Updates and Articles

It's a wrap. How FMR’s priorities fared in the 2019 session

The 2019 Legislative Session kicked on in January with Governor Walz presiding over the only divided state legislature in the nation.

This led to some core disagreements, missed deadlines and an assorted bag of victories and compromises for Minnesota's environment and the Mississippi River.

Here’s a brief summary of the major items we were tracking, and how each turned out. >>

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How the Environment Bill fared this session

Overall, the legislative session resulted in modest additional funding for some of our top priorities while many of the worst provisions were dropped. Along with our allies, we are deeply grateful to the FMR River Guardians who consistently demonstrated their strong support for the river and healthy lands and waters for all Minnesota communities. Learn more about which FMR priorities made it, which did not, and where we go from here.  >>

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River access, wildlife habitat, year-round recreation: Cottage Grove’s unique opportunity

The City of Cottage Grove has the opportunity to turn an old golf course into open space for wildlife and a recreational park for residents and visitors in an area lacking in river access. Here are our top reasons why we should protect this special place from development.  >>

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People enjoying park
How the Clean Water Fund fared this session

The bipartisan Omnibus Legacy Bill was passed during the Special Session and includes $261.26 million for the Clean Water Fund. Here’s what was included in the final version. >>

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2019 legislative update: A special session in the works

With our Legislature's adjournment date passed and no final agreements on most policy and budget issues, a special session will be required. And most major water and conservation issues are yet to be decided. Here are our positions on some of the major issues still in play.  >>
 

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Action Alert: Support funding the River Learning Center [CLOSED]

The River Learning Center will be a destination that connects all Minnesotans and visitors to recreational and educational opportunities on the Mississippi River. Your advocacy is urgently needed to ensure that the River Learning Center receives state bonding funds to move forward this year. >>

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Meet our elusive, big brown trout

In a cold prairie river just 20 or so minutes south of St. Paul, large brown trout gather in the shadow of red-twig dogwoods, willows and other stream-side plants. Learn more about these wily and beautiful reminders of the importance of protecting our local waters, and how you can help protect them.  >>

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Our letter to House & Senate conferees on Forever Green

Today, FMR, along with twenty-three other organizations, signed a letter requesting legislators provide full funding for eh University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative in the final Clean Water Fund negotiations.

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Session compromise looks unlikely on budget, policy ...and emoji usage?

As the May 20th session deadline looms, successful negotiations on a final budget and policy compromise appear less likely. >>

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Action Alert - Say ‘no’ to environmental cuts, raids and rollbacks in SF2314 [CLOSED]

With less than two weeks to go, legislators are meeting to craft a final environment budget & policy bill. Please act today to tell your legislators: “No cuts, rollbacks and raids in the omnibus environment bill!” >>

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Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
34th to 36th Streets & West River Parkway Minneapolis
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 8:30am to 4:30pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis and St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.