Updates

A side-by-side showing the current Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam next to an illustration of the structure removed.
Land Use & Planning
July 14, 2026
We still have a lot to study and learn about whether dam removal makes sense for the metro Mississippi, but a new report shows us what recreation and tourism could be on a restored river.Read more.
High Mississippi River water levels in St. Paul in 2024.
Water & Legislative
July 17, 2026
The state recently released the newest draft of its Impaired Waters list. We asked FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell what it tells us about the river. Read more.
Mouse riding a paper heron on an urban river
Stewardship & Education
June 15, 2026
Our Environmental Stewardship Institute Youth Council drafted a picture book this year that follows an adventurous mouse from storm drain to river to community cleanup. Here's a peek into their process and the design. Read more.
Pollinators and insects on the blooming flower of a field thistle.
Conservation
By Alex Roth - June 29, 2026
Not all thistles we see in Minnesota are non-native and invasive. Here's how you can tell if you're looking at one of our few native thistle species.Read more.
Wetland area
Conservation
July 20, 2026
The cold water trout stream and wide floodplain wetlands at the 450-acre Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area (AMA) in Dakota County offer opportunities for angling, hunting, trapping and wildlife observation. Read more.

OUR STRETCH OF THE RIVER

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings
August 1 through October 15, 2026
Throughout St. Paul