Mississippi River News

Can an outpouring of support for full cleanup at Ford Area C make a difference?

update

March 16, 2026

The list of elected officials and community members supporting a full cleanup of this toxic riverfront site is getting longer. What will the MPCA decide? Read more

Aerial image of Ford Area C and steam plant

Mining company abandons proposed project in Mississippi riverbed

update

February 13, 2026

FMR advocates helped turn the tide against this damaging proposal in Cottage Grove, which faced both widespread public opposition and a lawsuit. Read more

The river with islands in the distance near the site of the now-abandoned mine proposal.

Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance

update

November 6, 2025

The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more

Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs

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

FMR making the case for sustainable aviation fuel in the Strib

update

June 12, 2025

In case you missed it, FMR has been making the case for winter-hardy oilseeds as a river-friendly source for sustainable aviation fuel in the Star Tribune. Read more