Despite the sudden spring blizzard, over 450 Minnesotans from across the state joined us at the Capitol for a day of action and advocacy. Together, they attended trainings on a range of issues, met individually with almost a quarter of the Minnesota Legislature, participated in the first Water Town Hall and rallied for clean water. >>
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Proposed development along the riverfront could dramatically change the St. Paul city skyline by adding four towers, one of which could be taller than our tallest skyscraper, the Wells Fargo building. (Image: Public domain via Ramsey County/AECOM)
A major development including four tall towers on St. Paul's downtown riverfront is currently under consideration for the former West Publishing and county jail site. >>
April 2019
View from Schaar's Bluff at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings, part of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area.
Most Twin Cities communities have completed their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront, but a few are still seeking public comments in the coming weeks or months. Learn where your community is in the process and weigh in while there is still time. >>
April 2019
Students participate in a water sampling project at Crosby Farm, a beloved St. Paul park. The draft master plan for this park proposes to improve access while maintaining its undeveloped feel.
FMR has been participating in the master planning processes for Above the Falls, Mississippi Gorge and Hidden Falls Crosby Farm regional parks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here's a roundup of the draft plans, FMR's comments on these plans and opportunities for future public participation. >>
April 2019
FMR's work with volunteers to plant and tend a native demonstration prairie garden at Ole Olson Park has paid off. Not only does this patch of prairie help improve water quality, but it also provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife and creates a beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline from the banks of the Mississippi.
The Mighty Mississippi originates as a humble stream at a small woodland lake in our state. It gets its first full taste of what humans can do to abuse a waterway when it hits the Twin Cities, where, for well over a century, it served as an industrial sewer, made utterly devoid of life.
But for over 25 years, you've helped Friends of the Mississippi River lead the way in enhancing our river. Read why our hometown river and FMR need your support. >>
April 2019
Pull garlic mustard with us! We've got plenty of opportunities to help restore river habitat this May.
'Tis the season for garlic mustard removals. If you've skimmed the FMR events calendar recently, you may have noticed a reoccurring theme: garlic mustard pulls. Prime pulling season typically runs from late-April through May. Learn more about this pesky invader and how you can help. >>
April 2019
The Minneapolis City Council approved a rough plan for this city-owned barge terminal and mile-long stretch of riverfront in North Minneapolis in early March. However, a series of amendments promise opportunities for substantial community engagement before plans are finalized. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR.)
Despite public opposition, the Minneapolis City Council approved the concept plan for the Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) site in North Minneapolis. FMR continues to have many concerns and will stay engaged as planning progresses. >>
March 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
On March 5, Gov. Tim Walz signed bipartisan legislation to fix last year’s controversial use of Minnesota’s voter-approved Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. This is a win for taxpayers and our environment, and restoring the fund was a major priority for FMR this session. Here’s what happened. >>
March 2019
We are delighted to offer this special Write to the River edition featuring student writing from Augsburg University's River Semester program and Minnehaha Academy's Environmental Science class. >>
March 2019