FMR Updates

Spring nighthawks: Acrobats of the bird world

by Tom Lewanski

article

May 4, 2016

When you hear the distinctive call of these late Mississippi River flyway migrants, look to the early evening skies to enjoy their graceful dusk-hour dives.

Senate budget bill approved; Fully funds FMR priorities

by Trevor Russell

update

May 3, 2016

The Minnesota Senate voted 39 to 24 in favor of the Senate Omnibus Finance Bill on Thursday, April 28. The bill includes several of FMR's top environmental initiatives, including The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program and funding for the Forever Green Initiative.

FMR's new documentary about our local national park to air on TPT

event_new

April 25, 2016

Working Lands program advances in Senate, left out in House

by Trevor Russell

update

April 18, 2016

While the Minnesota Senate has included FMR's top 2016 legislative priority The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program in its omnibus environmental bill, the House has declined to include this vital program for water quality in their version.

New Mississippi River critical area rules on the way

by Irene Jones

article

April 11, 2016

At long last, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has published the official notice to adopt new land-use rules for the Mississippi River critical area and our local national park. FMR led the charge to revamp the rules several years ago and has maintained a strong voice for river protection throughout the extensive rulemaking process. While we haven't completed our final analysis, here are a few highlights of the proposed rules, including better protection of scenic views and river bluffs, and an overview of the process. If all goes well, new rules could be in place by the end of 2016!

Critical area rules govern land use along the river throughout the Twin Cities metro.

Harnessing fire as a conservation tool

by Alex Roth

article

April 11, 2016

Fire was once commonplace on the American landscape. After nearly a century of suppression, it’s making a comeback. Find out why fires are on the rise, and how FMR uses fire as a tool to restore habitat on many of our restoration sites.

FMR restoration efforts emphasize pollinator health

by Alex Roth

article

March 7, 2016

Pollinators have had a rough go of things lately, with habitat loss and overabundant pesticide use leading to declines in many bee and butterfly species. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. These declines have sparked a renewed interest in pollinators, leading to new initiatives and funding for the conservation of these species. Find out what FMR and others are doing to protect pollinators in Minnesota.