Federal firings and funding freezes

The elections of fall 2024 ushered in an era of significant political change.

We're working to track the impact on the Mississippi River, FMR and our partners, and share updates below and in Mississippi Messages.

Looking for ways to take action — at the local, state and national levels? This is a great time to sign up to be an FMR River Guardian.

Federal firings and funding freezes
We protect what, and who, we love: FMR's response to the ICE occupation

update

February 5, 2026
As the ICE surge hits the Twin Cities, we must recognize the violence and civil rights violations affecting our communities while also highlighting the best of Minnesotans. Read more
Aerial photo of forested riverbanks and river reflecting clouds
Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks

update

October 16, 2025
Titles should be sentence-case. Skip "Teaser Image" above! But please enter a draft teaser here. You'll get cut off at 250 characters. The # of remaining characters will show below. Skip "Legacy Fields" below. Read more
A sign on a USFWS bathroom door saying it is closed due to the federal shutdown.
An update on federal funding cuts and the river

update

August 21, 2025
Some good news for our local national park unit, but MNRRA and federal agencies working for the river still face many challenges. Here's what we're seeing from our partners. Read more
MNRRA visitor center sign
Tell Congress: Hands off Minnesota's national parks

update

May 8, 2025
Proposed cuts could harm our local Mississippi River Twin Cities metro park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and hundreds of beloved national parks. Sign the action alert and tell Congress to get off the sidelines. Read more
Students gather around a ranger on a boat on the Mississippi River
Federal firings, freezes and FMR: A note from our executive director

update

March 7, 2025
What impacts will federal actions have on our work and on the Mississippi River? Here's what we know so far. Read more
Minneapolis' Nicollet Island and the Mississippi River
On the national level...

update

February 20, 2025
A lot is happening in D.C. Here's a quick word to our supporters, originally published in our e-newsletter, Mississippi Messages. Read more
What the new political landscape means for the Mississippi River

update

December 10, 2024
Razor-thin margins, a red tide and plenty of uncertainty. How the 2024 election results impact FMR's 2025 policy goals in the year ahead. Read more
High waters along the tree-lined banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul

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Upcoming Events

Join the Plastic-Free Challenge
Throughout February 2026
Hennepin, Ramsey & Washington counties
Partner event: Dakota County Volunteer Fair
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Wescott Library Lower Level, Eagan
Educators: Bring FMR to your students
This school year
In your classroom or outside

See all Upcoming Events