Federal firings and funding freezes

The elections of fall 2024 ushered in an era of significant political change.

We're working to track the impact on the Mississippi River, FMR and our partners, and share updates below and in Mississippi Messages.

Looking for ways to take action — at the local, state and national levels? This is a great time to sign up to be an FMR River Guardian.

Federal firings and funding freezes
Trump administration proposes major cuts to EPA and park service

update

April 14, 2026
Some good news for our local national park unit, but MNRRA and federal agencies working for the river still face many challenges. Here's what we're seeing from our partners. Read more
Bald eagle on bare tree branch
We protect what, and who, we love: FMR's response to the ICE occupation

update

February 5, 2026
As the ICE surge hits the Twin Cities, we must recognize the violence and civil rights violations affecting our communities while also highlighting the best of Minnesotans. Read more
Winter river
Ripple effects: The government shutdown and MN's national parks

update

October 16, 2025
Titles should be sentence-case. Skip "Teaser Image" above! But please enter a draft teaser here. You'll get cut off at 250 characters. The # of remaining characters will show below. Skip "Legacy Fields" below. Read more
A sign on a USFWS bathroom door saying it is closed due to the federal shutdown.
An update on federal funding cuts and the river

update

August 21, 2025
Some good news for our local national park unit, but MNRRA and federal agencies working for the river still face many challenges. Here's what we're seeing from our partners. Read more
MNRRA visitor center sign
Tell Congress: Hands off Minnesota's national parks

update

May 8, 2025
Proposed cuts could harm our local Mississippi River Twin Cities metro park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and hundreds of beloved national parks. Sign the action alert and tell Congress to get off the sidelines. Read more
Students gather around a ranger on a boat on the Mississippi River
Federal firings, freezes and FMR: A note from our executive director

update

March 7, 2025
What impacts will federal actions have on our work and on the Mississippi River? Here's what we know so far. Read more
Minneapolis' Nicollet Island and the Mississippi River
On the national level...

update

February 20, 2025
A lot is happening in D.C. Here's a quick word to our supporters, originally published in our e-newsletter, Mississippi Messages. Read more

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Upcoming Events

Craft night with FMR staff and board
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - 7:00pm
Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul
Pull garlic mustard at Rosemount Wildlife Preserve
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Part of the Northern Dakota County Greenway, Rosemount
Remove invasive plant species at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area [WAITLIST]
Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk rivers, Elk River

See all Upcoming Events