Blue Star Award Program turns 1, exceeds goals

The Blue Star Award Program is a one-of-a-kind program that offers communities that excel in urban runoff management the public recognition they deserve.

Communities participate in this voluntary program by completing a rigorous self-assessment that rates key community indicators such as city development codes, site-design guidelines and post-construction stormwater runoff standards. Communities that score high enough earn the Blue Star Award, and are recognized as leaders in protecting Minnesotas water resources and public health.

Launched in July 2010, the Blue Star Award Program is proud to honor the 42 communities that have participated during its first year. FMR and our Blue Star Award Program partners would also like to thank each of our 14 Blue Star Award-Winning communities for their efforts to protect Minnesotas water resources, including top-scoring city Independence, Minnesota.

Is your community a Blue Star Award Winner? Find out at www.bluestarmn.org. While you're there, be sure to check out our leaderboard to see the most recent list of Minnesota's Top 10 Clean Water Communities.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, Cottage Grove
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 7:30am
Along the river in St. Paul
Monday, June 8, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area, Hastings

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.