Updates and Articles

Fate of Working Lands & Forever Green bills to be decided this week

by Trevor Russell

May 16, 2016

As the clock ticks toward adjournment Monday, May 23, the fate of FMR's top legislative priorities will be decided by a bipartisan conference committee of state senators and representatives. In the next few days, FMR will likely be asking all River Protectors and friends of the river to contact their legislators to support FMR's top priorities this session.

Through July 6: Last chance to weigh in on new riverfront land-use rules

by Irene Jones

May 10, 2016

FMR encourages all river-lovers to contact Judge Lipman by July 6, 4:30 p.m. to let him know that you support strong river development rules in our national park, tell him why the river is important to you and share what you would like to see protected or improved. Read on to learn more about the proposed rules for the metro-area stretch of the Mississippi River and how to contribute your voice.

Riders along the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area, our local national park!

Swing Bridge Park: Our newest restoration & volunteer site

by Adam Flett, by Alex Roth, by Amy Kilgore

May 5, 2016

This unique location blends historic renovation with ecological restoration along today's working river. Learn more about its history, ecology and our first public volunteer event at this riverfront site, Saturday, June 4.

Spring nighthawks: Acrobats of the bird world

by Tom Lewanski

May 4, 2016

When you hear the distinctive call of these late Mississippi River flyway migrants, look to the early evening skies to enjoy their graceful dusk-hour dives.

Senate budget bill approved; Fully funds FMR priorities

by Trevor Russell

May 3, 2016

The Minnesota Senate voted 39 to 24 in favor of the Senate Omnibus Finance Bill on Thursday, April 28. The bill includes several of FMR's top environmental initiatives, including The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program and funding for the Forever Green Initiative.

Forever Green tour a huge success

by Trevor Russell

April 28, 2016

FMR and our partners were pleased to host Governor Mark Dayton and more than one hundred elected officials, farmers, students and other interested residents for a tour of the University of Minnesota's Forever Green initiative on April 19^th.

Senate Finance Committee advances $7.5 million environment bill

by Trevor Russell

April 28, 2016

The bill includes a number of key environmental provisions, including FMR's top legislative priority for the 2016 session: The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program.

House advances $8.93 million omnibus environment policy & finance bill

by Trevor Russell

April 28, 2016

The Minnesota House of Representatives Committee voted to approve its omnibus environment & natural resources policy and finance bill. While the bill includes a number of provisions requested by state agencies, it fails to include FMR's top legislative priority for the 2016 session: The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program.

Working Lands program advances in Senate, left out in House

by Trevor Russell

April 18, 2016

While the Minnesota Senate has included FMR's top 2016 legislative priority The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program in its omnibus environmental bill, the House has declined to include this vital program for water quality in their version.

House advances $8.93 million omnibus environment policy & finance bill

by Trevor Russell

April 18, 2016

Late last week, the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee voted to approve its omnibus environment & natural resources policy and finance bill. While the bill includes a number of provisions requested by state agencies, it failed to include FMR's top legislative priority for the 2016 session: The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program.