Updates and Articles

FMR opposes proposed riverfront parking ramp

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 1, 2019

FMR has submitted a letter of opposition to the 800-stall parking ramp the Federal Reserve Bank has proposed along West River Parkway in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. >>

Proposed Lilydale bluff development raises concerns

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 26, 2019

Lilydale is considering a plan that would turn the site of the old Moose Country bar and River Bluffs Center into senior housing. But the new development would be too close to the river bluff's edge and too tall to maintain a scenic river view. >>

Update: Lilydale River Bluffs plan to go before council soon

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 20, 2019

We're happy to report that the concept plans for a senior development in Lilydale (original article) have been revised to better protect the river bluff as well as scenic views. As the city council moves to vote June 25, we're advocating for several conditions to address stormwater management and more. >>

Midtown Greenway Coalition releases new study on Short Line Bridge

June 14, 2019

Four different options are under consideration for extending the greenway across the Mississippi. >>

What's a watershed?

June 12, 2019

How can a drop of oil hundreds of miles from the Mississippi River end up polluting it? It all comes down to our watershed.

In this new video, FMR's youth coordinator Kate Clayton and SuperVolunteer Astoria explain, with a little help from some food dye and cartoon bathtubs.

Watch now on YouTube.

Legislative Water Commission stuck in 'government purgatory'

by Trevor Russell

June 12, 2019

A surprising split-decision has left the Legislative Water Commission with an uncertain future. >>

A good sign for habitat: Hastings high schoolers make their mark in the park

by Ellie Rogers

June 11, 2019

Vermillion River Linear Park is a 60-acre prairie in the heart of Hastings that FMR has worked with students for years to restore. These high school students wanted to make sure passersby knew about the boon to wildlife and water quality right in their backyard. >>

Rain, rain, go away: river flooding continues

by Peter LaFontaine

June 11, 2019

Tired of all of the rainstorms yet? This year has been a historically wet and flood-prone year, impacting cities, towns and farms across the Midwest. In this news roundup, find out what's happening and why it matters. >>

Welcome, Peter — our new agricultural policy manager

by Trevor Russell

June 11, 2019

Bringing a decade of experience in environmental advocacy and campaign management, Peter LaFontaine will coordinate our agricultural clean-water advocacy efforts in our newest position at FMR. >>

New podcast features FMR ecologist and invasive earthworms

by Alex Roth

June 11, 2019

Three Rivers Park District's new podcast, The Wandering Naturalist, covers fun Minnesota ecology topics from tracking owls to maple syruping. In this episode, FMR ecologist Alex Roth joined the conversation about the effects of invasive buckthorn and earthworms on Minnesota's wildflowers. >>