FMR Updates

Post-election reflection: We're ready for 2017

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December 12, 2016

As always, FMR is ready to vigorously protect the Mississippi River and its water quality in 2017. During this season of gratitude and resolutions for the new year, here's how you can help us safeguard our successes.

Snowfall at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area.

Thank you, volunteers! Plus, the best photos from our 2016 event season

by Amy Kilgore

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December 9, 2016

The number of Twin Citians passionate about the Mississippi River never ceases to amaze us. In 2016, over 3,700 people pitched in at 98 FMR volunteer events. It was an honor to work with each of you.

Whether you spent a couple of hours picking up trash with us on Earth Day, hauled brush on a Saturday morning, took the "pledge to pull" this spring, or earned full FMR SuperVolunteer status participating in several events throughout the year, thank you!

And please enjoy a few of our favorite photos from the 2016 event season.

Volunteers planting native shrubs along the River Gorge

A banner year for FMR's youngest river stewards

by Kate Clayton

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November 15, 2016

This year, youth from throughout the metro river corridor helped us educate Twin Citians about the connection between our homes and streets to the river, restore important natural areas, and research what works best for local ecological restoration projects. Despite all the thunderstorms, 2016 was a fantastic year for FMR youth programs and accomplishments.

American Indian Magnet School students help with a cleanup

Concert venue, riverwalks — What should become of this retired Mpls port?

by Alicia Uzarek

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November 7, 2016

Calling all river and park lovers: Help shape the future of this 48-acre riverfront site in Minneapolis!

A schematic of the UHT site provided by in the development team proposal

Losing our cottonwoods: What’s at stake?

by Karen Schik

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November 7, 2016

A key species of floodplain forests, Eastern Cottonwood trees aren't regenerating naturally in the floodplains. FMR ecologists and volunteers are using cottonwood cuttings or live stakes to re-establish a floodplain forest in Hastings.

Installing cottonwood live stakes in the floodplain forest near Hastings

South St. Paul stands strong to preserve open space

by Alicia Uzarek

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October 27, 2016

FMR would like to thank the South St. Paul City Council and celebrate their recent decision to preserve a city-owned 5-acre site as open space. The site is located near the Mississippi River and adjacent to the Mississippi River Trail scheduled to be constructed in 2017. The council rejected a push to change the largely tree-covered site into a paved industrial railroad storage area.

This is a big win that maintains the city’s commitment to a more public and green riverfront for future generations!

by Trevor Russell

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October 20, 2016

The Star Tribune’s recent series on threats to Minnesota’s rivers – including our own Upper Mississippi – beautifully illustrates many of the challenges and opportunities facing our surface waters. Each article by veteran reporter Josephine Marcotty explores a different aspect of how land use and water interact, with inevitable consequences for surface water, groundwater, habitat and public health. Together, these three articles tell a powerful story of Minnesota’s water resources. They also illustrate and reinforce many of the key lessons of the FMR-National Park Service State of the River Report.