Updates and Articles

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

Ribbons of habitat for water quality: Buffers proposal offers new hope for an old problem

by Harland Hiemstra

April 11, 2015

Earlier this year, Governor Mark Dayton proposed an initiative requiring vegetated buffers along all waters of the state. Although the proposal was initially touted as a way to bolster Minnesota's declining pheasant population, it is clearly one of the most significant water quality initiatives put forward by a Minnesota governor in decades. Read more

Graco reneges on its promise to provide a riverfront trail easement

by Irene Jones

March 16, 2015

Graco, the Northeast Minneapolis company whose headquarters occupy the riverfront adjacent to the new Scherer Park, have disappointed many with their recent attempt to back out of an agreement to provide a public trail easement. Read more

Legislative update: Few reasons to smile amid a deluge of dirty water bills

by Trevor Russell

March 16, 2015

The 2015 legislative session in Minnesota is shaping up to feature a mixed bag of water quality and natural resource conservation policy. While the Governor's buffer initiative and Forever Green funding are cause for optimism, a deluge of so-called "dirty water bills" has become an unwelcome theme in the halls of the Capitol. Read more