Updates and Articles

MPCA report: The Upper Mississippi's upstream crud

by Peter LaFontaine

August 21, 2020

A new report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finds that the Upper Mississippi River from Grand Rapids to Brainerd is impaired with too much sediment. What can we do about it? >>

Miss Shannan to bring her wit and whimsy to FMR's fall storytelling gala

August 17, 2020

We're thrilled to partner with Miss Shannan Paul to emcee An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River: Our Storied River on October 1. Her infectious personality and knack for comedic social commentary are sure to keep you — our virtual guests — entertained. You won't want to miss it! >>

State Supreme Court rules on White Bear Lake water levels

by Trevor Russell

August 12, 2020

The Minnesota Supreme Court made headlines as it acted to protect not only the metro's second-largest lake but Minnesotans' ability to sue a state agency based on its cumulative environmental impact. >>

Pinelands-to-potatoes fiasco heads to court

by Trevor Russell

August 11, 2020

A controversial attempt by of a Fargo-based agribusiness giant to skirt Minnesota‘s environmental laws is going to court – and the stakes are huge. >>

Minnesota to update invasive carp action plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 7, 2020

A record catch of invasive carp in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota has raised concerns about the species' spread upriver. How is Minnesota responding? >>

Partnering for habitat and culture at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

by Alex Roth

August 6, 2020

We're collaborating to restore Wakan Tipi/Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. Our focus is on culturally important plant species and restoration techniques that better represent and honor the site's history and its ongoing importance to Dakota people. Read more

Dead zone 2020: The good, the bad and the algae

by Peter LaFontaine

August 5, 2020

A smaller-than-average Gulf of Mexico dead zone is cause for celebration — isn't it? >>

Youth guest column: Why environmental legislation is important and what you should know

by Fiona Hatch

July 30, 2020

Fiona, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, wants you to get involved in legislative action for clean water and the environment. Here's her account of the impact of recent environmental legislation, the possibility for critical change this year and in the future, and how you can influence policy. >>

What's been happening at Area C?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 29, 2020

The official process for cleaning up a hazardous waste site like Ford Area C in St. Paul takes time, and it can be tough to keep up with the developments. Here’s a summary of what you (FMR supporters) have helped accomplish towards a better future at this floodplain waste dump so far, and what's still to come. >>

Tackling the issue of fishing line for wildlife

July 28, 2020

We've written a lot about how anglers can help our waters and wildlife by avoiding lead tackle. But another key action is disposing of fishing line responsibly. Jonathan, a Youth Empowerment Program participant this summer and avid fisher, built and installed a PVC fishing line receptacle at Hidden Falls Park. He's also got some tips for dealing with fishing line. >>