FMR Updates

Help us stop 10 bad water bills at the MN Legislature

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April 19, 2018

Ten bad water bills have been introduced this legislative session that are going to the House and Senate for passage. These bills undermine basic environmental science, roll back existing protections or block public participation in environmental decisions.

Learn more, or take action now.

Top 10 bad water bills at the legislative halfway point

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April 10, 2018

The legislature is rolling up its sleeves and rolling back bedrock protections for water quality. Here's our top-10 list of bad water bills (so far) this session. >>

What's your city planning for its riverfront? Find out and weigh in.

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April 9, 2018

Cities up and down the metro Mississippi are busy finalizing their local river corridor plans, but there's still time to weigh in. Some deadlines to submit comments are fast approaching, including July 17 for Cottage Grove and July 22 for Minneapolis. Learn where your city's at in its process and how you can have your say in the shape of your future local riverfront. >>

Save River Heights Park... again.

by Alicia Uzarek

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April 9, 2018

Just eight months ago, FMR teamed up with neighbors to help save River Heights Park in Inver Grove Heights.

Now the park is on the chopping block once again. And the neighbors and FMR are back in action. >>

What's the best way to control buckthorn and protect native plants? FMR investigates.

by Karen Schik

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April 5, 2018

What pops to mind when you think of restoring a forest? Perhaps people planting trees? ...How about bobcat-like machines busily eating up small trees and spitting out the splinters?

If you'd visited Hampton Woods this spring, this is exactly the scene you would have come across. The machines were forestry mowers, consuming invasive European buckthorn.

Not only were the mowers benefiting the long-term health of the forest, but they're part of a new FMR research project to compare and contrast the effectiveness of different methods to both control buckthorn and support the growth of native plants and habitat. >>

A native ladyslipper plant, a mowed stretch of forest, a glossy buckthorn plant and a bobcat/forestry mower

A warm goodbye to longtime office manager Michele Bevis!

by sue rich

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March 20, 2018

While FMR is known for our work at the Capitol and in the communities, forests and prairies along the river, we'd be lost without a strong home base. And that's exactly what Michele Bevis, our office manager, has provided for over 10 years.

So it is with deep gratitude that we say goodbye to Michele as she embarks on her next phase: one relaxing yet adventurous retirement. >>

Michele Bevis ready to help a paddler come in off the river at an FMR event.

A new environmental learning center at Watergate Marina?

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March 15, 2018

If all goes well at the state Capitol this session, the City of Saint Paul could begin designing a new environmental learning center on the river at Watergate Marina as early as July. >>