Twin Cities locks and dams

Over the coming years, Twin Citians will face a momentous decision: Should we remove dams on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

FMR staff and River Guardians are actively engaged in this issue and others surrounding the locks and dams in the metro area. Updates are below.

Twin Cities locks and dams
What's going on with Twin Cities locks and dams?

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January 10, 2022
Learn why we support keeping one lock, but look forward to exploring the potential removal of two local locks and dams, and sign up to receive updates. Read more
Dam photo
New FMR study will help answer crucial questions about potential dam removal

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May 26, 2026
We've known for many years that two locks and dams in Minneapolis and St. Paul might be worth removing. Now, a new FMR study will find out what's possible for the future of the river gorge. Read more
Lock and dam and Minneapolis skyline; Lock and dam near island
Take action: Urge lawmakers to pass environmental funding bills

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April 29, 2026
More than 150 projects that benefit clean water and the outdoors depend on this funding. Send a message to your legislators, urging them to approve these bills. Read more
Skunk cabbage at Rosemount Preserve
Who owns the St. Anthony Falls cutoff wall? It's still being debated

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August 13, 2025
The cutoff wall, a vital component of the infrastructure around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, has drawn attention in recent years due to questions about its ownership and maintenance. A study is underway, but it won't resolve everything. Read more
Water flows over Owamniyomni, also known as St. Anthony Falls
The latest on the Twin Cities' lock and dam studies

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November 18, 2024
The Army Corps of Engineers' study about the future of two Mississippi River locks and dams continues to move ahead — slowly. FMR and our partners are still busy with research, engagement and advocacy to bring the right information to the table. Read more
People look out at Ford Dam
Q & A: What the Rapidan Dam has us thinking about aging locks and dams in the Twin Cities

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July 10, 2024
Land Use & Planning Program Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman talks about parallels between the Rapidan Dam and the locks and dams on the Mississippi River in the heart of the Twin Cities. Read more
Rapidan Dam breach from June 30, 2024
How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study

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November 13, 2023
FMR and our partners are bringing together researchers to dig into crucial questions that the official Army Corps lock and dam disposition study won't be able to answer. Here's what we're focusing on and why. Read more
Four people talk on a boat on the river

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Lop buckthorn brush and enjoy a supporter social hour at Vermillion Falls Park [FULL]
Tuesday, July 7 - 4:30 p.m. social hour, 6:00 p.m. volunteer event
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Spring Lake Park Reserve, Rosemount
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Near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings

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