Updates and Articles

Metro communities begin adopting new river protections

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

September 2, 2020

Metro-area cities and townships are beginning to adopt new baseline riverfront protections. Is your city is on the list of communities writing their ordinances this fall? Find out how you can shape river rules based on your community's values and priorities. One example: Minneapolis might require bird-safe measures for new riverfront construction, since migrating songbirds are especially vulnerable to collisions in cities on the Mississippi flyway. >>

Help us collar backyard fox and coyote for important research

by Alex Roth

September 1, 2020

Have you seen a coyote or fox on your Twin Cities property? If so, let us know if you'd be willing to let our research partners capture and collar these animals! It will help us understand how they're adapting to urban areas, and inform our habitat management strategies for these species. >>

Star Tribune highlights expanded monitoring at Ford Area C

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 21, 2020

Thanks to advocacy by FMR and its partners, new monitoring wells have been installed at Ford Area C. These wells will provide a better understanding of any hazards posed by this dumpsite on the floodplain. >>

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