Updates and Articles

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?) >>

Minneapolis park board cuts ties with Minneapolis Police

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 3, 2020

In recognition of our commitment to public spaces that are safe and welcoming to all, we applaud the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's recent decisions to reduce its relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department. Read more, including our letter of support. >>

Potato fiasco turns even more rotten

by Peter LaFontaine

June 2, 2020

According to new disclosures, an enormous scofflaw corporation is trying to skirt basic environmental regulations in order to make billions on ... potatoes. >>

Justice for George Floyd

May 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. We stand in solidarity with those who seek justice for his murder.

As long as people of color live in fear of police violence, environmental justice is not possible. And as long as people of color are made unwelcome or unsafe, we cannot have truly public spaces.

Read more, including ways you can help. >>

Minneapolis parks are getting the wrong kind of blooms

by Peter LaFontaine

May 22, 2020

The Parks Department is warning of potentially toxic algae blooms in some of Minneapolis's most-loved lakes. Here's what you need to know. >>

2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>

How clean water and the Mississippi River fared in the bonding bills

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

FMR's top clean water and Mississippi River bonding priorities failed to cross the finish line as the clock ran out on the legislative session. >>

How the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

After FMR advocates and coalition partners stopped an attempted raid, the House and Senate passed relatively "clean" Environmental Trust Fund bills, but the clock ran out on final negotiations and no final vote was taken. >>

Bake for the river: Kernza in your kitchen

by Peter LaFontaine

May 19, 2020

For the first time ever, home bakers can get their oven mitts on Kernza flour, a delicious and river-friendly perennial grain. Let us know if you try it out! >>