Updates and Articles

FMR signs on to coalition letter opposing the Senate environment bill

by Trevor Russell

April 24, 2019

April 23, 2019 FMR joined 19 other organizations in formally opposing the Senate Environment Budget and Policy Omnibus Bill (SF 2314). Here's the letter we distributed on the Senate floor prior to the debate. >>

FMR supports the call to reinstate the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens’ Board

by Trevor Russell

April 24, 2019

Earlier this session, FMR joined with organizations from across the state to ask legislators to restore the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens’ Board. >>

Update: Clean Water Fund bills pit key water programs against one another

April 24, 2019

In recent weeks, committees in the House and Senate have laid out how they think Minnesota should spend its Legacy Amendment funding for clean water programs. Unfortunately, both bills call for use of these special, voter-created funds for programs normally supported through more routine channels. Now, three broadly-supported programs have been essentially pitted against one another during a time of a billion-dollar surplus. >>

Protect our environment - remove rollbacks in SF 2314 [CLOSED]

April 22, 2019

It's Earth Day and we wish we had a happier post to share with you, but Minnesota's environment needs you. TODAY.

Despite a $1 billion surplus, the MN Senate is about to vote on a budget -- tomorrow, Tuesday, April 23 - to slash general fund spending on the environment and natural resources by $57 million.

Please take action today to stop the cuts and remove rollbacks in SF 2314!

Fisher spotted at FMR restoration site

by Karen Schik

April 21, 2019

One member of the weasel family, the fisher, is more commonly a denizen of Minnesota's north woods than our metro woodlands. Finding a fisher recently at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County was a rare treat. >>

Senate proposes major environmental rollback

by Trevor Russell

April 17, 2019

The Minnesota Senate’s proposed environmental budget bill (SF 2314) makes crippling cuts to general fund spending for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (86% cut), Department of Natural Resources (17%) and Board of Water and Soil Resources (39%). And that’s not all. >>

Water Action Day 2019 a success! ...Despite the snowstorm

by Sophie Downey

April 12, 2019

Despite the sudden spring blizzard, over 450 Minnesotans from across the state joined us at the Capitol for a day of action and advocacy. Together, they attended trainings on a range of issues, met individually with almost a quarter of the Minnesota Legislature, participated in the first Water Town Hall and rallied for clean water. >>

Four new towers proposed for downtown St. Paul riverfront

April 11, 2019

A major development including four tall towers on St. Paul's downtown riverfront is currently under consideration for the former West Publishing and county jail site. >>

Today is Water Action Day! Ask your legislators to #ProtectOurWater [CLOSED]

April 10, 2019

Today is Water Action Day! If you can't join us at the Minnesota State Capitol, participate remotely by emailing your legislators and asking them to #ProtectOurWater!

River planning is wrapping up for most corridor cities

by Irene Jones

April 9, 2019

Most Twin Cities communities have completed their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront, but a few are still seeking public comments in the coming weeks or months. Learn where your community is in the process and weigh in while there is still time. >>