A prescribed burn rolls through a blufftop prairie at the Flint Hills Pind Bend Bluffs restoration site. (Photo by Karen Schik.)
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes those familiar signs of life: plants begin to green, flowers bloom, migrating birds return, and fires burn through the prairies at FMR restoration sites!
Learn more about how we use fire to restore wildlife habitat, and the impact of a recent unplanned fire on an FMR restoration site. >>
Approximately 750 people joined us at the Capitol to urge legislators and Gov. Mark Dayton to invest in clean water and protect Minnesota's great outdoors. >>
To celebrate our 25th year, each month in 2018 FMR staff will profile places along the metro Mississippi River that are near and dear to us, places that connect to FMR but that we also enjoy in our own downtime. By the end of our silver year, we'll have built a map of 25 special river places for you and yours to learn about, visit and enjoy.
This month: Spring waterfalls
Snow melts and cold spring waters trickle down our yards, driveways, and gutters, ultimately swiftening our creeks, swelling our rivers and making our waterfalls roar. Be sure to check out these two falls — one famous, one not so much, but neither to be missed during spring peak. >>
Ten bad water bills have been introduced this legislative session that are going to the House and Senate for passage. These bills undermine basic environmental science, roll back existing protections or block public participation in environmental decisions.
As an FMR member, you'll play an integral role in carrying out our mission to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River.
FMR members are more than donors.
Collectively, you spearhead advocacy for clean water policy, conserve critical habitat and engage the next generation of river stewards. All in support of our shared dream: To protect and restore the Mighty Mississippi and make sure it's healthy and accessible to all.
In celebration of Earth Day, if you're not one already, consider becoming an FMR member. >>
As we noted in the State of the River Report, chloride or salt pollution is a growing problem for Minnesota's waters. This session, FMR and our allies have been advancing a bill in the Minnesota Legislature to reduce it.
We're happy to report that the bill has garnered bipartisan support. However, it will most likely be wrapped into the House and Senate omnibus bills, making its fate murky at best. >>
Two Minnesota rivers — including our local Mississippi River gorge between Minneapolis and St. Paul — made America's River's 'Most Endangered' list.
WCCO's Jennifer Mayerle reports:
Now through Earth Day, $5 from every online purchase will be donated to FMR in support of our conservation and restoration efforts!
Celebrate the Twin Cities' own Mississippi River Road for its scenic pathways, history, heritage, and a place to recreate and relax. Track Club Co has designed a commemorative Mississippi River Road T-shirt. And now through Earth Day, $5 from the sale of each tee will be donated to FMR in support of our restoration and conservation efforts. >>
The legislature is rolling up its sleeves and rolling back bedrock protections for water quality. Here's our top-10 list of bad water bills (so far) this session. >>
Identifying scenic vistas, like this view of Hastings from Cottage Grove, is an important component of the local river corridor planning now underway.
Cities up and down the metro Mississippi are busy finalizing their local river corridor plans, but there's still time to weigh in. Some deadlines to submit comments are fast approaching, including July 17 for Cottage Grove and July 22 for Minneapolis. Learn where your city's at in its process and how you can have your say in the shape of your future local riverfront. >>