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 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.

POSTS

We're hiring: Grassroots Organizing Coordinator
Work with us! Our Grassroots Organizing Coordinator engages advocates to make a difference on important local, state and federal environmental policy decisions. Read more
Minneapolis prairie, skyline, river
St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps
This flood of St. Paul river issues means FMR and community members have opportunities to push for stronger riverfront protections, walkable access to the river in line with community plans and quality cleanups for two toxic riverside dumps. Read more
Trees over river
Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul
St. Paul's long-awaited Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally coming up for public comment. Unfortunately, the updated draft removes bird-safe building requirements and other vital riverfront protections. Here's how to help. Read more
Birds fly over Harrient Island and river
Judge tells Minneapolis to comply with its riverfront development rules
In 2024, the city of Minneapolis approved a request to build a home on the edge of an erosion-prone riverfront bluff. Now a judge has stepped in, preventing the construction and a bad precedent. Read more
Rendering of house development on river bluff
Is the proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove legal?
What's next for the proposed mine in — yes, in — the Mississippi River backwaters near Grey Cloud Island? Read more
View from Pine Bend Bluffs of Mississippi River and Grey Cloud Island
Thank you, fall 2024 interns!
We hosted three interns last fall: One mapped and analyzed bumble bee habitat, and two joined our advocacy team to advance a better future at toxic riverfront site Ford Area C. Read more
Bella, Aaryan, and Ford Area C tour
4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?
St. Paul was supposed to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development by January 2021. Four years later, the process has stalled and city leaders won't share why. Read more
St. Paul downtown riverfront in winter
What's your river question?
We often survey members, volunteers, advocates and online supporters. Now, we’d like to turn the tables: What are you curious about?  Read more
Curious otter © Getty Images via Canva.com
Mining the riverbed? An unusual proposal being considered in Cottage Grove
Mining company Holcim is proposing a mining operation directly in the riverbed in Cottage Grove. This might be the best option for the multinational company's bottom line, but it may not be the best for our community or the river. Read more
River with islands in the distance
3 things River Guardians can be proud of from 2024
River Guardians participated in a record-setting number of advocacy events with FMR in 2024, and contributed to two big wins for the river. Read more
River Guardians at Forever Green tour

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Riverside Park, St. Paul Park
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge sand flats, Minneapolis
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 7:30pm
DeLaSalle High School, near Nicollet Island, Minneapolis