Updates and Articles

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? >>

Thanks Akia, our shared summer intern

by Alex Roth

July 11, 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 at AgroEcology Summit

July 9, 2019

Join us at lovely Willow Lake Farm for "Butterflies, Bluegreens, Kilowatts & Calories," August 16-17. >>

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. >>