfront priorities. Read more
Town Hall crowd with Mayor Carter
St. Paul closes in on final river rules
After years of delays, the St. Paul City Council is poised to vote on a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development. Residents can join FMR in advocating for the addition of a bird-safe glass requirement. Read more
Downtown St. Paul riverfront
Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks
Titles should be sentence-case. Skip "Teaser Image" above! But please enter a draft teaser here. You'll get cut off at 250 characters. The # of remaining characters will show below. Skip "Legacy Fields" below. Read more
A sign on a USFWS bathroom door saying it is closed due to the federal shutdown.
What about water quality? 3 takeaways from our time at the SAF Conference
Two members of FMR's Water program attended to be a voice for the river and clean water in discussions around Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Read more
FMR's Meghan Anderson and Trevor Russell speaking to attendees at the SAF Conference.
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more
Cleanup plan for toxic Ford Area C dump finally moves forward
A draft cleanup plan will be released any day now — and advocates will soon have a chance to call for full cleanup of this toxic riverfront site. Tour the dumpsite this fall, sign our petition and get the latest. Read more
Map showing Ford Area C tucked between parks on the riverfront
Volunteers monitor small insects to gain big insights into water quality
FMR’s Stream Health Evaluation Program has delivered vital scientific data for nearly two decades. Read more
Person monitors stream

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Upcoming Events

December 5 - 19, 2025
F-O-K Studios in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Now through December 31, 2025
Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area, Twin Cities metro

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.