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's our deal with density?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 9, 2020

River drawdown offers a look back in time... and a glimpse of the future?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 7, 2020

What did the Mississippi River look like before the locks and dams? For a few days, we got a glimpse near St. Anthony Falls of what a less-encumbered Mississippi might look like if locks and dams are removed. Check out our photos. >>

Action Alert: Submit your comments on the Minneapolis MRCCA draft ordinance [CLOSED]

September 17, 2020

Minneapolis residents have a chance to weigh in on the MRCCA draft ordinance. While we like a lot about the draft, we think it could be better for the birds. Find out more and submit your comments >>

Minneapolis residents: Act now to protect your riverfront!

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

September 15, 2020

The city of Minneapolis is taking public comments on its new ordinance to guide riverfront development and land management. The ordinance has a lot of strengths, but we'd like to see more protections for birds along this crucial migratory flyway.

Learn more by reading FMR's analysis or attending our upcoming virtual Q&A. >>

Mapping for environmental justice in the Twin Cities

September 3, 2020

Curran, a Youth Empowerment Program participant, used data and mapping skills to visualize environmental injustice across Minneapolis and St. Paul. >>

Metro communities begin adopting new river protections

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

September 2, 2020

Metro-area cities and townships are beginning to adopt new baseline riverfront protections. Is your city is on the list of communities writing their ordinances this fall? Find out how you can shape river rules based on your community's values and priorities. One example: Minneapolis might require bird-safe measures for new riverfront construction, since migrating songbirds are especially vulnerable to collisions in cities on the Mississippi flyway. >>

Star Tribune highlights expanded monitoring at Ford Area C

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 21, 2020

Thanks to advocacy by FMR and its partners, new monitoring wells have been installed at Ford Area C. These wells will provide a better understanding of any hazards posed by this dumpsite on the floodplain. >>

Minnesota to update invasive carp action plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 7, 2020

A record catch of invasive carp in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota has raised concerns about the species' spread upriver. How is Minnesota responding? >>

What's been happening at Area C?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 29, 2020

The official process for cleaning up a hazardous waste site like Ford Area C in St. Paul takes time, and it can be tough to keep up with the developments. Here’s a summary of what you (FMR supporters) have helped accomplish towards a better future at this floodplain waste dump so far, and what's still to come. >>

Action Alert: Oppose state funds for First Avenue's concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal [CLOSED]

July 17, 2020

The city of Minneapolis and First Avenue are seeking $20 million in state bond funds for a concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal on the North Minneapolis riverfront. We’re not sure whether the community will benefit first from this project. Take action now. >>