Land Use & Planning

Annual park rankings highlight racial and economic disparities

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 7, 2021

St. Paul and Minneapolis are known to have some of the country's best urban park systems. But how well do they deliver equitable park access to all residents? >>

Flood data needed at Ford Area C

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 27, 2021

Area C, Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste dump on the Mississippi River floodplain in St. Paul, hasn't been in the news lately. The site is being better monitored than in the past, but we're waiting for flood data to give us a fuller picture about what risks the pile may pose. >>

Invasive carp continue to pose threat

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 20, 2021

A recent invasive carp round-up on the Mississippi in southern Minnesota is a reminder that these fish pose an ongoing threat to Minnesota's waterways. >>

Ramsey County considers three properties for redevelopment, conservation

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 16, 2021

The county is making plans for three properties on the east side of St. Paul: The site of a former juvenile correctional facility on undeveloped bluffland holding Dakota history; a golf course that's home to an endangered bumblebee; and a grassland where prairie birds flock. We've encouraged officials to inventory ecological resources and work with those studying the cultural resources before proceeding with planning. >>

New river access in Cottage Grove?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 13, 2021

The former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove has amazing potential to be a new park, but its owners want to develop it into housing. You can weigh in to protect habitat and public river access at this special site. >>

Mississippi Dunes info session: A new park for Cottage Grove

April 12, 2021

Cottage Grove has an opportunity to protect part of the riverfront Mississippi Dunes, a former golf course. Learn more about this special place and how to get involved May 3, 5 p.m. >>

Why the Corps of Engineers must remain at St. Anthony Falls

April 1, 2021

Dr. John Anfinson is an FMR board member, a Mississippi River historian and the former superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. He recently wrote this article for the Northeaster newspaper. >>