Land Use & Planning

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.

St. Paul reveals exciting plans for river balcony park

by Alicia Uzarek

article

October 12, 2015

Saint Paul River Balcony rendering from the Great River Passage Plan

Three cheers for the Minneapolis Park Board

by Irene Jones

article

July 20, 2015

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board has stayed strong in the face of difficult negotiations with Graco Corporation. In the end MPRB had to take the land along the river for a trail easement by eminent domain. Graco tried and failed to get something in return that would allow them to develop a portion of the adjacent property slated to become Hall’s Island Park. Instead, MPRB paid more than $600,000 for land Graco had promised to donate over a decade ago.

Riverview Corridor Transit Study underway. Your input wanted!

by Alicia Uzarek

article

July 20, 2015

Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority is conducting a study of possible ways to improve public transit options within the Riverview Corridor — located between Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul and the Mall of America. While the project has the promise of greatly improving public access to the river, FMR is also concerned about the possibility of a new bridge across the Mississippi in the scenic gorge. The study, which will be completed in early 2016, will recommend a preferred route and transit mode to be studied further. Provide your input today!