FMR Updates

Legislation to support Forever Green clean-water crops advances

by Peter LaFontaine

update

March 8, 2021

The Forever Green Initiative is at an inflection point, making funding for progress on clean-water crops crucial this cycle. So far, legislation has advanced through key agricultural committees in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. What's next? >>

Minnesota's new budget forecast redefines legislative session

by Trevor Russell

update

March 5, 2021

Last November's projected state budget deficit turned into a projected $1.6 billion surplus. What does that mean for clean water, soil health and other environmental issues this legislative session? >>

FMR hails bipartisan support for state land conservation funding

by Trevor Russell

update

February 11, 2021

In a major win for conservation and water quality this legislative session, funding for the state’s flagship land protection program now has bipartisan support. >>

St. Anthony Falls disposition plan could threaten Twin Cities' water supply

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

February 9, 2021

In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>

Research roundup: Is cropland ag carbon sequestration as effective as we want it to be?

by Trevor Russell

update

February 9, 2021

Storing greenhouse gases in cropland soils is all the rage these days, as Fortune 500 companies, conservation initiatives and even the Biden administration seek to reward farmers for sequestering carbon beneath our feet. But how sound is this approach? We pulled together some of the latest news about no-till farming, cover crops and how effectively these practices sequester carbon. >>

Meet our new youth coordinator

by Laura Mann Hill

article

February 4, 2021

Longtime youth coordinator Kate Clayton recently stepped down from her position after more than seven years of service to FMR. She leaves a legacy of inspiring many thousands of youth, volunteers and educators, and equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance and protect our river and watershed. Ashley O'Neill Prado will be promoted to youth coordinator in March. >>

Why insects matter and what you can do about their decline

by Karen Schik

update

January 29, 2021

In the past few years, news of the decline of insect populations has raised alarm bells. Experts say the world is losing around 1 to 2 percent of its insects each year. By now, most people know pollinators are vital to making about a third of our food supply. But what about all the other insects — does this overall population decrease matter? >>