Land Use & Planning

Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul

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March 17, 2025

St. Paul's long-awaited Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally coming up for public comment. Unfortunately, the updated draft removes bird-safe building requirements and other vital riverfront protections. Here's how to help. Read more

Birds fly over Harrient Island and river

Judge tells Minneapolis to comply with its riverfront development rules

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March 12, 2025

In 2024, the city of Minneapolis approved a request to build a home on the edge of an erosion-prone riverfront bluff. Now a judge has stepped in, preventing the construction and a bad precedent. Read more

Rendering of house development on river bluff

Is the proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove legal?

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February 7, 2025

What's next for the proposed mine in — yes, in — the Mississippi River backwaters near Grey Cloud Island? Read more

View from Pine Bend Bluffs of Mississippi River and Grey Cloud Island

4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?

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January 13, 2025

St. Paul was supposed to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development by January 2021. Four years later, the process has stalled and city leaders won't share why. Read more

Mining the riverbed? An unusual proposal being considered in Cottage Grove

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December 9, 2024

Mining company Holcim is proposing a mining operation directly in the riverbed in Cottage Grove. This might be the best option for the multinational company's bottom line, but it may not be the best for our community or the river. Read more

The latest on the Twin Cities' lock and dam studies

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November 18, 2024

The Army Corps of Engineers' study about the future of two Mississippi River locks and dams continues to move ahead — slowly. FMR and our partners are still busy with research, engagement and advocacy to bring the right information to the table. Read more