Updates and Articles

Bills nullifying wild rice protection advance at #MNLeg

The Minnesota House and Senate are quickly advancing bills to eliminate water quality standards that protect wild rice – Minnesota’s state grain. >>

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Welcome, Ray and Sophie!

Spring is here and two new people have joined the FMR team to help us protect, restore and enhance the metro Mississippi River. Meet our new administrative assistant Ray Prince and seasonal outreach assistant Sophie Downey. >>

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Raynette Prince and Sophie Downey stand before a large photo of the Mighty Mississippi.
'Blasting Minnesota DNR, judge stands by her White Bear Lake ruling'

As reported by Josephine Marcotty in the Star Tribune, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' request to stay a groundbreaking court order restricting heavy water use around White Bear Lake has been roundly rejected. 

The judge, Ramsey County Judge Margaret Marrinan, harshly criticized the agency for what she called a “stunning” history of failing to comply with state laws designed to protect the environment.

Now, however, the Minnesota Legislature is considering a bill to essentially override the judge's ruling. >>

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The top 4 environmental rollbacks in this year's Chamber of Commerce bill

It wouldn’t be a legislative session without a bill from our friends at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to roll back basic environmental protections. Here's the worst of this year's edition. >>

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The bizarre case of the $2 million MESERB bill

Every so often, a bill starts moving at the Capitol that defies rational explanation. One such bill this year aims to give $2 million in state taxpayer funds to regulated parties to allow them to provide “oversight” of their own state regulators. Welcome to the MESERB bill. Fox…meet hen house. >>

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Respect public input — No fast-tracking Enbridge Line 3

In one of the more controversial moves of the legislative session, a key House committee is considering a bill granting immediate approval of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 project. >>

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A warm goodbye to longtime office manager Michele Bevis!

While FMR is known for our work at the Capitol and in the communities, forests and prairies along the river, we'd be lost without a strong home base. And that's exactly what Michele Bevis, our office manager, has provided for over 10 years. 

So it is with deep gratitude that we say goodbye to Michele as she embarks on her next phase: one relaxing yet adventurous retirement. >>

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Michele Bevis ready to help a paddler come in off the river at an FMR event.
A new environmental learning center at Watergate Marina?

If all goes well at the state Capitol this session, the City of Saint Paul could begin designing a new environmental learning center on the river at Watergate Marina as early as July. >>

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The results are in! Highlights from FMR's 2018 member survey

FMR's 2018 Member Survey results are in — check out the highlights! Thank you to the nearly 300 members who completed the survey. We'll use your ideas and input to shape our work in the years ahead. 

See the survey results. Or, if you're not one already, become an FMR member

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View from Pine Bend SNA by Karen Schik
Environmental groups release statement on draft groundwater protection rule

FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in a statement on the state's proposed groundwater protection rule. >>
 

 

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