Updates and Articles

Minnesota landfills are leaching 'forever chemicals'

by Peter LaFontaine

March 22, 2021

PFAS — so-called "forever chemicals" — have been found across the state. Here's what you need to know. >>

Mississippi River dog destinations: Our favorite spots and tips

by Peter LaFontaine

March 10, 2021

Can a person's best friend be a friend of the river? Meet our dogs, learn about their favorite river spots, and get tips on how to be mindful of water and wildlife while out and about with your four-legged friends. >>

Star Tribune highlights opposition to Corps' lock disposition plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 8, 2021

Despite community and congressional opposition, the Army Corps of Engineers still plans to pursue divestment of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock. Share your feedback on the plan with the Corps through March 18. >>

Legislation to support Forever Green clean-water crops advances

by Peter LaFontaine

March 8, 2021

The Forever Green Initiative is at an inflection point, making funding for progress on clean-water crops crucial this cycle. So far, legislation has advanced through key agricultural committees in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. What's next? >>

Minnesota's new budget forecast redefines legislative session

by Trevor Russell

March 5, 2021

Last November's projected state budget deficit turned into a projected $1.6 billion surplus. What does that mean for clean water, soil health and other environmental issues this legislative session? >>

Where we work: Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

March 1, 2021

A forested valley with 100-foot high slopes runs into Ravine Lake at this 515-acre park. We’ve been managing oak savanna and prairie habitat restoration here since 2012. >>

FMR hails bipartisan support for state land conservation funding

by Trevor Russell

February 11, 2021

In a major win for conservation and water quality this legislative session, funding for the state’s flagship land protection program now has bipartisan support. >>

Action Alert: Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the Twin Cities river [CLOSED]

February 10, 2021

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock in downtown Minneapolis. Join us in advocating for a future that increases public access while safeguarding the lock's essential functions. >>

St. Anthony Falls disposition plan could threaten Twin Cities' water supply

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 9, 2021

In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>

Research roundup: Is cropland ag carbon sequestration as effective as we want it to be?

by Trevor Russell

February 9, 2021

Storing greenhouse gases in cropland soils is all the rage these days, as Fortune 500 companies, conservation initiatives and even the Biden administration seek to reward farmers for sequestering carbon beneath our feet. But how sound is this approach? We pulled together some of the latest news about no-till farming, cover crops and how effectively these practices sequester carbon. >>