In the Media
FMR is proud to serve as the voice for the Mississippi River and the people who care about it — at the Capitol, in our communities and in the media. Many thanks to the reporters who take the time to cover important river issues.
Executive Director Whitney Clark talks about the differences volunteers can make for wildlife and water quality as we restore habitat throughout the metro.
Twin Metals mine near the Boundary Waters isn't the only proposed sulfide ore mine in Minnesota. Talon Metals' proposed mine puts the Mississippi River watershed at risk. As part of the Water Over Nickel campaign, FMR will be advocating to protect clean water, land and cultural resources from the negative impacts of mining.
FMR is an official partner of Water Over Nickel, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's campaign to protect clean water, land and cultural resources from the negative impacts of mining. We recently cosigned this MinnPost commentary in honor of Earth Day that offers shared principles to guide decisions about our waters as mining pressures grow.
By the end of 2025, all 25 river cities and townships in the Twin Cities metro had adopted clearer, science-based regulations for riverfront development. The Monitor spoke with FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman and provides an overview of what this accomplishment means for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area.
Friends of the Mississippi River helped to lead the nearly 20-year effort to strengthen critical area protections for the Mississippi River. FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman explains the advantages of clear standards and talks about what's next for FMR.
A growing number of elected officials have joined community members and advocates in calling for a full cleanup of Ford Area C. The MPCA is currently reviewing public comments. FMR's petition signed by more than 700 people is noted.
The MPCA looks to favor only partial cleanup of a toxic riverfront site in St. Paul. Colleen O’Connor Toberman, FMR Land Use and Planning Program director, is quoted: “In my mind, a partial cleanup leaves the risk that Ford won’t be around to pay for future needed cleanup down the road. If Ford doesn’t pay now, the public may end up paying for it later instead.”
FMR and the Stop Carp Coalition pushed for and helped win state funding to help curb invasive carp from moving upstream. Now the DNR has pushed back the likely date for deterrent installation.
In a featured Star Tribune commentary, FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman outlines the public's rationale and push for a full cleanup, concluding: "If the agency wants the community’s trust, it must show it is listening and holding polluters accountable. When it comes to Ford’s mess, so far, it has not."
The MPCA is deciding the future of Ford's Area C dumpsite right on the Mississippi River. FMR has campaigned for a full cleanup for years, along witih community members, the St. Paul City Council, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, State Rep. Dave Pinto and others.
FMR and other agencies raised concerns about a proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove. Now, the company proposing the gravel pit mine has backed away from its plan. FMR's Colleen O’Connor Toberman is quoted: "The environmental review was so legally flawed that I’m not surprised they couldn’t figure out how to move forward."
FMR and other agencies raised concerns about a proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove. Now, the company proposing the gravel pit mine has backed away from its proposal. FMR's Colleen O’Connor Toberman is quoted: "The environmental review was so legally flawed that I’m not surprised they couldn’t figure out how to move forward."
In this letter to the editor, Environmental Stewardship Institute youth council member Addison Williams makes a case for a full cleanup of Ford Area C.
Nearly 100 people showed up for a rally and MPCA meeting on the cleanup options at Ford Area C in mid January. FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted on FMR's position, calling for a full cleanup.
The Hastings Journal quotes FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark on the proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove: "Cottage Grove's insistence on pressing forward, regardless of the facts, could result in legal challenges that will cost the city and its residents for years to come."