Looking forward to warmer weather? We are too! FMR is starting to book spring programs for youth and group outings. If you are interested in a stenciling event, trash cleanup or indoor educational opportunity with FMR staff, we'd love to hear from you soon. >>
Latest News
FMR works with many youth and service groups each year. Groups learn about and take care of the river through stenciling outings, cleanups and educational programming. (Photo by Tom Reiter)
February 2019
Check out Minnesota Public Radio's recent coverage of our coalition's press event on one of our major legislative priorities this session: The University of Minnesota's Forever Green Initiative to research and develop clean-water crops. >>
March 2019
A coyote hunts mice in a wintry field. The new Twin Cities Coyote and Fox Research Project seeks your canine sightings like this one. (Photo by Karen Schik for FMR.)
Coyotes and foxes are mostly secretive animals, but sightings of these species are becoming more and more common throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. Now, a group of researchers and partner organizations (including FMR) are setting out to better understand how these critters use the urban environment, and maybe just dispel some myths along the way. You can help! >>
February 2019
On Tuesday, Gov. Walz announced his state budget proposal. We took a look at how our priorities for the river and clean water fared. Our take-away so far? We have some work to do. New investments in environment and agriculture were minor and failed to include full funding for the few initiatives that are essential to achieving Minnesota's clean water goals. >>
February 2019
This city-owned barge terminal in North Minneapolis closed in 2014. On February 19, a city council committee voted to approve a plan that lays out its future, impacting not only this 1 mile stretch of riverfront but the larger Northside community. Amendments to the approved plan promise the process will involve the community. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR.)
The Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal site is key to improving the North Minneapolis riverfront. Done correctly, the redevelopment of this city-owned site can better connect residents with the river and be a model of sustainability and community wealth-building. So why would the city let private companies take the lead and reap the majority of benefits? >>
February 2019
Clockwise from top left: Bruce Freidson, retired finance director; Sheila Gothmann, new finance director; Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant; Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate. (Photo credit: Alicia Uzarek by Tom Reiter)
We can now proudly introduce our new finance director, Sheila Gothmann, and congratulate Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant. We also pay tribute to two staff that have moved on — Bruce Freidson, our intrepid finance director who has now retired, and Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate, who continues important planning work in Minneapolis. >>
February 2019
To get to our clean water goals in Minnesota, we need to plant more perennial and cover crops. But these crops need to be profitable before farm operations can effectively make the change. To address this challenge, two bills were introduced in mid-February in the house and senate that will fully fund the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. >>
February 2019
The frozen Mississippi River invites us to pause for a closer look, and our winter submissions eloquently capture the unique aspects of the river through winter's lens. >>
February 2019
In late January, a key House committee approved legislation to fix last year’s controversial raid on Minnesota’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. FMR lobbyist Molly Pederson testified in support of the bill. >>
January 2019
The 2008 drawdown of the river around St. Anthony Falls drew thousands of people to glimpse the riverbed and learn more about our local national park. This year, another drawdown is scheduled for late February. (Photo by Tony Webster, CC2.0.)
In late-February 2019, you'll have a rare opportunity to see the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls lower than it's been for over 20 years. >>
January 2019