FMR Updates

Field days provide a Forever Green respite from this dry summer

by Peter LaFontaine

update

July 30, 2021

This summer has been droughty (and recently, smoky), leaving some conventional crops in trouble. But there are plenty of green growing fields and exciting developments when it comes to some of FMR's favorite clean-water crops. Here's a recap of a few field visits that make us hopeful for our state and our river. >>

What's missing from the Upper Harbor Terminal environmental review

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

July 28, 2021

We're anticipating several key Minneapolis city council votes on the Upper Harbor Terminal development project this fall. Next up is the project's environmental review. Here's what we think is missing from this report and how this important, mile-long riverfront redevelopment in North Minneapolis could be better. >>

2021 Legislative session wrap-up

by Trevor Russell

update

July 20, 2021

Here’s where major water-related environmental bills and issues stand at the long-delayed conclusion of the 2021 legislative session, including future water train proposals, PFAS and more. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

update

July 19, 2021

Ramsey County is grappling with a big question: Is responding to both our climate crisis and affordable housing crisis a zero-sum game? How can we create the housing the Twin Cities needs, while also preserving the homes of other species whose populations are collapsing? >>

Groups join the call to create a new federal program to protect the Mississippi River

by Trevor Russell

update

July 19, 2021

More than 65 organizations are backing the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative or MRRRI Act introduced to Congress in June. Find out why the MRRRI Act merits its broad support. >>

FMR Intern Allie's favorite insect sightings

by Allie Carroll

update

July 13, 2021

Allie Carroll, our summer field ecology intern, has a great eye for insects. We're all looking a little closer now that she’s on our team. Here's a guest post from Allie in which she gives us a tour of some of the coolest finds from her fieldwork so far. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Use & Planning program

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

July 11, 2021

Climate change impacts make park access and greenspace even more important for public health and equity, and guidelines for riverfront development need to respond to the shifting climate in order to protect our river. Here's how our Land Use & Planning program's work intersects with climate change and climate justice. >>