FMR’s Pine Bend conservation success big news!

invergroveheights.patch.com spoke with FMR and other partners public organizations and the landowners, Ruth and Butch Rechtzigel.

Several news outlets have lauded the recent addition of 66 acres to the Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area — a significant victory for FMR, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Dakota County. Formerly owned by the conservation-minded Rechtzigel family, the forested land is an important addition to the protected areas of the Pine Bend Bluffs located along the Mississippi River in Inver Grove Heights.

The acquisition furthers FMRs goal to protect as much of Pine Bend Bluffs as possible, forms an important connection between existing protected parcels, and is also the first natural area acquisition to which FMR has contributed funds. But were not the only ones eager to celebrate this conservation success:

Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 10:30am to 1:00pm OR 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Magnolia Blossom Paddle Boat, St. Paul
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

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