Updates and Articles

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Updates and Articles

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." >>

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 >>