Updates and Articles

Thank you, 2021 storm drain stenciling volunteers!

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

November 8, 2021

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, we exceeded our storm drain stenciling goals for 2021 despite our second season of COVID-19. Together, neighbors, classrooms, sports teams, girl scouts, churches and local businesses stenciled 1,615 storm drains in the Twin Cities and shared 2,529 flyers with community members to spread the word about why it's so important to keep our storm drains clean. >>

Can we make Minnesota's drinking water lead-free?

by Trevor Russell

November 2, 2021

Everyone deserves clean, safe drinking water. Unfortunately, though lead was banned for plumbing in 1986, existing lead pipes remain a threat in Minnesota. FMR is working with our partners to advance three emerging opportunities to fund lead service line replacement. >>

Mississippi Dunes moment of action [CLOSED]

October 26, 2021

In December, the Cottage Grove city council will be voting on a master plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course on the Mississippi riverfront. Take a moment to submit your comments on the plan and learn how to stay involved >>

Quick tips for speaking at a public meeting

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 20, 2021

City and township leaders sometimes listen to people who show up to speak at meetings more than they listen to other input. It's an important way to influence your local community. Here are our tips about what to expect at a public meeting and how to prepare. >>

Video showcases why habitat corridors are critical

by Alex Roth

October 14, 2021

FMR strives to create and sustain habitat corridors. The more we connected our protection and sites are, the greater their benefits, especially as our climate changes. Read more

State announces new pilot program to include climate change in environmental review

by Trevor Russell

October 13, 2021

In September, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board approved a pilot project that will — for the first time — assess the climate impacts of some of Minnesota’s largest projects. Here’s what this long-overdue decision means for Minnesota’s efforts to address climate impacts on our environment, including the Mississippi River. >>

Where we work: Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area

October 13, 2021

Critical for wildlife, this 1,300-acre corridor of protected lands along the dramatic western bluffs of the Mississippi River south of the metro includes Pine Bend Bluffs SNA — our first major conservation project in the 1990s — an award-winning restoration, and one of our favorite places to bird and see the sweep of the river south of the cities. >>

From Ramsey to Ravenna, updated riverfront protections come to life

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 11, 2021

Until recently, the Twin Cities riverfront lacked consistent development standards and environmental protections. After many years of work, FMR is now supporting 25 cities and townships as they finish the final step in a long journey for better riverfront management. >>

FMR's fifth water quality mural celebrates community connections to water

by Sophie Downey

October 11, 2021

Visit Swede Hollow Park in St. Paul to see our latest storm drain mural! Designed by Thomasina Topbear, this mural celebrates connections to the river and water as the lifeblood of our communities. >>

Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 6, 2021

Last week, 50 community members gathered to discuss opportunities to influence decision-making about the former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove. Here are several ways to speak up in the coming weeks. >>