Mississippi River News

Press release: New MN rules to protect metro Mississippi River corridor, our local national park!

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December 27, 2016

by Trevor Russell

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December 16, 2016

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency updated the nation’s renewable fuel requirements. While we were disappointed to see an increase in traditional corn-based ethanol, we’re pleased to see a raise in production goals for cellulosic biofuel in 2017.

This creates a powerful market incentive for farmers to grow perennial crops, supporting FMR’s work towards market-based solutions to reduce agricultural water pollution.

Minnesota triclosan ban takes effect January 1

by Trevor Russell

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December 16, 2016

In a major victory for water quality and public health, the 2014 legislature made Minnesota the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale of triclosan in consumer hand and body washes. FMR spearheaded the initiative after learning that triclosan from consumer products was turning into dioxins or cancer-causing chemicals in the river. We proudly look forward to the law taking effect January 1, 2017!

Plain soap and water is the best way to wash your hands.

Post-election reflection: We're ready for 2017

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December 12, 2016

As always, FMR is ready to vigorously protect the Mississippi River and its water quality in 2017. During this season of gratitude and resolutions for the new year, here's how you can help us safeguard our successes.

Snowfall at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area.

Landscape for the River Workshop: Native Plants, Raingardens, Lawn Care for Water Quality (+ Winter Tips)

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September 6, 2016

Volunteers plant pollinator patches aplenty

by Adam Flett

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August 8, 2016

What can a small planting of milkweed and other natives really do for pollinators? More than you might think.

Hastings Environmental Protectors and FMR teamed up to create three new pollinator patches, helping to provide much-needed habitat for a variety of insect and pollinating species in the Vermillion and Mississippi river watersheds.

An FMR Vermillion Stewards volunteer plants a pollinator patch.

Endangered species recovery at FMR restoration sites

by Alex Roth

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August 8, 2016

Plant and animal populations decline for many reasons — habitat loss, climate change, pollution and other factors. The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 to prevent the decline and extinction of at-risk species and aid their recovery. At FMR, one of the ways we can best benefit endangered species is through the enhancement or restoration of native habitat. FMR’s many restoration sites do just that, providing much-needed habitat for both common and endangered plants and animals.

While the Endangered Species Act has benefitted countless species, we’d like to think our restorations have as well. We've spotted three endangered species — loggerhead shrike, Blanchard's cricket frog and Henslow's sparrow — at our sites so far this year!