FMR Updates

Dakota County ponders pathways for conservation

update

July 14, 2020

Last spring, Dakota County put together an exciting plan to conserve up to 40,000 acres important to our communities, wildlife and waters. Dozens of you voiced support for the plan to the county commissioners who are now considering whether and how to fund the effort. Sign up to stay in the loop. >>

Area C solar project could jeopardize dumpsite cleanup

update

July 13, 2020

A planned solar array on top of the Ford Area C dumpsite sounds appealing, but poor timing for the solar project could jeopardize cleanup of the toxic site. Our recent letter in the Highland Villager explains why we're concerned. >>

Study: human-made pollutants in remote, undeveloped lakes?

by Trevor Russell

update

July 7, 2020

A recent story from Minnesota Public Radio shines a light on some unexpected (and unnerving) new findings. Even in Minnesota’s relatively remote and pristine lakes, researchers are finding human-made contaminants of concern. >>

A new plan to guide our work

by Sara DeKok

article

June 24, 2020

As the river and our communities change, so do our priorities. In our latest strategic plan, we're steering toward initiatives around equity, climate change, agriculture, youth and more. >>

Child plants a tree; Mississippi River and bright sky

A call for justice, equity and inclusion in our 2020 special sessions

by Trevor Russell

update

June 16, 2020

At FMR, we believe that the Mississippi River belongs to all of us. As long as people of color live in fear of police violence and are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in public spaces, the river does not belong to them. That must change. And we need to support this change during Minnesota's special session. Learn more and take action >>

Say 'Yes!' to Dakota County parks and natural areas

by Betsy Daub

update

June 12, 2020

If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>

Local storytelling legend Loren Niemi on the power of stories and how the river changed him

by Sara DeKok

article

June 4, 2020

We're thrilled to engage noted local storyteller Loren Niemi in planning and curating Our Storied River: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River this fall. In a recent interview, we learned more about his life as a storyteller, how the river has changed him, and how he plans to work with our story-sharers. (Will you be one of them?) >>