planning

Share your thoughts, hopes for Dakota County parks, greenways and natural areas

September 4, 2024

Is there a park-related topic that you’re passionate about? Or something you'd like to see emphasized in Dakota County's parks and natural areas over the next few decades? If so, this is your chance to have your voice heard. Read more

Fall intern helps map out FMR conservation strategy

January 7, 2022

FMR has permanently protected 45 sites in the greater metro area since 1993. Our fall 2021 Land Conservation intern, Nick Jacobson, created a tool to help us answer the question of where to focus next. Which lands can we most effectively protect, restore and enhance along the Mississippi River for its wildlife and human communities? >>

Mississippi Dunes: Cottage Grove's great missed opportunity

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 15, 2021

The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved a plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course. While the plan includes a modest riverfront park, many residents hoped for more. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Conservation program

by Alex Roth

December 1, 2021

Land protection and restoration for ecological diversity can keep urban areas cooler and more resilient in the face of climate change. Learn more about how our Land Conservation program fights climate change and its impacts. >>

Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 6, 2021

Last week, 50 community members gathered to discuss opportunities to influence decision-making about the former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove. Here are several ways to speak up in the coming weeks. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

July 19, 2021

Ramsey County is grappling with a big question: Is responding to both our climate crisis and affordable housing crisis a zero-sum game? How can we create the housing the Twin Cities needs, while also preserving the homes of other species whose populations are collapsing? >>

Ramsey County considers three properties for redevelopment, conservation

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 16, 2021

The county is making plans for three properties on the east side of St. Paul: The site of a former juvenile correctional facility on undeveloped bluffland holding Dakota history; a golf course that's home to an endangered bumblebee; and a grassland where prairie birds flock. We've encouraged officials to inventory ecological resources and work with those studying the cultural resources before proceeding with planning. >>