FMR Updates

Legislation could protect public wells with clean-water crops

by Trevor Russell

update

February 20, 2019

Legislation introduced this month would fund the Working Lands Drinking Water Program. The program will help farmers plant and sell alternative crops that protect drinking water while maintaining farm profitability. As a pilot initiative, it's limited to the state's most vulnerable wellhead areas — places where conservation crops can protect public health. >>

Think spring: Schedule your service and educational programs now

by Kate Clayton

article

February 20, 2019

Looking forward to warmer weather? We are too! FMR is starting to book spring programs for youth and group outings. If you are interested in a stenciling event, trash cleanup or indoor educational opportunity with FMR staff, we'd love to hear from you soon. >>

Volunteers help with prairie restoration

How water and agriculture fared in the governor’s budget

by Trevor Russell

update

February 19, 2019

On Tuesday, Gov. Walz announced his state budget proposal. We took a look at how our priorities for the river and clean water fared. Our take-away so far? We have some work to do. New investments in environment and agriculture were minor and failed to include full funding for the few initiatives that are essential to achieving Minnesota's clean water goals. >>

FMR opposes Upper Harbor Terminal plan, calls for more community engagement

update

February 19, 2019

The Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal site is key to improving the North Minneapolis riverfront. Done correctly, the redevelopment of this city-owned site can better connect residents with the river and be a model of sustainability and community wealth-building. So why would the city let private companies take the lead and reap the majority of benefits? >>

Staff transitions: Welcomes and farewells

article

February 13, 2019

We can now proudly introduce our new finance director, Sheila Gothmann, and congratulate Sophie Downey, promoted program assistant. We also pay tribute to two staff that have moved on — Bruce Freidson, our intrepid finance director who has now retired, and Alicia Uzarek, former policy advocate, who continues important planning work in Minneapolis. >>

Bruce, Sheila, Alicia and Sophie (FMR staff)

House and senate introduce full funding for Forever Green

by Trevor Russell

update

February 12, 2019

To get to our clean water goals in Minnesota, we need to plant more perennial and cover crops. But these crops need to be profitable before farm operations can effectively make the change. To address this challenge, two bills were introduced in mid-February in the house and senate that will fully fund the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. >>

Action Alert: Deny the Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan [CLOSED]

update

January 15, 2019

The City of Minneapolis is moving quickly to advance the proposed Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan along 1 mile of riverfront in Northside Minneapolis. The plan allows private interests to take the lead and reap the majority of benefits from this publicly-owned property.

Minneapolis residents, join us in telling your city council representative and Mayor Frey that we can do better before the council's committee meeting on February 19. >>