Updates and Articles

More than half of Minnesota’s waters don’t meet water quality standards

Every two years, the state publishes a list of “impaired” waters that do not meet water quality standards. This year’s list shows that 56% of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams fail to meet standards. >>

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PBS: 'How a new grain could help combat climate change' (Video)

PBS News Hour recently turned their attention to Minnesota’s efforts to develop Kernza – a perennial wheat that may be key to fixing our lagging soil and river health ... and makes really good pancakes. >>

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Habitat piles: Readers' questions answered

We received a number of emails in response to our earlier update on FMR's wildlife habitat pile event in the river gorge. Most people seem to be excited about the idea that removing invasive species (buckthorn, in this case) could result in additional habitat creation. Others loved the idea and wanted more specific information about how to build those piles. Here we address a few questions and provide some helpful links. >>

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Upper Harbor Terminal featured on Fox 9: 'If you build it, will Beyoncé come?'

Who will the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment serve? Fox 9 News recently asked that question. FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman was interviewed alongside community members, elected officials, and the development team. >>

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FMR helps secure new public land in St. Paul

When development plans for a unique site on the St. Paul riverfront jeopardized public access, FMR advocated for a better plan. The Waterford Bay project at Island Station now includes new public shoreline and trails. >>

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Follow Upper Harbor Terminal on Twitter

If you're interested in following this important mile-long redevelopment of the North Minneapolis riverfront more closely, you're in luck! FMR has a special Twitter account just to share updates about the project. >>

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DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban

As reported by Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently decided not to ban lead tackle or bullets. As one of the petitioning groups, we were deeply disappointed by the news. But we're hopeful that the issue will emerge in the 2020 Legislative session. >>

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Word about riverfront dumpsite, Area C, starting to spread

From local news articles to word of mouth, Ford Motor Company's toxic waste dump on the St. Paul river floodplain, known as Area C, is gaining more attention. As community awareness grows, so does pressure on Ford and state agencies to study the dumpsite more closely to consider cleanup options. >>

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Another banner year for our young river stewards!

A big thank you to all the young river stewards who helped us protect and restore the Mighty Mississippi in 2019 — all 2,482 of you!

Students stenciled educational messages alongside storm drains, collected trash throughout Twin Cities parks and helped not only restore habitat along the river but research the best ways to keep it healthy in the future. ​Plus, students in our new pilot program for exploring the environmental field. >>

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Vermillion Falls Park: take a walk with walking fern

Where can you walk through a dry waterfall, find karst topography, encounter a walking fern, meet ancient bur oak trees and see the oldest operating flour mill in the state? Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings! Oh, and there's a large rushing waterfall here as well. >>

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
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Our River Campaign:
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At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.