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.
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."
This letter to the editor from FMR Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman calls for a full cleanup of Ford Area C ahead of the MPCA's public meeting in January.
Although the Cottage Grove City Council approved the next step for Amrize's proposed riverbed mine in November, Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council have requested that the Minnesota Court of Appeals review the environmental report first. This comes after many agencies and organizations, including the Prairie Island Tribal Council and FMR, raised concerns about the project. The Star Tribune talked with Colleen O'Connor Toberman about FMR's hesitations.
St. Paul City Council finally adopted its Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) regulations, striking a balance between protection of scenic views and flexibility for downtown development. FMR's call for bird-safe glass regulations did not go unanswered — the city will conduct a study on the issue over the next year.
Board member and artist Jake Keeler discusses our first river-inspired, juried art exhibition, featuring 18 pieces of original art. FMR's Allyson Petry explains how the artwork will support our work for generations to come.
On the eve of St. Paul's critical area ordinance adoption, the Pioneer Press talked to FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about requirements around building height limits and bird safety.