Critical Area

Critical Area
Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul

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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

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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?

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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
4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?

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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 St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

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St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more
Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.
St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules

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St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more
The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.
St. Paul's new bird-safe, river-oriented development rules move ahead

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We think the city's proposed Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area development guidelines are the best we've seen. Read more
St. Paul skyline and Mississippi River

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