Land Use & Planning

Land Use & Planning
What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

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St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more
Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.
St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules

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St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more
The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.
Is the Minneapolis 2040 plan good for the environment? Yes.

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The plan's many environmental policies, including denser housing, are crucial responses to climate change. Here's why. Read more
The Minneapolis skyline, reflective against the orange evening sky with the Mississippi River in the foreground.
What the research says about how to stop invasive carp

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Where and how are invasive carp moving? Why do we need a bioacoustic fish fence? What about native fish? We tagged along with Dr. Peter Sorensen to the Driftless Area to get firsthand experience of the latest research. Read more
Dr. Peter Sorensen works from a boat on the river
Army Corps study on the future of two metro locks and dams enters new phase

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What will the Corps focus on in their years-long study about the future of two metro locks and dams? The release of the Corps scoping documents gives us a picture of what questions they'll investigate — and what could go unanswered. Read more
Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam and Ford dam
After another big invasive carp discovery, will the DNR finally act on a barrier?

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Large numbers of invasive carp were found congregating at Lock and Dam 5 for the second time since March. Read more
A hand holds an invasive silver carp out of the water.
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared in the 2023 session

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FMR made progress on every single one of its priorities this legislative session. Here's a roundup of everything that happened. Read more
A collage showing parts of five different photos, all from this legislative session: Two FMR staffers posing with fish postcards in the Capitol; an FMR staffer testifying at a May 1 hearing; A state senator posing with children following a hearing; legislators on a tour at the Forever Green Initiative facilities; printed papers with the FMR logo, shown with the Capitol building in the background.

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 7 - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 6:00 p.m. volunteer event
Vermillion Falls Park, Hastings
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Spring Lake Park Reserve, Rosemount
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings