Stormwater's hidden perils
As our climate changes and water infrastructure ages, the challenges of water management are becoming more severe. Ultimately, our changing climate means that Minnesota faces more — and more powerful — storms, leading to sewage emergencies, mega-storms, sandbagged lake houses and twelve billion-dollar price tags. >>
UN: Global warming is splintering our food supply
Agriculture is a major driver of climate change, but it can also be a big part of the solution. The future of the planet relies on shifting to sustainable practices more rapidly than ever before. >>
NPR: As climate changes, taxpayers will shoulder larger U.S. payouts to farmers
A recent National Public Radio story highlighted the risks that climate change may pose to both farm operations and Americans' pocketbooks in the years to come. >>
Landslides are on the rise in Minnesota
Wetter weather has increased landslides that slough slopes into our roads and rivers, sometimes with dangerous consequences for water and life. A mapping project aims to identify risk areas so we can safeguard our slopes. >>
Self-inflicted brain drain at USDA threatens farm economy
Leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are plowing forward with the relocation of two major research agencies, a move that threatens to push out hundreds of career staffers and undermine scientific inquiry. The country can't afford this setback at a time when the farm economy is threatened from all sides and clear analysis of these threats is paramount. >>
Rain, rain, go away: river flooding continues
Tired of all of the rainstorms yet? This year has been a historically wet and flood-prone year, impacting cities, towns and farms across the Midwest. In this news roundup, find out what's happening and why it matters. >>
How does FMR evaluate development plans?
Behind the scenes, FMR often meets with developers, stakeholders and government officials to shape development proposals like this one at Water Street next to Harriet Island in St. Paul's West Side neighborhood. (Image by DJR Architecture and Reuter Walton Development)
How does FMR evaluate and advocate for sensitive riverfront development, and what's our take on specific proposals being considered right now? This article gives you a glimpse behind the scenes of our River Corridor program's work. >>
Climate change may supercharge farm pollution
Climate change is predicted to increase nitrate pollution from cropland in the corn belt by as much as 24% over today’s levels. >>
Restoring habitat on an urban island
FMR is beginning restoration and enhancement of the natural areas on the north half of Nicollet Island. Photo by MWMO.
After almost two years of planning, FMR is embarking on our Nicollet Island habitat restoration project designed to enhance wildlife habitat, control erosion and improve water quality. >>
MPR: Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for MN cities
What happens when you add climate change to aging water infrastructure? Sewage goes where it shouldn't. Learn more from this MPR article by Kirsti Marohn with FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell.