Twin Cities locks and 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 and others surrounding the locks and dams in the metro area. Updates are below.

Twin Cities locks and dams
What we heard on this summer's lock and dam tours
This summer, FMR and our partners talked with over 600 community members about the future of our Twin Cities locks and dams. We led more than than 20 focus-group tours that brought many people to the river in new ways. Here's what we heard. Read more
Join us for lock and dam focus group tours
Learn more about the big study that will consider the future of two locks and dams in the heart of the Twin Cities. Read more
A photo showing the river almost emptied to the river bottom as part of a draw down by the Army Corps.
An update on the future of St. Anthony Falls

There's a lot happening around St. Anthony Falls. Here's the latest on the Army Corps' disposition study, upcoming events about the future of the lock area, and that mysterious underwater wall.  >>

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What's going on with Twin Cities locks and dams?
Learn why we support keeping one lock, but look forward to exploring the potential removal of two local locks and dams, and sign up to receive updates. Read more
Dam photo
Dam removal brings "river giants" back to Minnesota waterways

A recent Star Tribune article celebrated the return of paddlefish, sturgeon and other river species as a result of dam removal projects across the state. Could this kind of restoration be possible for the metro Mississippi?  >>

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'Do you think nature has surrendered to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? I don't think so.'

A little-known underground wall holds St. Anthony Falls back from a catastrophic collapse that would endanger the Twin Cities' water supply, bridges, and other infrastructure. So why isn't anyone monitoring the wall's condition? FMR board member John Anfinson explained the puzzle in an excellent Star Tribune article. >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area