Updates and Articles

St. Anthony Falls cutoff wall: No immediate threat, advocacy still needed

August 17, 2026

An important study of the underwater cutoff wall above St. Anthony Falls is now complete. We know a lot more about its condition and failure risks, but one crucial question remains: Who owns it? Read more

New curriculum available: Farming for People and Water

July 31, 2026

Friends of the Mississippi River offers free downloadable curricula on topics like watersheds, erosion, wetlands and more. Now we're excited to share our latest addition: the Farming for People and Water curriculum. Read more

Water being poured into glass, being held by a hand in a field of Kernza.

600 Main proposal, FMR featured on Fox 9

July 31, 2026

Fox 9's Corin Hoggard recently interviewed FMR Land Use and Planning Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman about the proposed development at the end end of the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. Read more

We're hiring!

July 30, 2026

We're hiring a Member Relations Manager! Read more

People in canoe on river with text, FMR is hiring!

Take action: Submit a comment on the proposed sulfide mine

July 22, 2026

The proposed mine would be located in the Mississippi River watershed. The DNR is taking public comments until Sept. 14. Read more

A small stream cuts through lush, green land near the proposed mine site.

Where we work: Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area

July 20, 2026

The cold water trout stream and wide floodplain wetlands at the 450-acre Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) in Dakota County offer opportunities for angling, hunting, trapping and wildlife observation. Read more

Minnesota's native thistles: Big benefits for birds, bees and more

by Alex Roth

July 18, 2026

Not all thistles we see in Minnesota are non-native and invasive. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our few native thistle species. Read more

Pollinators and insects on the blooming flower of a field thistle.

Q&A: What the latest data says about the Mississippi River's health

July 17, 2026

The state recently released the newest draft of its Impaired Waters list. We asked FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell what it tells us about the river. Read more

High Mississippi River water levels in St. Paul in 2024.

New study highlights economic benefits of dam removal

July 13, 2026

We still have a lot to study and learn about whether dam removal makes sense for the metro Mississippi, but a new report shows us what recreation and tourism could be on a restored river. Read more

A side-by-side showing the current Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam next to an illustration of the structure removed.

Parkland or development? Help preserve the vision for the end of the Stone Arch Bridge

July 10, 2026

Since the 1880s, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has been committed to expanding public land along the riverfront. A new development proposal puts that vision in jeopardy. Read more