Updates and Articles

How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared in the 2023 session
FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
A collage showing parts of five different photos, all from this legislative session: Two FMR staffers posing with fish postcards in the Capitol; an FMR staffer testifying at a May 1 hearing; A state senator posing with children following a hearing; legislators on a tour at the Forever Green Initiative facilities; printed papers with the FMR logo, shown with the Capitol building in the background.
In a first, Legislature includes all Clean Water Fund recommendations in budget
The council's recommendations include funding for one of FMR's top legislative priorities. Read more
Minnesota lake surrounded by trees
12 other wins for the Mississippi River from this legislative session
While FMR wasn't leading on these efforts, we were quite happy to see them come out of the Capitol this session. Read more
High river waters in the foreground, flooding a wooded shoreline.
A win for the great outdoors: Voters will get to rededicate lottery funds to the environment
Lottery funds for the Great Outdoors will be back on the ballot — though without some sought-after new revenue. Read more
Loon plus text: "#MNLEG Final Update"
Diverse new work group sets stage for cleaner transportation in MN
A Clean Transportation Standard would be a big victory for the climate and a real boon for the Mississippi River. Read more
An electric car with its charging port open and a charging cord inserted.
Invasive carp barrier: A strong starting point, but Minnesota needs more — and soon
Invasive carp are on the doorstep of Lake Pepin, the St. Croix River watershed, the Minnesota River watershed and other waterways. Legislature funding gets us moving in the right direction on protection. Read more
FMR staff testifies at Legislature on invasive carp + text: "#MNLEG Final Update"
FMR pollinator research and habitat projects receive state funds
The Minnesota Legislature passed bills that include five FMR restoration and enhancement projects and our three-year research project on best practices for pollinator habitat management. Read more
Native plants and bee + text "#MNLEG Final Update"
Lawmakers approve $1M to shed light on St. Anthony Falls’ hidden hazard, the cutoff wall
We'll soon know a lot more about one of the state's most crucial, but overlooked, pieces of infrastructure: the hidden cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls. Read more
St. Anthony Falls during spring high waters
A win for clean-water crops and a sustainable agricultural economy
Clean-water crops saw more support than ever at the Capitol this session. Read more
A bright, golden-yellow flower in the foreground, with the shapes of people evident in the background. They are standing in a field.
What our spring flood means for Ford Area C
We've been waiting for a river flood to gather more information about the hazards posted by Ford Motor Company's floodplain dumpsite in St. Paul, known as Area C. This year, we'll have new data (and a special tour for our River Guardians). Read more
High water at Ford dam

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.