Critical Area

St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps

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April 15, 2025

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

Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul

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March 17, 2025

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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March 12, 2025

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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February 7, 2025

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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January 13, 2025

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

What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

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October 24, 2023

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