Friends of the Mississippi River

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) engages people to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region.

Updates

A small stream cuts through lush, green land near the proposed mine site.

Water & Legislative, Land Use & Planning

July 30, 2026

Take action: Submit a comment on the proposed sulfide mine

The proposed mine would be located in both the Mississippi and St. Croix watersheds. The DNR is taking public comments until Sept. 14.Read more.

High Mississippi River water levels in St. Paul in 2024.

Water & Legislative

July 17, 2026

Q&A: What the latest data says about the Mississippi River's health

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.

Pollinators and insects on the blooming flower of a field thistle.

Conservation

By Alex Roth - June 29, 2026

Minnesota's native thistles: Big benefits for birds, bees and more

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.

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

New study highlights economic benefits of dam removal

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.