Land Use & Planning

What can cities do to guide development and protect open space?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

December 15, 2021

When we work with community members involved in local development and habitat protection issues, we often hear similar questions: "What can my city leaders do about this issue?" "Does anyone have the power to change this project?" Here's a summary of how cities can shape development and protect open space. >>

Mississippi Dunes: Cottage Grove's great missed opportunity

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

December 15, 2021

The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved a plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course. While the plan includes a modest riverfront park, many residents hoped for more. >>

River Guardians' impact in 2021

update

December 8, 2021

Watch the thank-you video we recorded (complete with outtakes at the end) to celebrate the successes of our River Guardians. These advocates took action in 2021 to champion a federal funding program to protect the Mississippi, advocate for more parkland in Cottage Grove and protect Minneapolis' drinking water. >>

Dam removal brings "river giants" back to Minnesota waterways

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

December 6, 2021

A recent Star Tribune article celebrated the return of paddlefish, sturgeon and other river species as a result of dam removal projects across the state. Could this kind of restoration be possible for the metro Mississippi? >>

Endangered species found at Maplewood sites under development consideration

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

November 18, 2021

When we learned that Ramsey County was considering developing open space that we believe provides essential habitat, FMR requested a natural resources inventory. The report confirms: Endangered and rare birds depend on this grassland. Read more

Lilydale considers new blufftop development

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

November 11, 2021

A challenging property on Lilydale's river bluffs is the site of a new redevelopment proposal under consideration. Our concern: Will the building disrupt the river's scenery? >>

Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan faces first lawsuit

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

November 9, 2021

The Minneapolis City Council recently approved the controversial Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan for the North Minneapolis riverfront. Community members have filed a lawsuit alleging that the project's environmental review was inadequate (and we agree). >>