Dams

Over the coming years, Twin Citians will face a momentous decision: Should we remove dams on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

FMR staff and River Guardians are actively engaged in this issue. Updates are below. We recommend learning more in this overview if you're new to this issue.

Dams
Lawmakers approve $1M to shed light on St. Anthony Falls’ hidden hazard, the cutoff wall
May 23, 2023
We'll soon know a lot more about one of the state's most crucial, but overlooked, pieces of infrastructure: the hidden cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls. Read more
St. Anthony Falls during spring high waters
River Guardians' top questions, concerns about the future of the locks and dams
January 10, 2023
River Guardians submitted more than 170 comments about the future of the locks and dams. Here are the most frequent questions and topics. Read more
A kayaker paddles away from Lock and Dam 1 on a sunny June day in 2022.
5 key issues regarding the future of the locks and dams
January 9, 2023
Here are the big questions and concerns we asked the Army Corps to consider as it weighs the future of the locks and dams. Read more
A collection of kayakers, seen from far above, approaches Lock and Dam 1 on the Mississippi River during a June event.
The scoping comment period for two Twin Cities locks and dams is over. Now what?
January 6, 2023
Maybe you took a lock and dam tour with us this summer and weighed in on the future of two Minneapolis locks and dams this fall. What's next in the process? Read more
Lock and Dam 1
River Guardians' impacts in 2022
December 8, 2022
In 2022, 1,225 River Guardians sent 2,974 letters to 166 decision-makers, significantly impacting our work towards a healthier, more resilient river community. Read more
Paddleboat on river with young angler
The cutoff wall: St. Anthony Falls' hidden hazard
December 8, 2022
The nearly 150-year old cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls is a critical piece of infrastructure. But you wouldn't know it by how the wall is inspected and maintained. Read more
Water flows over the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam on a sunny day.
What would an undammed metro Mississippi River look like?
November 20, 2022
How would the removal of Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock & Dam No. 1 change the river? Compare renderings of the metro Mississippi after dam removal with present-day photos. Read more
Lower St. Anthony Falls and downtown Minneapolis skyline, illustrated with more riverbank

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Upcoming Events

Fair State Brewing and FMR Draft Night
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Fair State Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
South Branch Vermillion AMA garlic mustard pull
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
South Branch Vermillion Aquatic Management Area, Hastings
Walk & Learn: Ford Area C and Twin Cities Locks & Dams [FULL]
Thursday, June 15, 2023 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hidden Falls Regional Park

See all Upcoming Events