FMR welcomes River Advocate Bob Spaulding to staff

Saint Paul resident Bob Spaulding became FMRs first official river advocate in October, and hes excited to get to work.

Bob, whose job involves outreach to stakeholders along the river corridor and advocacy for the protection and enhancement needed to make the Mississippi River an enduring asset for the Twin Cities region, observes that the Mississippi River holds the unique promise to be a major cultural resource, ecosystem and even a retreat from city life. And while it often acts as a retreat, it incredibly runs right through the middle of our regions history and geography.

Bob says his role is to help engage the Rivers stakeholders in a common conversation about how we can find a fruitful balance among the Rivers many functions. Whether we are contemplating new housing near the River, industrial uses, or changes to the waterway itself, we need to ensure were continually working to preserve and strengthen the River as a strong natural asset for our region. As communities along the river contemplate a shared future, my job is to ensure that the River is well represented as a central consideration in those conversations.

A member of the Saint Paul Planning Commission, Bob enjoys biking, hiking and other outdoor recreation. He has a bachelors degree in sociology from Cornell College and has done coursework toward a masters degree in urban planning from the University of Minnesota.

Among his favorite spots on the River is Lilydale Park, where Id swear I was in the middle of nowhere rather than a few blocks from downtown Saint Paul.

He adds: The Mississippi River in the Twin Cities is a National Park, and I hope that over time we deepen our commitment to realizing what those words can mean for our future here. That doesnt mean we cant develop areas near the River, but weve got to be smart and thoughtful about how we go about connecting our lives near the River with the incredible assets the River itself brings to us.