Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river. 

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

The scoping comment period for two Twin Cities locks and dams is over. Now what?
Maybe you took a lock and dam tour with us this summer and weighed in on the future of two Minneapolis locks and dams this fall. What's next in the process? Read more
Lock and Dam 1
Our 2023 legislative priorities
From clean-water crops to invasive carp, here's a rundown of what we hope to accomplish at the Capitol. Read more
The top of the Minnesota Capitol building in St. Paul.
Why we need to act now against invasive carp
Sign our petition: Tell decision-makers to do their part to help prevent invasive carp from advancing further up the Mississippi River. Read more
A mass of sliver carp jumping high out of the water. Two carp researchers stand on a boat behind the jumping carp, holding nets.
Envisioning a restorative future for BTT
Community members have been coming together to share their visions for the future of BTT on the east side of St. Paul (Ramsey County's former Boys Totem Town juvenile detention facility). Here's an update. Read more
Snowy savanna with oak trees
River Guardians' impacts in 2022
In 2022, 1,225 River Guardians sent 2,974 letters to 166 decision-makers, significantly impacting our work towards a healthier, more resilient river community. Read more
Paddleboat on river with young angler
The cutoff wall: St. Anthony Falls' hidden hazard
The nearly 150-year old cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls is a critical piece of infrastructure. But you wouldn't know it by how the wall is inspected and maintained. Read more
Water flows over the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam on a sunny day.
What would an undammed metro Mississippi River look like?
How would the removal of Lower St. Anthony Falls and Lock & Dam No. 1 change the river? Compare renderings of the metro Mississippi after dam removal with present-day photos. Read more
Lower St. Anthony Falls and downtown Minneapolis skyline, illustrated with more riverbank
What MN election results mean for FMR’s 2023 legislative priorities
The 2022 elections are (mostly) behind us, meaning we have a clearer picture of how FMR's legislative priorities may fare. Read more
A person seen only from the waist down walks past a sign that says "Vote Here."
River Learning Center: Latest design is better, but we still have questions
FMR had raised the alarm about initial design concepts that were grossly oversized for this unique riverfront site. Project planners listened to feedback and made significant changes, but questions linger. Read more
An overhead view of boats in the harbor at Watergate Marina.
It's time: Comment on the lock & dam disposition study
Use this form to comment on the Army Corps' disposition study of two Twin Cities locks and dams. Read more
Image of Lock and Dam No. 1

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area