Updates and Articles

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." >>

FMR joins renewed call to #FixthePipesMN

by Trevor Russell

June 18, 2020

FMR joins with diverse #FixThePipesMN alliance in a renewed call for water infrastructure investments during a future special session. >>

Is Upper Harbor Terminal Minneapolis's best rebuilding idea?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 17, 2020

Our concerns about state bonds for Upper Harbor Terminal are nothing new (see the video above from Fox 9 in late 2019). But in light of recent events, we're more concerned than ever. Is public funding for First Avenue's privately-operated concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal still a priority for Minneapolis leaders? Learn more and take action now. >>

A call for justice, equity and inclusion in our 2020 special sessions

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

At FMR, we believe that the Mississippi River belongs to all of us. As long as people of color live in fear of police violence and are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in public spaces, the river does not belong to them. That must change. And we need to support this change during Minnesota's special session. Learn more and take action >>

Action Alert: Support POCI Caucus police and justice proposals [CLOSED]

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

In addition to our preexisting legislative priorities, FMR is following proposals from the Minnesota Legislature’s 19-member People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. We urge you to to support them for a more equitable Minnesota. >>

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

by Betsy Daub

June 12, 2020

If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>

Local storytelling legend Loren Niemi on the power of stories and how the river changed him

by Sara DeKok

June 4, 2020

We're thrilled to engage noted local storyteller Loren Niemi in planning and curating Our Storied River: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River this fall. In a recent interview, we learned more about his life as a storyteller, how the river has changed him, and how he plans to work with our story-sharers. (Will you be one of them?) >>