Updates and Articles

Area C solar project could jeopardize dumpsite cleanup

July 13, 2020

A planned solar array on top of the Ford Area C dumpsite sounds appealing, but poor timing for the solar project could jeopardize cleanup of the toxic site. Our recent letter in the Highland Villager explains why we're concerned. >>

Action Alert: Invest in clean water bonding [CLOSED]

July 9, 2020

Tell your legislators to #FixthePipesMN and fund CREP this special session >>

Action Alert: Pass a clean Environment Trust Fund Bill [CLOSED]

July 9, 2020

Tell your legislators to pass a standalone environment trust fund bill. >>

Study: human-made pollutants in remote, undeveloped lakes?

by Trevor Russell

July 7, 2020

A recent story from Minnesota Public Radio shines a light on some unexpected (and unnerving) new findings. Even in Minnesota’s relatively remote and pristine lakes, researchers are finding human-made contaminants of concern. >>

Dust in the wind (spreads toxic algae)

by Peter LaFontaine

July 4, 2020

Pristine lakes in remote parts of Minnesota — and around the country — are beginning to suffer from blooms of toxic algae, and scientists are piecing together a troubling answer as to why. >>

A new plan to guide our work

by Sara DeKok

June 24, 2020

As the river and our communities change, so do our priorities. In our latest strategic plan, we're steering toward initiatives around equity, climate change, agriculture, youth and more. >>

Child plants a tree; Mississippi River and bright sky

Special session #1: A swing and a miss

by Trevor Russell

June 24, 2020

Like pretty much everything in 2020 so far, Minnesota's recent legislative special session didn't go as well as we'd hoped it would. >>

Say 'Yes!' to fund Dakota County parks and natural areas

June 24, 2020

In the mood for a little good news? There's some impressive conservation planning happening on behalf of natural resources and open spaces in Dakota County. And with some urging from community members, the county-drawn plans could lead to some exciting land protection and habitat restoration projects — thousands of acres worth!

A previous similar effort protected many beloved Dakota County parks and natural areas, including creating habitat for animals like the fisher above. >>

FMR board member writes in Star Trib: Revamp the Upper Harbor project

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 23, 2020

In a recent Star Tribune commentary, FMR board member Paul Bauknight and Reverend Robin Bell call for a new approach for Minneapolis's Upper Harbor Terminal riverfront redevelopment — one that truly centers community design and wealth building rather than the current project's "public funding for white-owned business wrapped in the holy cloth of equitable development." >>