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

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
A brief history of the Ford Area C dumpsite
While many articles look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. Here's a basic timeline of this floodplain dumpsite to lend historical context. Read more
Ford site on the river
Welcome to our new Grassroots Organizing Coordinator (and farewell to Maddie!)
Meet Jenna, our new River Guardians advocacy program leader, and celebrate our outgoing coordinator's achievements. Read more
Jenna Hawkes by river
New video on mine’s risk to a clean Mississippi
Watch this moving video from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe explaining the threat posed to their traditions and the water we all value by the proposed Tamarack Mine. Read more
Hand pointing over wetland
Who owns the St. Anthony Falls cutoff wall? It's still being debated
The cutoff wall, a vital component of the infrastructure around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, has drawn attention in recent years due to questions about its ownership and maintenance. A study is underway, but it won't resolve everything. Read more
Water flows over Owamniyomni, also known as St. Anthony Falls
Invasive carp deterrent project moves ahead
FMR was proud to be part of the Stop Carp Coalition's success last year to secure state funding for an invasive carp deterrent in the Mississippi River. Will the project be completed in time to block these fishes' upstream progress? Read more
Silver carp jumping out of the water
Rare birds flock to little-known Maplewood grassland
Grassland birds are under immense pressure due to habitat loss, but there's a special corner of habitat near Battle Creek Regional Park. Learn more about this site's uncertain future and how you can get a glimpse of its feathered residents. Read more
Grasshopper sparrow singing
Mississippi River island hosts colorful sculptures
Through Oct. 26, colorful Mexican folk art sculptures will cover Raspberry Island in downtown St. Paul as a celebration of the Latino community's connection to the Mississippi River. Read more
Alebrije on Raspberry Island
There's still time to push for stronger river protections in St. Paul
St. Paul residents are speaking up about a proposal to water down riverfront development regulations. Read more
St. Paul skyline with river
Tell Congress: Hands off Minnesota's national parks
Proposed cuts could harm our local Mississippi River Twin Cities metro park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and hundreds of beloved national parks. Sign the action alert and tell Congress to get off the sidelines. Read more
Students gather around a ranger on a boat on the Mississippi River

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Upcoming Events

Three options: October 20, October 28, November 22, 2025
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
3M's oak woodlands, Cottage Grove
Now through October 26, 2025, dawn to 11 p.m.
Raspberry Island, St. Paul