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.

Villager ― December 15, 2025
by Jane McClure

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.

The Minnesota Daily ― December 11, 2025
by Shay Scanlan

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.

Pioneer Press ― December 9, 2025
by Frederick Melo

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.

Villager ― December 2, 2025
by Jane McClure

The Villager covered the St. Paul City Council's hearing on Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area rules. At the hearing, FMR submitted a petition with 262 signatures calling for strong riverfront protection, bird safe building requirements and clear standards for building heights and exceptions.

The Monitor ― November 14, 2025
by Jane McClure

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and other city leaders discussed Ford Area C and other significant river issues with 150 residents at a forum organized by FMR and other local organizations.

Pioneer Press ― November 6, 2025
by Mary Divine

Despite agencies like the DNR and others objecting to aspects of the Environmental Impact Study for a mine proposal in Cottage Grove, the city council approved the review.

WCCO - CBS Minnesota ― November 5, 2025
by Colin Wight

A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies.

Star News ― October 30, 2025
by Joni Astrup

FMR's Land Conservation team is working with the City of Otsego to restore Highlands of River Pointe Park. Part of a former farmstead, this ecologically rich preserve holds oak savanna, woodland and floodplain habitats. The public preserve lies within a bend of the Crow River before it flows into the Mississippi.

The Sun ― October 18, 2025

FMR Conservation Director Alex Roth talked about the importance of Pine Bend Bluffs as habitat for birds and other species — and how thousands of volunteers for 25 years have been making a difference there.

Villager ― October 6, 2025
by Jane McClure

As community members push for a strong critical area ordinance, organizations including FMR came together to host a town hall with Mayor Melvin Carter to ask about these riverfront rules, Ford Area C and more.

Public News Service ― September 18, 2025
by Mike Moen

Companies advancing clean energy products and systems say for a sustainable environment, they need to mine for materials like nickel. But natural resource defenders in Minnesota say mining creates environmental harm by putting water sources at risk.

The Northeaster ― September 11, 2025
by Margo Ashmore

If you missed our Plants, Pollinators and Pints events, check out The Northeaster's recap, which includes native gardening tips. 

Star Tribune ― August 11, 2025
by Susan Du

The cutoff wall, a vital component of the infrastructure around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, has drawn attention in recent years due to questions about its ownership and maintenance. A study is underway, but it won't resolve everything.

MinnPost ― August 7, 2025
by Trevor Russell

In this commentary, FMR's water program director explains how a biofuels tax provision in a federal bill includes an accounting trick with a potentially dire outcome for the environment.

Outdoor News ― July 23, 2025
by Natalie Ryder

The DNR and Army Corps are assessing different methods for the invasive carp barrier slated to be done by 2029, the third of its kind in the country. FMR Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted.

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Upcoming Events

Now through December 31, 2025
Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area, Twin Cities metro
Dec. 31, 2025 is the last day to give
Capacity-building campaign for the future of the river
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - rally 5:45 p.m., meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.