Updates and Articles

EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota

November 15, 2023

In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more

How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study

November 13, 2023

FMR and our partners are bringing together researchers to dig into crucial questions that the official Army Corps lock and dam disposition study won't be able to answer. Here's what we're focusing on and why. Read more

Clean Transportation Standard: Lower emissions for MN’s transportation and ag sectors

November 10, 2023

To protect the Mississippi River from the worst of climate change, it’s imperative we find a way to significantly cut emissions from transportation and agriculture. Read more

An electric vehicle plugged in and charging. In the background, a person is walking toward the front door of their home.

A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river

November 10, 2023

Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more

Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest

FMR's new Stewardship & Education Program Director

November 7, 2023

We're excited that paddler, writer and river-lover Natalie Warren joined our staff in November to lead our Stewardship & Education program. Welcome, Natalie! Read more

Natalie Warren in a canoe on the Mississippi River

Video: How we chose plants in partnership for the restoration at Wakáŋ Tipi

November 6, 2023

Meet four plants in the restored tallgrass prairie and floodplain at Wakáŋ Tipi in St. Paul, a sacred place to the Dakota. FMR and our partners Wakáŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi talk about the medicine and habitat these trees and wildflowers provide. Read more

What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

October 24, 2023

St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more

Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.

Video: How the 'big brown spot' pollutes the Mississippi River

October 16, 2023

When farm fields are bare, there’s nothing to stop soil, fertilizers and other farm chemicals from washing off into our rivers, lakes and streams. This "big brown spot" in the Midwest is by far the largest source of pollution to the Mississippi. Read more

Map of Midwest with brown over much of the area around the Mississippi River

Minnesota's drought contributes to drinking water crisis downriver

October 10, 2023

In this Q&A, Matt Rota at Healthy Gulf in Louisiana talks with FMR about the saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River threatening New Orleans' drinking water supply — and already impacting communities farther south. Read more

Army Corps boats construct a sill to prevent saltwater intrusion

Nectar and ... blood? A surprising source of nutrients for butterflies

October 2, 2023

Our new pollinator biologist explains the phenomenon of butterfly puddling — sometimes on blood — and how we can make sure these insects get the nutrients and energy they need. Read more