Watershed Protection

A small metro-area town has a big drinking water problem  

by Trevor Russell

update

August 17, 2018

Emblematic of challenges facing many rural communities, up to 55 percent of the private wells in the town of Coates in Dakota County exceed safe levels for nitrates. This is why we need a strong Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2018

Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>

FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule

by Trevor Russell

update

August 16, 2018

On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

MPR: Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for MN cities

by Trevor Russell

update

August 7, 2018

What happens when you add climate change to aging water infrastructure? Sewage goes where it shouldn't. Learn more from this MPR article by Kirsti Marohn with FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell.

Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule

article

August 1, 2018

Minnesota's 1989 Groundwater Protection Act directs the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to prevent groundwater pollution from cropland. To solve this problem, the agency is now proposing new rules to address nitrate contamination in public and private wells. Overall, these rules are needed and reasonable. But there are several flaws that need to be addressed to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. Read more

Forum reveals where leading gubernatorial candidates stand on environmental issues

by Trevor Russell

article

January 31, 2018

Joining in from 10 different locations across the state, about 3,000 Minnesotans participated in the Our New Environment Forum with six leading gubernatorial candidates. Check out the video to see where each stands on the environmental and conservation issues important to you! >>

by Trevor Russell

article

January 9, 2018

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. >>