Updates and Articles

A small metro-area town has a big drinking water problem  

by Trevor Russell

August 17, 2018

Emblematic of challenges facing many rural communities, up to 55 percent of the private wells in the town of Coates in Dakota County exceed safe levels for nitrates. This is why we need a strong Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!

by Trevor Russell

August 16, 2018

Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>

FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule

by Trevor Russell

August 16, 2018

On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Gwen Westerman joins the stellar lineup of 'The River Inspires'

August 14, 2018

An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River - September 20, 2018.

Come be inspired by acclaimed local artists — including Dakota fiber artist, poet and educator Dr. Gwen Westerman — as we celebrate our connection to the Mississippi River at "An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River," September 20. >>

Bao Phi, award-winning poet, to be featured at FMR's annual fall event

August 10, 2018

Don't miss Bao Phi — two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and National Poetry Slam finalist — as he shares his poetry and connection to our Big River at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.

This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and spotlights the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>

Special Places: Local prairie wonderlands

by Alex Roth, by Karen Schik

August 10, 2018

A prairie for every season and (metro) location! We list a few of our favorite prairie sites from Elk River to Hastings, including both restored prairies and native remnants. Some of our favorite finds at each site are listed, and a good time to visit. >>

Blazing star with monarch at Hastings Sand Coulee SNA

MPR: Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for MN cities

by Trevor Russell

August 7, 2018

What happens when you add climate change to aging water infrastructure? Sewage goes where it shouldn't. Learn more from this MPR article by Kirsti Marohn with FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell.

CCX TV helps celebrate our 25th anniversary

August 3, 2018

Thank you, Eric Nelson of Channel CCX for helping to celebrate our silver anniversary and introducing more people to Friends of the Mississippi River!

Action alert: It's time. Protect Minnesota's drinking water! [CLOSED]

August 1, 2018

Speak up for our drinking water by supporting the Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

What if every MN farm applied fertilizer at the recommended rate?

by Trevor Russell

July 17, 2018

At best, “perfect” nutrient management on all of Minnesota’s cropland would reduce nitrate pollution by about 10-15 percent, falling far short of the state’s 45 percent reduction goals to protect our groundwater. >>