Updates and Articles

The mighty call of the... timberdoodle?!

Nothing says spring like the fabulous courtship display of this odd "shorebird"!

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American woodcock
Great news from Iowa on the promise of cellulosic biofuels

On the heels of encouraging progress on our perennial biofuels bill, more great news has come forward on the promise of cellulosic biofuels

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With bipartisan support, perennial biofuels bills advance

One of FMR's top legislative priorities for the 2016 session earned unanimous bipartisan support in House and Senate committees today.

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Unusual bill aims to mandate 5 new coal plants on Sherco site

In one of the more unusual pieces of legislation to come forward this session, a new bill (HF 3256) would require an as-of-yet unnamed public utility to build no fewer than five brand-new coal-fired power plants at the Sherburne County Generating Station.

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Legislative attempt to rollback buffer law passes first hearing

As anticipated, buffers are back in the news as House Republicans are teaming up with a minority of rural Senate DFLers to rollback the buffer law. A pair of bills, authored by representative Torkelson (R) and Senator Skoe (DFL) have been introduced. Senator Skoe's bill has already passed the Senate agriculture committee despite opposition from Senate DFLers on the committee.  

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Perennial biofuels incentive program bills introduced

The legislature has introduced bills in both chambers to advance one of FMR's 2016 policy priorities: a perennial biofuels incentive program. Dubbed the "Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program," the bills ask for $479,000 in fiscal year 2017 for the state's Board of Water and Soil Resources to prepare a plan for creating a state-funded biofuels incentive program.

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FMR restoration efforts emphasize pollinator health

Pollinators have had a rough go of things lately, with habitat loss and overabundant pesticide use leading to declines in many bee and butterfly species. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. These declines have sparked a renewed interest in pollinators, leading to new initiatives and funding for the conservation of these species. Find out what FMR and others are doing to protect pollinators in Minnesota.

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Unpredictable weather, fuzzy eaglets and great horned owls

This time of transition between winter and spring can be a wishy-washy, ambivalent affair. It’s sunny and 50 degrees, then 20 and snowing. Likewise, some bald eagles are still hanging out in their winter homes or migrating along the Mississippi River, while others are nest-bound, feeding fuzzy eaglets. Another impressive hunter, the great horned owl, is also nesting these days. Luckily, there's great local spots to see all of this avian action, both outside along the Mississippi River and online.

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The eaglets have hatched!
Making the most of the Governor's Water Summit

When over 800 Minnesotans gather in a windowless basement on the first beautiful spring-like day, there must be a compelling reason. In this case the reason was water. Residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes showed up in droves to show their care and concern at the Governor's Water Summit. Among them, of course, were staff from FMR and our fellow water protection colleagues, plus 30 volunteer FMR River Protectors. Together, we made sure our top priorities for clean waters were heard loud and clear. Next up: Turning these basement conversations into noticeable improvements for Minnesotans' waters, communities and wildlife.

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Governor Dayton opening the first ever MN Water Summit
More great news on the N/NE Minneapolis riverfront

News of another riverfront property acquisition in the works. $1 million from General Mills for new park development. And an excellent U of M researcher and Northside resident joins FMR to look into improved community connections. This is one great month for increasing public access to the Mississippi River in the Above the Falls area!  

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Open Book, Minneapolis
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis