Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Blog updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Winter oilseeds: Key to clean water and lower emissions
These clean-water crops, which stay in the soil through the winter, can benefit the river in numerous ways. Read more
Organic farmer Karen Torjesen holds a hand low to the ground, amidst a recently planted field of winter camelina in November, 2023.
MDA unveils first recipients of clean-water crops grants
Five small businesses and a nonprofit alliance are getting an important financial boost. Read more
Gloved hands hold a bag of winter camelina seeds. They are being poured into an unidentifiable, large, green piece of machinery.
River Guardians made a splash advocating for the river in 2023
River Guardians set records and advanced every single legislative priority in 2023. Thank you for your advocacy! Here's what we're looking forward to in 2024. Read more
River Guardians at 2023 post-legislative session celebration
EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota
In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more
Drinking water glass
Clean Transportation Standard: Lower emissions for MN’s transportation and ag sectors
To protect the Mississippi River from the worst of climate change, it’s imperative we find a way to significantly cut emissions from transportation and agriculture. Read more
An electric vehicle plugged in and charging. In the background, a person is walking toward the front door of their home.
A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river
Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more
Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest
Safeguarding the Clean Water Fund
It’s the only environmental fund dedicated purely to reducing pollution and protecting clean water statewide. Read more
Three people wearing waders stand in ankle-deep water.
Video: How the 'big brown spot' pollutes the Mississippi River
When farm fields are bare, there’s nothing to stop soil, fertilizers and other farm chemicals from washing off into our rivers, lakes and streams. This "big brown spot" in the Midwest is by far the largest source of pollution to the Mississippi. Read more
Map of Midwest with brown over much of the area around the Mississippi River
Minnesota's drought contributes to drinking water crisis downriver
In this Q&A, Matt Rota at Healthy Gulf in Louisiana talks with FMR about the saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River threatening New Orleans' drinking water supply — and already impacting communities farther south. Read more
Army Corps boats construct a sill to prevent saltwater intrusion
Rave reviews for locally made Kernza goods, even amid market growing pains
It takes more than a tasty product to create a market. Learn about how growers, businesses and consumers can work together to support clean-water crops like Kernza. Read more
A recently baked cinnamon apple Kernza muffin is split apart on a plate. A mug can be seen on the table just behind it.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area