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

Upper Harbor Terminal community input meeting

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August 1, 2018

Minneapolis's Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment site.

Upper Harbor Terminal community input meeting

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August 1, 2018

Protect river corridor parks and scenic Mpls views

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July 17, 2018

State approves $15 million for big N Mpls. river project

by Alicia Uzarek

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June 5, 2018

The 2018 Minnesota legislative session resulted in very good news for a 48-acre riverfront site in North Minneapolis known as the Upper Harbor Terminal. An influx of $15 million state dollars will help kickstart its redevelopment into housing, offices, stores, restaurants, an amphitheater, parks and trails. >>

Minnehaha Academy building heights update

by Irene Jones

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May 18, 2018

After neighbors, FMR and Sierra Club raised concerns, the Minneapolis city council zoning and planning committee voted to lower the height of Minnehaha Academy's proposed campus expansion on West River Parkway.

The committee's recommendation to reduce the height of the new school buildings from 54 to 46 feet and use bird-safe glass goes before the full council for a vote May 25. >>

Neighbors save River Heights Park

by Alicia Uzarek

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May 15, 2018

The city of Inver Grove Heights was considering selling River Heights Park, part of our local Mississippi River national park, for housing. But neighbors stepped up to defend it, and with a little support from FMR, the park has been preserved!

Inver Grove Heights is a valued FMR habitat restoration partner and we look forward to continuing our work together.

Action alert: Lower the building height of Minnehaha Academy's expansion!

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May 14, 2018

Minneapolis residents: Speak up before May 25 to ask your city councilmembers to lower the building height of Minnehaha Academy's proposed expansion in the Mississippi River Gorge. >>