Land Use & Planning

Reconnecting North Mpls to its riverfront

by Alicia Uzarek

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June 9, 2016

Currently, the majority of North's residents must make their way over Interstate-94 and through a wall of industry to see and enjoy their riverfront. FMR is working to understand these barriers and identify opportunities to reconnect Northside residents to their Mississippi River. As more of this riverfront transforms from industrial use to parks and trails — changes that FMR has long advocated — we must work hard to ensure that current and future riverfront parks are accessible to area residents.

The desolate West Broadway bridge over I-94

'Rebirth: The Mississippi's National Park' (Video)

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May 27, 2016

Produced for FMR by award-winning local filmmakers John Kaul and Tom Reiter, and narrated by Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Seel, this 30-minute documentary tells the story of how one man’s vision — combined with smart citizen advocacy and effective political leadership — created the Mississippi River's first and only national park right here in the Twin Cities. Enjoy the film online, request a copy for your local library, school or organization.

by Irene Jones

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May 10, 2016

FMR encourages all river-lovers to contact Judge Lipman by July 6, 4:30 p.m. to let him know that you support strong river development rules in our national park, tell him why the river is important to you and share what you would like to see protected or improved. Read on to learn more about the proposed rules for the metro-area stretch of the Mississippi River and how to contribute your voice.

Riders along the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area, our local national park!

Mississippi River Critical Area rulemaking enters final phase

by Irene Jones

article

March 15, 2016

The Mississippi River Corridor was established as a State Critical Area almost 40 years ago to protect and preserve the unique scenic, natural and cultural features of the 72-mile section of the Mississippi River flowing through the Twin Cities from Dayton to Hastings. In 2009, FMR led the effort to pass legislation authorizing new rules to guide river development in this important area. At long last, the proposed rules are heading for the final phase of rule-making — formal review and adoption.

More great news on the N/NE Minneapolis riverfront

by Alicia Uzarek

article

February 9, 2016

News of another riverfront property acquisition in the works. $1 million from General Mills for new park development. And an excellent U of M researcher and Northside resident joins FMR to look into improved community connections. This is one great month for increasing public access to the Mississippi River in the Above the Falls area!

N/NE Minneapolis riverfront regional park continues to grow

by Alicia Uzarek

article

January 11, 2016

Good news: The Minneapolis park board now owns over half the land needed to bring continuous riverfront parks and trails to the banks of the Mississippi River in north and northeast Minneapolis. FMR is continuing to advocate for and support the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s acquisition work while also investigating ways to work with north Minneapolis residents to increase and strengthen their local riverfront access.

A little more green, please — for our waters and our riverfront communities. (Aerial view, from the north, above Saint Anthony Falls.) Courtesy City of Minneapolis

New visitor center is centerpiece of Fort Snelling’s 2020 vision

by Irene Jones

article

December 9, 2015

As Fort Snelling approaches it’s bicentennial in 2020, the Minnesota Historical Society is gearing up for exciting changes to the site, including a new visitor center, improved trails and wayfinding, less surface parking, and a renewed focus on the historical significance of this special place perched high above the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.