Updates and Articles

FMR opposes Upper Harbor Terminal plan, calls for more community engagement

The Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal site is key to improving the North Minneapolis riverfront. Done correctly, the redevelopment of this city-owned site can better connect residents with the river and be a model of sustainability and community wealth-building. So why would the city let private companies take the lead and reap the majority of benefits?   >>

Read more
Calling all cameras: Citizen science for the Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project

Coyotes and foxes are mostly secretive animals, but sightings of these species are becoming more and more common throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Now, a group of researchers and partner organizations (including FMR) are setting out to better understand how these critters use the urban environment, and maybe just dispel some myths along the way. You can help!  >>

Read more
Staff transitions: Welcomes and farewells

We can now proudly introduce our new finance director, Sheila Gothmann, and congratulate Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant. We also pay tribute to two staff that have moved on — Bruce Freidson, our intrepid finance director who has now retired, and Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate, who continues important planning work in Minneapolis.  >>

Read more
Bruce, Sheila, Alicia and Sophie (FMR staff)
House and senate introduce full funding for Forever Green

To get to our clean water goals in Minnesota, we need to plant more perennial and cover crops. But these crops need to be profitable before farm operations can effectively make the change. To address this challenge, two bills were introduced in mid-February in the house and senate that will fully fund the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative.  >>

Read more
Join us for MN Water Action Day • April 10, 2019

Join us for Water Action Day 2019, a day of public action and advocacy to let lawmakers know we care about our water! #ProtectOurWater >>

Read more
FMR’s Molly Pederson testifies for Environmental Trust Fund fix

In late January, a key House committee approved legislation to fix last year’s controversial raid on Minnesota’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. FMR lobbyist Molly Pederson testified in support of the bill.  >>

Read more
Droves expected for Feb. 2019 river drawdown

In late-February 2019, you'll have a rare opportunity to see the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls lower than it's been for over 20 years. >>

Read more
Action Alert: Deny the Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan [CLOSED]

The City of Minneapolis is moving quickly to advance the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan along 1 mile of riverfront in Northside Minneapolis. The plan allows private interests to take the lead and reap the majority of benefits from this publicly-owned property.

Minneapolis residents, join us in telling your city council representative and Mayor Frey that we can do better before the council's committee meeting on February 19. >>

Read more
Help shape beloved riverfront parks: Mississippi Gorge and Hidden Falls, Crosby Farm

Master plans for three treasured regional parks in the heart of the urban Twin Cities are getting updated this year — the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park in Minneapolis, Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. In late January and early February, community members will have an opportunity to see the plans and to weigh in.  >>

Read more
Lake Street Bridge from the Mississippi Gorge
First buckthorn wreath-making workshop a success

For some in the do-it-yourself crowd, wreath-making has become a fun way to create holiday decor. This past December, FMR and two local artists put a unique spin on this DIY theme, hosting an open studio wreath-making event with one big twist… we used invasive buckthorn.  >>

Read more
Two workshop participants display their buckthorn wreath creations.

Pages

Upcoming Events

Now through December 31, 2025
Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area, Twin Cities metro
Dec. 31, 2025 is the last day to give
Capacity-building campaign for the future of the river
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - rally 5:45 p.m., meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Highland Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.