Critical Area

A natural, cultural and historic wonder, the Mississippi River defines and shapes our metro area. Because of its importance, the 72-mile stretch through the Twin Cities is recognized as a national park unit and a state critical area.

Along with those designations came some protections, but Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) knew we could do better. Starting in 2007, FMR pushed alongside communities and policymakers for stronger, more protective riverfront rules for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area.

By the end of 2025, all 25 river cities and townships in the Twin Cities metro had adopted clearer, science-based regulations for riverfront development through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' critical area program. Learn more about what this accomplishment means for the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities and read the latest updates below.

Critical Area

Community meeting and Q&A with St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter

event_new

September 12, 2025

Join us for a town hall-style community meeting, featuring a brief statement from Mayor Carter followed by a Q&A. Read more

Mayor Carter in front of the St. Paul skyline

There's still time to push for stronger river protections in St. Paul

update

May 13, 2025

St. Paul residents are speaking up about a proposal to water down riverfront development regulations. Read more

St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps

update

April 15, 2025

This flood of St. Paul river issues means FMR and community members have opportunities to push for stronger riverfront protections, walkable access to the river in line with community plans and quality cleanups for two toxic riverside dumps. Read more

Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul

update

March 17, 2025

St. Paul's long-awaited Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally coming up for public comment. Unfortunately, the updated draft removes bird-safe building requirements and other vital riverfront protections. Here's how to help. Read more

Birds fly over Harrient Island and river

Judge tells Minneapolis to comply with its riverfront development rules

update

March 12, 2025

In 2024, the city of Minneapolis approved a request to build a home on the edge of an erosion-prone riverfront bluff. Now a judge has stepped in, preventing the construction and a bad precedent. Read more

Rendering of house development on river bluff

Is the proposed riverbed mine in Cottage Grove legal?

update

February 7, 2025

What's next for the proposed mine in — yes, in — the Mississippi River backwaters near Grey Cloud Island? Read more

View from Pine Bend Bluffs of Mississippi River and Grey Cloud Island

4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?

update

January 13, 2025

St. Paul was supposed to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development by January 2021. Four years later, the process has stalled and city leaders won't share why. Read more