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

Long-awaited DNR carp action plan released
The DNR has pulled together a roadmap for prevention and management of invasive carp. Is it enough? Read more
Person holds big grass carp in boat
How does FMR evaluate development plans?
What do we consider "good" development? FMR keeps tabs on riverfront development proposals and community response to them. Here's an overview of our process and the criteria we use to evaluate potential big changes to our river and its banks. Read more
Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis with buildings, bridge and Pillsbury Flour sign
Media shines spotlight on FMR staff and creative solutions for vexing river issues
Whether clean-water crops, carp or buckthorn, the expertise of FMR staff has been on full display. Read more
FMR staff, camelina, carp, buckthorn
River Guardians made a splash advocating for the river in 2023
River Guardians set records and advanced every single legislative priority in 2023. Thank you for your advocacy! Here's what we're looking forward to in 2024. Read more
River Guardians at 2023 post-legislative session celebration
Another invasive carp catch record for Minnesota's Mississippi River
The Minnesota DNR just announced its largest-ever invasive carp catch in Minnesota waters: a shocking 323 fish. Join us soon for community meetings in St. Paul, Red Wing, Winona and online to learn and discuss what our state should do next. Read more
Invasive carp jumping out of the water
How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study
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
What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include
St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more
Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.
St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules
St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more
The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.
Reflections on the recent youth & climate change ruling
A landmark decision for the first constitutional climate trial in the U.S. is about more than climate change. It's about considering the full impact of our actions today, and the power youth have to fight climate change in the courts — and win. Read more
Two young people hold a sign in the river gorge that reads "Protect our future"
Is the Minneapolis 2040 plan good for the environment? Yes.
The plan's many environmental policies, including denser housing, are crucial responses to climate change. Here's why. Read more
The Minneapolis skyline, reflective against the orange evening sky with the Mississippi River in the foreground.

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park, Hastings
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Mississippi River Gorge, Minneapolis
New date: Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul