DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban
As reported by Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently decided not to ban lead tackle or bullets. As one of the petitioning groups, we were deeply disappointed by the news. But we're hopeful that the issue will emerge in the 2020 Legislative session. >>
Strommen says 'no' to shipping Dakota County groundwater to Colorado
The alarming prospect of a for-profit company mining our groundwater for sale out of state is deeply troubling and could leave public and private wells high and dry here at home. We're grateful for the leadership of Sarah Strommen, the head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and former FMR board member, in derailing this proposal. >>
Lessons from the Dust Bowl: A cleaner Mississippi is rooted in a new farming paradigm
Our agricultural practices caused disastrous dust storms like this one in Kansas in 1935. Generations later, the way we farm has again led to grave challenges — unsafe drinking water and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What can the Dust Bowl teach us about how to move forward? >>
Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too
The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.” >>
Leading scientists to UN: Slash nitrogen waste — or else!
We're not the only region working to stem nitrogen pollution. Scientists are calling on the United Nations to focus on this serious issue worldwide. >>
Lead shot takes the spotlight as FMR petitions state
As fall hunting season arrives, lead shot and tackle is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Why? Because lead rounds can kill twice. >>
Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming
How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>
The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland
The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river. >>
Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments
We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals. >>
Stormwater's hidden perils
As our climate changes and water infrastructure ages, the challenges of water management are becoming more severe. Ultimately, our changing climate means that Minnesota faces more — and more powerful — storms, leading to sewage emergencies, mega-storms, sandbagged lake houses and twelve billion-dollar price tags. >>