Dr. John Anfinson is an FMR board member, a Mississippi River historian and the former superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. He recently wrote this article for the Northeaster newspaper. >>
River Corridor Land Use and Development Blog
As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to ensure that public access, scenic views, historic preservation and environmental quality are respected.
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 Twitter) 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.
March 25, 2021
From northern Minnesota to New Orleans, no city has more miles of Mississippi riverfront than St. Paul. A recent Pioneer Press article highlighted some of the major new projects that will enhance community connection to the river. >>
March 8, 2021
Despite community and congressional opposition, the Army Corps of Engineers still plans to pursue divestment of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock. Share your feedback on the plan with the Corps through March 18. >>
February 10, 2021
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock in downtown Minneapolis. Join us in advocating for a future that increases public access while safeguarding the lock's essential functions. >>
February 9, 2021
In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>
January 27, 2021
Community advocates recently secured a big victory: Minneapolis leaders committed to an environmental review of its riverfront Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan before voting on the project. >>
January 25, 2021
A recent MinnPost article about the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment in North Minneapolis highlights the wide range of opinions among residents who have been closely involved in the project. Many of them share our concern: Will this project really deliver equity for Northsiders? >>
January 10, 2021
Minneapolis is the first city with a new ordinance to guide riverfront development and protections, and thanks to our collective advocacy, their ordinance includes provisions for migrating birds. Will St. Paul and other communities follow suit? >>
January 8, 2021
With 48 acres of city-owned riverfront, the Upper Harbor Terminal site in North Minneapolis presents a rare opportunity for equitable, creative, transformative community development. Unfortunately, the city's plan falls short of this potential.
Tell the city not to approve the plan before conducting an environmental review. >>
January 6, 2021
The years-long process to determine the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam has had a few interesting twists and turns in recent weeks. Congress has intervened to make sure that future plans are flowing in the right direction. >>