Updates and Articles

Wall Street Journal: The world’s appetite is threatening the Mississippi River

by Trevor Russell

July 9, 2019

Early this month, the Wall Street Journal published a fascinating overview of the agricultural runoff challenges facing the length of the Mississippi River. And satellite images of the Upper Midwest in the Washington Post illustrate how this wet spring spells trouble for farmers and for the river. >>

Cornell research: Fertilizer plants emit 100 times more methane than reported

by Trevor Russell

July 9, 2019

New research from Cornell University suggests that methane emissions from fertilizer production facilities may be 100 times greater than industry estimates. In fact, it might be greater than the U.S. EPA’s estimate for all national industrial processes combined. >>

Intern Daniel features FMR in environmental documentary

by Amy Kilgore

July 9, 2019

This year we hosted DeLaSalle senior Daniel Schmidt as an intern, who not only helped with a variety of projects but also created his own documentary about major environmental issues and what you can do about them. >>

FMR staff and volunteers work at 2019 Earth Day Clean-up

Thanks Akia, our shared summer intern

by Alex Roth

July 7, 2019

Akia Vang, our Green Team Alumni summer intern, woke up early to survey breeding birds and stayed late to assist at volunteer planting events. Akia stayed busy during his two short weeks with us. >>

FMR opposes proposed riverfront parking ramp

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 1, 2019

FMR has submitted a letter of opposition to the 800-stall parking ramp the Federal Reserve Bank has proposed along West River Parkway in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. >>

Proposed Lilydale bluff development raises concerns

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 26, 2019

Lilydale is considering a plan that would turn the site of the old Moose Country bar and River Bluffs Center into senior housing. But the new development would be too close to the river bluff's edge and too tall to maintain a scenic river view. >>

Update: Lilydale River Bluffs plan to go before council soon

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 20, 2019

We're happy to report that the concept plans for a senior development in Lilydale (original article) have been revised to better protect the river bluff as well as scenic views. As the city council moves to vote June 25, we're advocating for several conditions to address stormwater management and more. >>

Midtown Greenway Coalition releases new study on Short Line Bridge

June 14, 2019

Four different options are under consideration for extending the greenway across the Mississippi. >>

What's a watershed?

June 12, 2019

How can a drop of oil hundreds of miles from the Mississippi River end up polluting it? It all comes down to our watershed.

In this new video, FMR's youth coordinator Kate Clayton and SuperVolunteer Astoria explain, with a little help from some food dye and cartoon bathtubs.

Watch now on YouTube.

Legislative Water Commission stuck in 'government purgatory'

by Trevor Russell

June 12, 2019

A surprising split-decision has left the Legislative Water Commission with an uncertain future. >>