Ann Bancroft
Dinner with Ann Bancroft and other amazing experiences up for auction September 28

Latest News

Write to the River

Morning Color over Pine Bend SNA by Tom Reiter

"Morning Color" by Tom Reiter, taken February 15, 2017 at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, a beloved natural area that FMR helped to permanently protect several years ago and which we continue to restore and manage for ecological health. This expansive view features a partially frozen, meandering Mississippi River reflecting vivid hues of the daybreak sky. Leafless shrubs extend their branches from the riverbank. 

Have you ever felt inspired by the Mississippi? You're not alone. America's River has shaped the metro area both physically and culturally, inciting creative works for as long as us humans have been around. 

Now FMR wants to know: What does the Mississippi River mean to you? Sharpen your creative writing pencils, we're launching 'Write to the River,' a new project to feature "Mississippi Messages" readers' works inspired by our great river. 

We're kicking off this new project with a call for prose or poetry inspired by the photo above, "Morning Color" over Pine Bend Scientific & Natural Area by Tom Reiter.

February 2017

Bill seeks to strip MPCA and DNR rulemaking authority and sunset all existing rules

Under H.F. 551, the MPCA and DNR would no longer have any rulemaking authority and all their existing rules would expire by 2022 unless the Minnesota legislature chose to enact them. The bill likely precedes others that will seek to give the legislature veto power over agency rulemaking, a move that will deny the public a voice in regulatory decisions.

By Leili Fatehi
February 2017

What river lovers need to know about plans for the new Ford site

St. Paul Ford site

In 2011, the last Ford Ranger rolled off the line at Ford's manufacturing campus in St. Paul. With buildings demolished and environmental remediation in the works, the 135-acre site along the Mississippi River will be transformed into a modern riverfront community. (All images courtesy of St. Paul and Goff Public)

Recently, the city of St. Paul unveiled draft plans to redevelop the Ford Plant site along the Mississippi River. Pictured above in its truck-making days, the 135-acre campus is now clear of structures with plans for a new 21st-century riverfront community in the works.

By Whitney Clark
January 2017

Misty mornings on the Mighty Miss

Mist rising from the Mississippi on a cold December dawn

Mist rises from the Mississippi just east of downtown St. Paul on a cold December dawn.

Ever wonder why there's a wintry mist on the water in the morning, but not later in the day? Even when it's still quite cold?

By Karen Schik
January 2017

Out of the classroom and into the weeds, woods ... and worms?

Clare shows off the large ragweed plant she pulled out of the native planting at Crosby Farm Park.

This massive ragweed plant is no match for Clare Tipler, the senior from St. Paul Academy who contributed the article below about her experience with FMR field trips. Clare and her class removed invasives from Crosby Park in St. Paul (above), educated their neighbors about river pollution and became citizen scientists for the Mississippi River.

High school senior Clare Tipler shares her adventures working with FMR and her environmental studies class and the surprising lessons learned along the way.

January 2017

Big news: Bluffs, shorelines and scenic views protected!

The Mississippi River Gorge from St. Paul by Jim Hudak

Our local national park, the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River, is now protected by FMR-prompted state rules. (Photo by Jim Hudak)

At long last, new State of Minnesota rules are now in place governing land use and development along the metro stretch of the Mississippi River, a.k.a. our local national park! While allowing for growth and redevelopment, the new rules protect the metro riverfront's natural, scenic and cultural treasures. 

December 2016

Minnesota triclosan ban takes effect January 1

Plain soap and water is the best way to wash your hands.

Minnesota was the first state to ban triclosan in hand soaps and body washes. Originally billed as an antibacterial, the chemical broke down into cancer-causing dioxins in the Mississippi River and proved to be ineffective compared to washing with plain soap and water.

In a major victory for water quality and public health, the 2014 legislature made Minnesota the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale of triclosan in consumer hand and body washes. FMR spearheaded the initiative after learning that triclosan from consumer products was turning into dioxins or cancer-causing chemicals in the river. We proudly look forward to the law taking effect January 1, 2017!

By Trevor Russell
December 2016

Whose view? From where? — December 2016

We received two responses to this month's glorious fall photo of the largest intact prairie in the Twin Cities area.

By Irene Jones
December 2016

Mystery building near Lake Street Bridge to reduce odors, but stands to be improved

A number of Mississippi Messages readers have contacted us since the leaves fell from the trees about a new building on the river located just north of Minneapolis' Lake Street bridge. We investigated and have some answers, as well as several related questions and concerns.

By Alicia Uzarek
December 2016

Post-election reflection: We're ready for 2017

Snowfall at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area.

By bringing a diverse group of people together, FMR was able to protect Pine Bend Bluffs (above) as a Scientific and Natural Area. We know the power of creative partnerships and approaches. And with your support, we can continue to protect this national treasure in our midst. 

As always, FMR is ready to vigorously protect the Mississippi River and its water quality in 2017. During this season of gratitude and resolutions for the new year, here's how you can help us safeguard our successes.

December 2016

Pages