Updates and Articles

Legislators delay MN groundwater protection, Dayton says 'no'

by Trevor Russell

June 12, 2018

A new state rule aimed at reducing groundwater contamination by farm fertilizers could be delayed by a legislative move made formal on Monday, June 11. But Gov. Mark Dayton is calling the move unconstitutional and has instructed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to proceed as planned.

At this time, public hearings about the new and much-needed water protection rule are still on the calendar, including one in Farmington, Monday, July 16. Expect a River Guardians Action Alert this July as well. >>

FMR's annual fall event to feature artist Seitu Jones

June 12, 2018

FMR is pleased to announce that Seitu Jones will be the keynote storyteller at our signature annual event, "An Evening Celebrating the River," September 20 in downtown Minneapolis.

In his five-decade career, Jones has been a fixture of the Twin Cities’ art, environmental, agricultural and water communities.

This year's theme is "The River Inspires," and we're shining the spotlight on the special connection between the river and our thriving arts community. >>

Volunteers rock spring. Join us this summer!

by Amy Kilgore, by Kate Clayton

June 7, 2018

So far this spring, FMR volunteers of all ages have removed truckloads of invasive species, planted hundreds of native wildflowers and trees, stenciled hundreds of storm drains and even "bombed" a prairie-in-progress (we mean seed-bombed, of course).

And we're not even halfway through the outdoor events and outings season! >>

DeLaSalle High School Green Team volunteers

Farewell, Linda!

by Sara DeKok

June 6, 2018

Join us as we bid farewell to Linda Moua as she leaves FMR to pursue an internship at Hennepin County District Court to expand her IT experience. >>

Linda Moua paddling the Mississippi River

State approves $15 million for big N Mpls. river project

by Alicia Uzarek

June 5, 2018

The 2018 Minnesota legislative session resulted in very good news for a 48-acre riverfront site in North Minneapolis known as the Upper Harbor Terminal. An influx of $15 million state dollars will help kickstart its redevelopment into housing, offices, stores, restaurants, an amphitheater, parks and trails. >>

How our environment and the Mississippi River fared during the 2018 legislative session

by Trevor Russell

June 4, 2018

While many of the most troubling bills and provisions were eventually defeated this Minnesota legislative session, a mixed bag of stand-alone items were passed and signed into law. ...And, oh yeah, the Legislature unnecessarily raided $98 million from the state’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund.. >>

What got funded in the final 2018 bonding bill

by Trevor Russell

May 31, 2018

Gov. Dayton has signed the Legislature's 2018 bonding bill.

The governor used a line-item veto to remove one controversial provision but (reluctantly) approved the rest of the bill — including an unprecedented $98 million raid of the state’s Environmental Trust Fund.

Here’s a summary of what got funded, what got line-item vetoed and what got raided. >>

How clean water crops fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 30, 2018

Here’s how Working Lands and Forever Green legislation fared this session.

How chloride legislation fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 30, 2018

One of the most promising pro-environment legislative initiatives this session was about reducing chloride (salt) pollution. Here's how chloride legislation fared this session.

Gov. Dayton signs off on Enviro Trust Fund raid!

by Trevor Russell

May 30, 2018

In a major defeat for Minnesota's environment, Gov. Dayton has signed off on the legislature's $98 million of the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund to pay for debt on state bonds.