Minnesota wetlands and grasslands losing out to farms

A recent Star Tribune article highlights an alarming trend in Minnesota: in just the last five years, Minnesota has lost 312 square miles of valuable wetlands and the natural vegetation – an area about 5.7 times the size of Minneapolis – most likely because of the high payouts that come with federally subsidized crop insurance.

The article highlights a new study by our friends at the Environmental Working Group, which explores the loss of critical wetlands and grasslands nationwide. A related article from Bloomberg suggests that sustained high commodity prices and lavish taxpayer-supported crop insurance programs combine to encouraging farmers to plow fragile lands and put ecosystems at risk.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
34th to 36th Streets & West River Parkway Minneapolis
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 8:30am to 4:30pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis and St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

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