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

What the lottery-backed environment fund has made possible for the Mississippi River
Vote YES to rededicate lottery funds to our great outdoors this fall. This fund has helped uncover the hidden risks of triclosan, restore 1,000+ acres of habitat, figure out the best way to deter invasive carp, advance clean-water crops and more. Read more
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in the fall with a view of the river from bluffs
Celebrating the carp deterrent win — and starting what comes next
"We owe it to every Minnesotan to see this project through," FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman said at a press conference. Read more
Coalition members, legislators and agency staff all pose for a celebratory photo outside at Harriet Island.
This election season, join us to support the lottery-backed environment fund
Thousands of environmental projects throughout Minnesota depend on our vote this fall. As we approach the 2024 general election, here's how you can support this critical fund as an organization or individual. Read more
A loon on the Mississippi River
We're hiring: Community Engagement and Organizing Intern
Join us as our paid, part-time fall intern to advocate for cleanup of toxic riverfront site Ford Area C. Read more
People canoeing + FMR is hiring!
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more
A brief history of the Ford Area C dumpsite
While many articles look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. Here's a basic timeline of this floodplain dumpsite to lend historical context. Read more
Ford site on the river
Q & A: What the Rapidan Dam has us thinking about aging locks and dams in the Twin Cities
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
Cleanup planning begins for toxic Ford Area C
We've been awaiting a cleanup plan for the Ford Area C hazardous dumpsite in St. Paul. Now, the plan is under development. The community will have a chance to shape what happens in the months ahead. Join us for a site tour to learn more. Read more
Summer riverbank near old Ford plant
How FMR's priorities for the Mississippi River fared this session
We found success by looking for opportunities to move things forward in ways we maybe hadn’t considered from the outset. Read more
A collage of scenes showing FMR staff working on various legislative activities in and out of the Capitol building.
Big win: MN Legislature funds invasive carp deterrent
We're celebrating a major win in our efforts to stop invasive carp from spreading into Minnesota's waters this legislative session. Read more
A close-up of a taxidermied invasive carp, with the blurred Minnesota Capitol building in the background.

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Upcoming Events

Three options: August 15, September 17, October 5, 2024
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee SNA South Unit, Hastings
Saturday, October 12, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property