Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river. 

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Instagram) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Time to weigh in: Ford Area C cleanup plan enters public comment period
The Ford Area C Feasibility Study is open for public comment — the last chance we have to advocate for a full cleanup of Ford Area C in St. Paul. Here's how. Read more
Ford Area C in winter
How the metro riverfront gained strong, cohesive protections
The story of one of the most far-reaching accomplishments for the river since FMR’s founding: riverfront rules all along the metro Mississippi to protect its scenic, cultural and ecological value. Read more
Robinson's Rocks on the river
St. Paul finalizes its riverfront regulations
St. Paul's long-delayed Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally complete! Here's what's in it — and how our River Guardians helped. Read more
Frozen St. Paul riverfront
A record-breaking year for River Guardian advocates
River Guardians sent a record number of messages to decision-makers in 2025, advancing legislative wins, riverfront protections and more. Read more
Large town hall audience and speakers
Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
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's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies. Read more
FMR convenes town halls for St. Paul city leaders and advocates
St. Paul residents showed up for the river and had a chance to speak directly with city leaders about riverfront priorities. Read more
Town Hall crowd with Mayor Carter
St. Paul closes in on final river rules
After years of delays, the St. Paul City Council is poised to vote on a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development. Residents can join FMR in advocating for the addition of a bird-safe glass requirement. Read more
Downtown St. Paul riverfront
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more
Cleanup plan for toxic Ford Area C dump finally moves forward
A draft cleanup plan will be released any day now — and advocates will soon have a chance to call for full cleanup of this toxic riverfront site. Tour the dumpsite this fall, sign our petition and get the latest. Read more
Map showing Ford Area C tucked between parks on the riverfront

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Upcoming Events

December 5 - 19, 2025
F-O-K Studios in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Now through December 31, 2025
Mississippi River National River and Recreation Area, Twin Cities metro