Watershed Protection

Watershed Protection
Test for contaminated drinking water? Brown County says ‘no’

Bowing to pressure from ag groups, the Brown County Board of Commissioners in south-central Minnesota recently declined a free state program offering free private well testing for drinking water contamination. >>

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As the Journal in New Ulm put it: “turning down free well-testing is like refusing to go to the doctor because he might tell you you’re sick. It’s not a wise policy.”
Minnesota Governor Candidate Forum

Meet the candidates who want to be your Governor and let them know you care about the water we drink, the air we breathe, the land we live on and enjoy, and the legacy we leave behind.

This event is free but capacity is limited and early registration is highly recommended. >>

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"Our New Environment: Air, Water, Land, Legacy"
It’s time to put our waters on a low-salt diet

Just 1 teaspoon of salt is enough to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water. Chloride. (salt) pollution to Minnesota’s waters has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and it's time for all of us to do our part. Here are some short term and long term long-term solutions to ponder and this winter approaches. >>

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Road salt truck
Neighboring suburbs helped dry up White Bear Lake

As reported by the Star Tribune, new state agency findings are helping us understand the relationship between unsustainable groundwater use and White Bear Lake, one of many lakes known for "shrinking" in Minnesota.

Combined with a recent related ruling, we hope the new report will push us towards real progress to protect the Land of 10,000 Lakes' vital water resources. >>

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Oct. 18 get 20% off and learn about river-conscious shopping at Patagonia!

Come out to Patagonia’s St. Paul location and enjoy a special 20-percent discount extended to our valued FMR members. 

In addition to enjoying storewide savings, learn more about Patagonia’s emerging research, efforts and products to help reduce water pollution from tiny fibers, which often originate from synthetic textiles. Learn what you can do to reduce microplastics in our waterways and make eco-conscious decisions as we begin the holiday shopping season.

If you're not a member yet, you can contribute at any giving level to help protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and enjoy our member benefits throughout the year ahead. 

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Canoes on the Mississippi River
Proposed MN nitrate rule fails to protect drinking water

We can all agree that clean, safe drinking water should be accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of geography or income. Sadly, that’s not the case for many Minnesotans.

Nitrate used in cropland fertilizer is a leading source of drinking water contamination in Minnesota. Although essential for plant growth and health, excess nitrate harms aquatic life and human health and drives the formation of the “Dead Zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. It's also extremely costly to Greater Minnesota communities.

That’s why FMR is working with our conservation allies to strengthen a new Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule – one of the few places in state law where regulators can require row-crop farming operations, the biggest source of nitrates, to reduce pollution to our waters. >>

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row crops and water tower
Judge faults DNR for allowing overpumping of White Bear Lake’s aquifer

In a sweeping order, Ramsey County Judge Margaret Marrinan faulted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for authorizing unsustainable groundwater pumping; depleting the aquifer and artificially lowering water levels in White Bear Lake. The ruling could have widespread implications for groundwater management in Minnesota.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area