FMR Updates

FMR bids farewell to longtime Conservation Director Tom Lewanski

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September 13, 2017

Bill Clinton was President, Arne Carlson was Minnesota’s governor, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a sixth NBA championship and Google was founded in a California garage, but the big news in 1998 was that Tom Lewanski was hired as FMR's first conservation director. After more than 19 years of outstanding service to FMR and our great river — having protected or restored 2,800 acres of prairie, forest, wetlands and other natural areas — Tom is leaving.

"25 by '25" hits the metro in its final stretch

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September 11, 2017

As part of his "25 by '25" initiative to reduce water pollution in Minnesota 25 percent by 2025, Gov. Mark Dayton has been holding a series of town hall meetings across the state. Both the town hall-style meetings and the online comment period wrap up Thursday, October 5.

The final three town halls will be held in the metro September 27 in Minneapolis, October 4 in Burnsville and October 5 in Stillwater.

While FMR water policy staff plan to attend the Minneapolis meeting, we encourage you to attend whichever meeting works best for you or contribute your thoughts online.

Judge faults DNR for allowing overpumping of White Bear Lake’s aquifer

by Trevor Russell

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September 8, 2017

In a sweeping order, Ramsey County Judge Margaret Marrinan faulted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for authorizing unsustainable groundwater pumping; depleting the aquifer and artificially lowering water levels in White Bear Lake. The ruling could have widespread implications for groundwater management in Minnesota.

Conservation Benefit Variety Show for FMR!

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July 21, 2017

FMR Advisor Deb Swackhamer stands strong before Trump's EPA

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July 17, 2017

When the Environmental Protection Agency’s chief of staff pressured Deborah Swackhamer, the top scientist on the agency’s scientific review board, to alter her congressional testimony to play down President Trump's dismissal of expert advisers, Swackhamer stood strong.

We didn't think it was possible, but we are more proud than ever to have Ms. Swackhamer on FMR's Council of Advisors. Learn more from the New York Times, MPR, MSNBC and Science magazine.

by Whitney Clark

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June 15, 2017

Plans for this 135-acre redevelopment go to the planning commission Friday, June 30. While we're in favor of the overall vision for the site — which calls for a higher-density, transit-friendly and mixed-use neighborhood with an emphasis on sustainability — FMR is pushing the city to add more open space and working with city staff to address possible impacts on scenic river gorge views.