FMR opposes Upper Harbor Terminal plan, calls for more community engagement
This city-owned barge terminal in North Minneapolis closed in 2014. On February 19, a city council committee voted to approve a plan that lays out its future, impacting not only this 1 mile stretch of riverfront but the larger Northside community. Amendments to the approved plan promise the process will involve the community. (Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR.)
The Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal site is key to improving the North Minneapolis riverfront. Done correctly, the redevelopment of this city-owned site can better connect residents with the river and be a model of sustainability and community wealth-building. So why would the city let private companies take the lead and reap the majority of benefits? >>
Droves expected for Feb. 2019 river drawdown
The 2008 drawdown of the river around St. Anthony Falls drew thousands of people to glimpse the riverbed and learn more about our local national park. This year, another drawdown is scheduled for late February. (Photo by Tony Webster, CC2.0.)
In late-February 2019, you'll have a rare opportunity to see the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls lower than it's been for over 20 years. >>
A baby dies, a brewery town runs dry — 'Water Pressure' illustrates MN & WI water problems
While we're sad to see Josephine Marcotty leave her post as the Star Tribune's long-time environmental reporter, we're grateful for her parting "Water Pressure" series.
If you've been saving up your free, online-access Star Tribune stories, this trio is worth the clicks. >>
State approves $15 million for big N Mpls. river project
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. >>
Burn, baby, burn...but only when we say so!
A prescribed burn rolls through a blufftop prairie at the Flint Hills Pind Bend Bluffs restoration site. (Photo by Karen Schik.)
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes those familiar signs of life: plants begin to green, flowers bloom, migrating birds return, and fires burn through the prairies at FMR restoration sites!
Learn more about how we use fire to restore wildlife habitat, and the impact of a recent unplanned fire on an FMR restoration site. >>
Media coverage of our lawsuit against the state
As articles about our lawsuit roll in, we'll be sure to post them here. First up, the Star Tribune. >>
Shovels in the ground for three new river destinations
Illustration of Halls Island to-be
Three new destinations are beginning to take shape along the river north of St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, each with something different to offer. Coming up: a reclaimed island (image above), a destination riverfront restaurant, and one fully featured playground. >>
N Mpls riverfront metal shredder required to move!
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the neighborhood surrounding Northern Metals, which is located along the North Minneapolis riverfront, has the highest levels of lead poisoning and asthma hospitalizations in the city.
Friends of the Mississippi River was pleased to learn today that a settlement has been reached between the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the City of Minneapolis and Northern Metals Recycling. Northern Metals has been operating a metal shredder along the Mississippi riverfront in North Minneapolis for several years and part of their operation was temporarily shut down recently when they were caught failing to meet air quality standards required by their state permit.
Unlocking the future of St. Anthony Falls
What's at the end of the rainbow? Our local national park's visitor center at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock. Photo by National Park Conservation Association.
Big ideas are bubbling up to transform the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock in downtown Minneapolis site. Closed to navigation in June 2015, the lock could become the centerpiece of the vibrant riverfront park and neighborhood that surrounds it.
Big news: Bluffs, shorelines and scenic views protected!
Our local national park, the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River, is now protected by FMR-prompted state rules. (Photo by Jim Hudak)
At long last, new State of Minnesota rules are now in place governing land use and development along the metro stretch of the Mississippi River, a.k.a. our local national park! While allowing for growth and redevelopment, the new rules protect the metro riverfront's natural, scenic and cultural treasures.