FMR to MN Environmental Quality Board: Include climate change in environmental review
On Monday, FMR submitted written comments to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board in support of their draft recommendations on integrating climate change into the state's environmental review process. Here's what we said. >>
Minnesota's new budget forecast redefines legislative session
Last November's projected state budget deficit turned into a projected $1.6 billion surplus. What does that mean for clean water, soil health and other environmental issues this legislative session? >>
FMR hails bipartisan support for state land conservation funding
In a major win for conservation and water quality this legislative session, funding for the state’s flagship land protection program now has bipartisan support. >>
Research roundup: Is cropland ag carbon sequestration as effective as we want it to be?
Storing greenhouse gases in cropland soils is all the rage these days, as Fortune 500 companies, conservation initiatives and even the Biden administration seek to reward farmers for sequestering carbon beneath our feet. But how sound is this approach? We pulled together some of the latest news about no-till farming, cover crops and how effectively these practices sequester carbon. >>
Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part two)
How do we get a better grade for nitrate pollution reduction? We have to change the mix of what we grow. In this follow-up, we explain why it isn't feasible to rely on incentive payments to farmers alone to move the needle on our water quality problems. And we offer an exciting solution that could improve water quality by AND sustain farmers' livelihoods. >>
FMR's 2021 legislative priorities
With elections in the books and a revised state budget forecast, it’s time for us to look ahead to the 2021 legislative session in Minnesota. Here’s what's in store for the river and our environment, and how you can get involved as a River Guardian. >>
What the 2020 election results mean for the Mississippi River
How will our recent elections impact the Mississippi River? Here's our preliminary take. >>
Minnesota approves historic bonding bill
On October 15, the Minnesota Legislature achieved a breakthrough for the state’s economy and public health with the passage of a $1.8 billion bonding bill that includes more than $302 million for water infrastructure supported by FMR as part of the Fix the Pipes MN alliance. Sadly, it also includes a project we strongly oppose: the Upper Harbor Terminal concert venue in Minneapolis. >>
Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part one)
In the first of a two-part series, we’ll look at the results of the state’s recent nutrient reduction report card. The results are ... not good. >>
State’s Groundwater Protection Rule now in full effect
As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>