Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove

A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR Land Use and Planning Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman (video above) about concerns from neighbors and government agencies.

FMR has been following the issue for some time and spoke at the Cottage Grove City Council meeting on November 5, 2025. Learn more about the outcome of the meeting or sign up for Mississippi Messages for updates. 

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Along a Mississippi River backchannel, Otsego
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area, Inver Grove Heights

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.