Updates and Articles

Ramsey County considers three properties for redevelopment, conservation

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 16, 2021

The county is making plans for three properties on the east side of St. Paul: The site of a former juvenile correctional facility on undeveloped bluffland holding Dakota history; a golf course that's home to an endangered bumblebee; and a grassland where prairie birds flock. We've encouraged officials to inventory ecological resources and work with those studying the cultural resources before proceeding with planning. >>

MN House & Senate propose very different environment budgets

by Trevor Russell

April 14, 2021

While the House has proposed a substantial increase in environmental funding, the Senate has proposed significant cuts, despite an overall budget surplus. >>

New river access in Cottage Grove?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 13, 2021

The former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove has amazing potential to be a new park, but its owners want to develop it into housing. You can weigh in to protect habitat and public river access at this special site. >>

Support police accountability and reforms

April 13, 2021

We mourn the loss of Daunte Wright, another Black man whose life was taken by law enforcement. Here are a few ways to support the community's call for justice. >>

Competing Clean Water Fund bills move forward in Legislature

by Trevor Russell

April 13, 2021

The Clean Water Fund is designated to protect, enhance and restore water quality in lakes, rivers and streams, as well as protect groundwater. Both the Minnesota Senate and House have authored spending proposals, but they're very different, leaving the fate of our legislative priorities — like clean-water crop funding and lead service line replacement — uncertain. >>

Cedar and spruce shore up the Vermillion River's eroding banks

by Alex Roth

April 12, 2021

At Vermillion River Linear Park in Hastings, the cedars we removed from our prairie restoration became the armor of a streambank stabilization project. This revetment not only stops erosion, but will also rebuild the riverbank, creating habitat for trout and other aquatic wildlife. >>

Welcome, Monica!

by Sara DeKok

April 12, 2021

FMR is thrilled to welcome Monica Bierma as our new administrative assistant and bookkeeper. Monica comes to FMR with 21 years of professional administrative assistant and office management experience, and spends her time outside of work volunteering, hiking, biking, kayaking and camping. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Water program

April 10, 2021

Climate change has worsened river flooding and drinking water pollution, making FMR's water program work even more important for climate resilience, adaptation, and justice. Here are some reflections on how our Water program's work intersects with both climate change and climate justice. >>

Why the Corps of Engineers must remain at St. Anthony Falls

April 1, 2021

Dr. John Anfinson is an FMR board member, a Mississippi River historian and the former superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. He recently wrote this article for the Northeaster newspaper. >>

Volunteer spotlight: Randy's dedication at Ole Olson Park

March 31, 2021

For Randy Miranda, volunteering every week to tend FMR's prairie restoration at Ole Olson Park near his home was a meditative way to give back and get through the pandemic. Here are Randy's reflections on why he volunteers and what we've accomplished together. >>