Advocacy

Advocacy
House votes 69-56 to block state’s Groundwater Protection Rule

update

On Monday, April 26, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 69-56 to pass a bill to block the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule from going into effect without legislative approval.

Gov. Mark Dayton has promised a veto, but the blocking language exists in several other bills, meaning it may yet advance to the governor's desk as part of other legislation. >>

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Save River Heights Park... again.

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Just eight months ago, FMR teamed up with neighbors to help save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights.

Now the park is on the chopping block once again. And the neighbors and FMR are back in action. >>

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A picture of River Heights Park
Environmental policy & budget defense

primer

At FMR, we stand with Minnesotans from all walks of life who believe that clean and healthy rivers, lakes, streams and drinking water supplies must not be compromised for political gain. As the Minnesota Legislature sets to work on its two-year budget, we'll be keeping an eye out for unfair cuts, raids and rollbacks. Learn more and sign up to be a River Guardian to take action when it's needed most.  >>

 
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Water glass in a forest
Special Places: Minneapolis' riverfront Above the Falls

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To celebrate our 25th year, each month in 2018 FMR staff will profile places along the metro Mississippi River that are near and dear to us, places that connect to FMR but that we also enjoy in our own downtime. By the end of our silver year, we'll have built a map of 25 special river places for you and yours to learn about, visit and enjoy.

This month: Minneapolis’s riverfront Above the Falls.

The Minneapolis riverfront north of St. Anthony Falls is an interesting juxtaposition of the natural, urban and industrial. Here you can enjoy bike and pedestrian trails, or rent a kayak to see a heron rookery, restored prairie, riverfront raingarden parks and sculptures, as well as industrial relics. You'll also want to visit often over the next decade to experience the changing riverfront, as more industrial sites are converted into public parklands.

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View of downtown Mpls from the Lowry bridge
FMR River Guardians rock their first official year!

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River Guardians speak up for the river.

We're incredibly grateful and delighted to report that our community of river advocates more than doubled in 2017!

River Guardians helped to save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights, rein in water quality rollbacks at the Capitol, worked for improved public access to the riverfront in North and Northeast Minneapolis and much more. Check out the 2017 best-of photos! >>

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Help us identify the river views we need to protect

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Upper Mississippi River from Pine Bend SNA

Now through spring 2018, the 25 metro-area cities and towns in our local national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, are working to identify scenic river views worth protecting. Once each city has determined its list, they must work to protect these views according to new state rules that protect the metro river corridor. Let's help our cities compile the best list possible!

Check out the views submitted so far, and then tell us about yours or help by contributing a needed photo. >>

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Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
34th to 36th Streets & West River Parkway Minneapolis
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Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis and St. Paul
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