Updates and Articles

Rare Maplewood grasslands one step closer to protection

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 3, 2022

As covered in several news outlets, Ramsey County is stepping back from its plans to develop a rare grassland bird haven. We're celebrating this win and advocating for the next logical step: permanent habitat protection. Ramsey County residents — please send a note to the county to express support for this special refuge. >>

Action Alert: Support ag-environment funds in the House Climate Caucus proposal [CLOSED]

January 31, 2022

On January 18, the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus introduced an ambitious $1 billion Climate Action Plan that includes major new investments in three of FMR's top priorities for the 2022 Minnesota legislative session. Please take a moment to tell the governor, House and Senate that you support these investments. >>

Where we work: Old Mill Park

January 27, 2022

At the William H. Houlton Conservation Area — one of the largest undeveloped riverfront properties in the metro — we're restoring 160 acres of soybean field and grazed grasslands into prairie and oak savanna. Read more

A billion dollars for climate action in Minnesota

by Peter LaFontaine

January 21, 2022

The House Climate Action Caucus just released its 2022 Minnesota Climate Action Plan. Here's what's in it and how you can help make it a reality. >>

Governor Walz proposes $200 million in bonding for water infrastructure

by Trevor Russell

January 20, 2022

One of FMR’s top priorities this legislative session is investing in Minnesota’s water infrastructure. That’s why we’re asking Gov. Tim Walz and the Legislature to help #FixThePipesMN — and why we’re so pleased that Walz proposed $200 million in water infrastructure investment through the bonding bill this session. >>

Our 2022 legislative priorities

January 14, 2022

Where we work: Nicollet Island

January 14, 2022

The industrial uses that once dominated half of Nicollet Island have given way to a mix of homes, trails and a beloved park where we're restoring pockets of prairie and a forest of maples and climate-adapted tree species. Read more

A new conservation director for FMR

January 14, 2022

FMR is very pleased to welcome a familiar face to a different role in the organization. Beginning this month, our former ecologist Alex Roth assumes the duties of conservation director, leading FMR's Land Conservation department.

Our comments on Minnesota's 2022 Impaired Waters List

by Trevor Russell

January 10, 2022

On January 7, FMR was one of eight environmental organizations (led by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy) that provided comments to the State of Minnesota on the state's 2022 Impaired Waters List on behalf of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. We focused on three key pollutants: sulfate (in wild rice waters), "forever chemicals" and nitrate contamination. Here's our letter. >>

What's going on with Twin Cities locks and dams?

January 10, 2022

Learn why we support keeping one lock, but look forward to exploring the potential removal of two local locks and dams, and sign up to receive updates. Read more