Updates and Articles

by Whitney Clark

May 11, 2020

In his eight years at FMR, Adam Flett managed our 44-mile river adventure for hundreds of paddlers, taught metro residents how to construct rain barrels, pulled invasives and planted for habitat alongside many of you, and always brought good tunes and good humor to our staff events. We wish our stewardship and education program director all the best in his next adventure. >>

Action Alert: Stop the rollbacks in the Senate environment bill [CLOSED]

May 11, 2020

While many of our lives have been disrupted, one thing remains alarmingly consistent: the Minnesota Senate is once again taking aim at Minnesota's bedrock environmental laws. Please take a moment to contact your Senator and ask them to remove the damaging provisions in the environment bill ASAP. >>

It's time to fix the pipes, Minnesota!

by Trevor Russell

May 11, 2020

For our environment and our economy, it's time to invest in Minnesota's aging water treatment systems and wastewater plants.

We're proud to be part of a new coalition of business, environment, local government and trade groups asking our state to #FixthePipesMN this session. Learn more and take action. >>

MN Senate takes aim at environment and public's right to know

by Trevor Russell

May 8, 2020

Things we can't escape: death, taxes, and our Minnesota Senate majority trying to roll back environmental protections. This year, they've even brought back a groundwater "gag rule." Let's dive in and take action. >>

Meet FMR's 2020 Youth Empowerment Program assistants

by Ashley O'Neill Prado

May 8, 2020

Summer program assistants Ayva Sloo and Naomi Nickel share how their Minnesotan roots and last year's Youth Empowerment Program have impacted their career aspirations and connection to local environmental issues. >>

Revised 2020 state budget outlook casts a shadow on environmental funding

by Trevor Russell

May 7, 2020

A few months ago, Minnesota was looking at a sizable budget surplus. Now we've got a projected $2.4 billion deficit. What does that mean for clean water funding this legislative session? >>

Crown Hydro's Minneapolis riverfront project rejected again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 6, 2020

In the latest twist in a 25-year saga, a controversial hydroelectric project in downtown Minneapolis has been rejected yet again. Now the project has no funding, no location and no local government support. Is this the end of the road for Crown Hydro? >>

Upper Harbor Terminal: North Minneapolis voices

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 30, 2020

Over 90 Minnesotans have contacted their legislators over the past few weeks to oppose $20 million in state bond funds for First Avenue's proposed concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal on the North Minneapolis riverfront.

North Minneapolis residents wrote about how the project prioritizes private developers' interests over community members' and perpetuates racial and environmental disparities. While these writers' voices are their own, we share their concerns. >>

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>

Become a community scientist

by Ellie Rogers

April 28, 2020

Scientists sometimes turn to the public to collect observations and data on flora and fauna. If you’re heading outside, why not take note of the wildlife and blooms you see? Here are a few of our favorite projects that call for community scientists. >>