Critical Area

Critical Area
There's still time to push for stronger river protections in St. Paul

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St. Paul residents are speaking up about a proposal to water down riverfront development regulations. Read more
St. Paul skyline with river
St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps

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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

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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.

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