Updates and Articles

How the Environment Bill fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 29, 2019

Overall, the legislative session resulted in modest additional funding for some of our top priorities while many of the worst provisions were dropped. Along with our allies, we are deeply grateful to the FMR River Guardians who consistently demonstrated their strong support for the river and healthy lands and waters for all Minnesota communities. Learn more about which FMR priorities made it, which did not, and where we go from here. >>

River access, wildlife habitat, year-round recreation: Cottage Grove’s unique opportunity

by Betsy Daub

May 25, 2019

The City of Cottage Grove has the opportunity to turn an old golf course into open space for wildlife and a recreational park for residents and visitors in an area lacking in river access. Here are our top reasons why we should protect this special place from development. >>

How the Clean Water Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 24, 2019

The bipartisan Omnibus Legacy Bill was passed during the Special Session and includes $261.26 million for the Clean Water Fund. Here’s what was included in the final version. >>

2019 legislative update: A special session in the works

by Trevor Russell

May 21, 2019

With our Legislature's adjournment date passed and no final agreements on most policy and budget issues, a special session will be required. And most major water and conservation issues are yet to be decided. Here are our positions on some of the major issues still in play. >>

Action Alert: Support funding the River Learning Center [CLOSED]

May 21, 2019

The River Learning Center will be a destination that connects all Minnesotans and visitors to recreational and educational opportunities on the Mississippi River. Your advocacy is urgently needed to ensure that the River Learning Center receives state bonding funds to move forward this year. >>

Meet our elusive, big brown trout

May 15, 2019

In a cold prairie river just 20 or so minutes south of St. Paul, large brown trout gather in the shadow of red-twig dogwoods, willows and other stream-side plants. Learn more about these wily and beautiful reminders of the importance of protecting our local waters, and how you can help protect them. >>

Our letter to House & Senate conferees on Forever Green

by Trevor Russell

May 14, 2019

Today, FMR, along with twenty-three other organizations, signed a letter requesting legislators provide full funding for eh University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative in the final Clean Water Fund negotiations.

Session compromise looks unlikely on budget, policy ...and emoji usage?

by Trevor Russell

May 14, 2019

As the May 20th session deadline looms, successful negotiations on a final budget and policy compromise appear less likely. >>

Action Alert - Say ‘no’ to environmental cuts, raids and rollbacks in SF2314 [CLOSED]

May 9, 2019

With less than two weeks to go, legislators are meeting to craft a final environment budget & policy bill. Please act today to tell your legislators: “No cuts, rollbacks and raids in the omnibus environment bill!” >>

What's at stake as the final environment bill takes shape?

by Trevor Russell

May 9, 2019

Legislative negotiators from the House and Senate face a number of policy and budget decisions with major implications for the health of our lands and waters as they craft a compromise environment budget and policy bill. >>