Winter Salt Awareness Week: Sign the petition or attend a webinar

Monday-Friday, January 26-30, 2026
Online
A pile of deicing salt piled along a sidewalk in winter.

Chloride pollution caused by winter deicing salt can harm plants and wildlife. It also threatens drinking water. (Photo by FMR)

Every winter, tons of salt are spread on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks to keep us safe. But once the snow melts, that salt doesn’t disappear — it washes into our rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. Rising salt levels stress wildlife, harm plants, corrode infrastructure and pose risks to our drinking water supply.

FMR is joining partners across the country to spotlight this growing challenge during Winter Salt Week, helping communities understand the impacts of salt pollution and explore practical steps we can all take to protect freshwater.

How you can participate

Join a webinar

Experts in environmental science, public works, engineering, and policy will share insights on smarter winter maintenance, community action, and innovative solutions daily throughout the week 12:30-1 p.m. (Central). Learn more and register at Wintersaltweek.org. 

Reduce salt at home

Check out FMR's winter tips to safely salt your sidewalk and protect the river.

Educators: Share the tale of Salty Dawg

Dakota Soil and Water Conservation District staff developed an engaging activity packet for educators, complete with an editable Salty Dawg activity book. 

Sign the petition

 

Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - rally 5:45 pm, meeting 6:30-8:30 pm
Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul
Monday-Friday, January 26-30, 2026
Online
Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

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