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.
MPR News ― April 17, 2022
by Kirsti Marohn
The Mississippi River made the list of "America’s Most Endangered Rivers." MPR News interviewed Water Program Director Trevor Russell about the Mississippi River Resilience & Restoration Initiative as a solution.
White Bear Press ― April 12, 2022
by Debra Neutkens
The White Bear Press spotlighted our concerns about a legislative proposal that would threaten White Bear Lake groundwater supply and foundational Minnesota environmental protections.
Pioneer Press ― March 1, 2022
by Mary Divine
Included in the development plans for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove is a 34-acre riverfront park. That's fewer acres than we hoped to see in this crucial wildlife corridor. FMR Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman points out that this land is currently habitat for threatened birds that require more space to thrive than the future parkland allots.
The Villager ― February 8, 2022
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman
FMR's Land Use & Planning Program Director describes the process and potential around one of the most important coming questions about the metro river: Should we remove dams on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Mill City Times ― February 4, 2022
by Becky Fillinger
The Mill City Times interviewed Executive Director Whitney Clark as he celebrated 25 years working to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River with FMR.
Pioneer Press ― February 1, 2022
by Nick Ferraro
Ramsey County steps back from its plans to develop a rare grassland bird haven, rejecting three proposals for development. The article mentions FMR's steadfast support for preservation of the site.
Bring Me the News ― January 31, 2022
by Shaymus McLaughlin
FMR's Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman points to the results of an ecological survey showing the Maplewood site supports bird species at risk and calls for permanent protection of the grasslands.
Star Tribune ― January 27, 2022
by Shannon Prather
FMR's advocacy around a rare grassland bird haven in Maplewood seems to have paid off as Ramsey County steps back from development possibilities.
Grand Rapids Herald-Review ― January 22, 2022
FMR Executive Director Whitney Clark joins the chorus of nonprofits in favor of the Climate Action plan this legislative session and explains the connection between Continuous Living Cover agricultural systems, climate mitigation and water quality.
Finance & Commerce ― December 1, 2021
by Brian Johnson
The Cottage Grove City Council approved a master plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course a proposal including a city riverfront park and nearly 500 housing units. This is less parkland and more development than many residents wanted. FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted.
The Northeaster ― December 1, 2021
by Karen Kraco
FMR Ecologist Alex Roth explained how removing buckthorn improves habitat and water quality in this article about FMR's last volunteer event of the season.
Star Tribune ― October 14, 2021
by Shannon Prather
When we learned that Ramsey County was considering developing open space that we believe provides essential habitat, FMR requested a natural resources inventory. The final report confirms: Endangered and rare birds depend on this grassland for their survival. FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted.
KSTP ― September 30, 2021
by Rich Reeve
After pausing for the pandemic, Minneapolis will once again charge 5 cents for carryout bags. FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell gave KSTP a tour of plastics found on the Mississippi River to explain the benefits of the ordinance.
KARE 11 ― September 19, 2021
by Dana Thiede
KARE 11's drone series recently focused on the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers in Hastings, giving a rare aerial view of the two rivers coming together. They turned to FMR to explain the difference in water color.
Star Tribune ― August 24, 2021
by Shannon Prather
Birds like the endangered Henslow's sparrow find their nesting ground in an undeveloped 77-acre parcel of land next to Battle Creek Regional Park, part of the Mississippi River flyway. Though the natural resource study for this rare grassland has yet to be completed, the county has begun to call for development ideas. FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman is quoted.
