Updates and Articles

Self-inflicted brain drain at USDA threatens farm economy

by Peter LaFontaine

July 25, 2019

Leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are plowing forward with the relocation of two major research agencies, a move that threatens to push out hundreds of career staffers and undermine scientific inquiry. The country can't afford this setback at a time when the farm economy is threatened from all sides and clear analysis of these threats is paramount. >>

FMR supports protection of sacred sites at Indian Mounds Park

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 23, 2019

The discovery of additional potential burial sites at Indian Mounds Park will require rerouting trails. FMR supports the city's decision to protect sacred land while also calling for improved parks and trails elsewhere in the neighborhood. >>

Downstream damage in 2019: how the Midwest kills fish in the Gulf of Mexico

by Peter LaFontaine

July 19, 2019

Scientists predict the formation of an enormous dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico this summer, and some of the blame lies right here in Minnesota. Find out what links us to an ocean half a continent away, and how we can help. >>

My reflections on the Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 18, 2019

FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman recently attended the first Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table. Community members brought many concerns and ideas about this important and large-scale riverfront development in north Minneapolis (shown filling in with plant-life above). Now the question is how city leaders will respond. >>

Legislative Water Commission revived with a new name

by Trevor Russell

July 18, 2019

Last month, we lamented one of the more unusual results of the 2019 Legislative session: The administrative purgatory of the Legislative Water Commission. This month, we’ve got some great news! >>

FMR welcomes two new board members

by Sara DeKok

July 16, 2019

FMR is thrilled to welcome two new board members to our team. Jeff Aguy and Paul Bauknight join the board with a wealth of experiences, passion and expertise. >>

Become a Mississippi River Sustainer and help protect the river for the next generation

July 15, 2019

By switching to recurring monthly contributions, FMR Mississippi River Sustainers ensure the health of the river. This convenient way to support FMR provides ongoing, reliable revenue to help protect, restore and enhance the mighty Mississippi. >>

Young child is playing with rocks along the bank of the Mississippi River

MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect

by Trevor Russell

July 15, 2019

After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>

We're lucky to live in a flyway

July 12, 2019

Seeing birds is good for our mental health. Lucky for us Twin Cities metro residents, we live in a major flyway. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors and advocates who help us protect this important ribbon of habitat!

Public meetings scheduled for lock and dam disposition study

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 11, 2019

The Army Corps has scheduled public meetings for August 13 and 19 to discuss the upcoming disposition study for the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. Should it continue to operate? Who should own it? >>