Updates and Articles

FMR and allies urge Governor Dayton to veto Environment Budget Bill

by Trevor Russell

May 20, 2015

Send Governor Dayton a message asking him to veto the Environment budget Bill.

Following a disappointing and chaotic end to the 2015 legislative session, the conservation community is asking Governor Dayton to veto a highly controversial environmental bill. The bill makes deep cuts to environmental spending (24.3%), contains numerous rollbacks to environmental policies, and includes last-minute language violating a universal agreement on biofuels policy.

While the legislature's compromise on a modest stream buffer proposal was among several positive outcomes this year, funding for both the buffer initiative and UofM Forever Green cover crop research failed to pass before the clock ran out. As a result, a special session is almost certain to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Did Minnesota's watersheds just fail their midterms?

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2015

Minnesota's recently released report, "Swimmable, fishable, fixable? What we’ve learned so far about Minnesota waters", highlights Minnesota's watersheds at the halfway point of our 10-year monitoring cycle. The results show that about half of Minnesota's waters are unfit for safe swimming and fishing.

Wanted: June prairie & woodland volunteers

May 19, 2015

Last year, FMR volunteers installed over 5,000 native prairie and woodland plants. These ecological powerhouses filter pollution, reduce erosion and provide much-needed pollinator, bird and wildlife habitat. Join us at one of several June tending events to help these young plants make it through the summer!

FMR appeals oversized building at Mississippi & Minnesota River confluence

by Alicia Uzarek

May 19, 2015

On April 24, 2015, the Saint Paul Planning Commission approved a height variance of 33.5 additional feet for Johnson Brothers’ proposed mixed-use building at 1465 Davern Street which lies within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area and the National Park boundary. FMR appealed this decision on May 4, 2015 because this development will significantly impact the scenic and historic character of the river valley at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.

City of Fridley earns the Blue Star Award

by Alicia Uzarek

May 19, 2015

Congratulations to the City of Fridley for earning the Blue Star Award for Excellence in Stormwater Management!

Healthcare antibacterials earn FDA scrutiny

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2015

Prompted by a federal lawsuit, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to review the safety and efficacy of antibacterial products (including environmentally risky antibacterial soap) used in the medical industry.

Bold leadership from Governor Dayton on buffers

by Whitney Clark

April 28, 2015

Governor Dayton's proposal to establish shoreland buffers along all Minnesota waters will provide habitat for numerous species and pay dividends in improving water quality. Read more

Myths & facts: The Governor's buffer initiative

by Trevor Russell

April 28, 2015

During this month's State of the State Address, Governor Dayton expressed his displeasure with buffer opposition, saying he is "...unwilling to wait another year — or longer — for legislation that will significantly improve Minnesota’s water. While the Governor's buffer initiative presents an enormous opportunity to improve water quality and habitat in Minnesota, myths about the bill have proliferated in the halls of the capitol, often spread by opponents of the initiative. Read more

Legislative update: The session kicks into high gear

by Trevor Russell

April 28, 2015

The 2015 legislative session moves into high gear this month, as a raft of policy and finance bills move toward the floor in the House and Senate. While buffers, Forever Green research, and a strong biofuels bill are reasons to smile, FMR is also working hard to defeat a series of assaults on clean water protections from the GOP-controlled House. Read more

Thank you to the 200+ Clean Water Rules event attendees

by Alicia Uzarek

April 20, 2015

Thank you to the 200+ people who attended “Clean Water Rules! Understanding the EPA’s Clean Water Act Update” with EPA administrator Gina McCarthy on April 7th. Participants learned about the importance of moving the EPA’s work to update the Clean Water Rule forward and what we can do to help in the process. Read more

Updates and Articles

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Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

Updates and Articles

Pages

Upcoming Events

Our River Campaign: It all starts here

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here