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 still possible for Mississippi Dunes?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 30, 2021

Cottage Grove residents have been busy advocating for a new public park at the former Mississippi Dunes golf course. We're concerned that without strong city leadership, the site will be largely developed into housing without sufficient community input. Join us on September 28 to get involved. >>

'Do you think nature has surrendered to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? I don't think so.'

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 15, 2021

A little-known underground wall holds St. Anthony Falls back from a catastrophic collapse that would endanger the Twin Cities' water supply, bridges, and other infrastructure. So why isn't anyone monitoring the wall's condition? FMR board member John Anfinson explained the puzzle in an excellent Star Tribune article. >>

Upper Harbor Terminal: The benefits and their cost

August 12, 2021

It can be challenging to weigh or even track what benefits the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment promises against their cost. This infographic lays out what we see as possible positive outcomes against the uncertainties and costs. >>

What's missing from the Upper Harbor Terminal environmental review

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 28, 2021

We're anticipating several key Minneapolis city council votes on the Upper Harbor Terminal development project this fall. Next up is the project's environmental review. Here's what we think is missing from this report and how this important, mile-long riverfront redevelopment in North Minneapolis could be better. >>

Star Tribune: 'Habitat or housing?' ... We say both

July 19, 2021

Ramsey County is grappling with a big question: Is responding to both our climate crisis and affordable housing crisis a zero-sum game? How can we create the housing the Twin Cities needs, while also preserving the homes of other species whose populations are collapsing? >>

Star Tribune spotlights need for action against invasive carp

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 12, 2021

Invasive carp present a growing threat to Minnesota waterways. A recent forum considered several strategies to stop their spread. We'll need to use all of them to protect the Mississippi River. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Use & Planning program

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 11, 2021

Climate change impacts make park access and greenspace even more important for public health and equity, and guidelines for riverfront development need to respond to the shifting climate in order to protect our river. Here's how our Land Use & Planning program's work intersects with climate change and climate justice. >>

Annual park rankings highlight racial and economic disparities

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 7, 2021

St. Paul and Minneapolis are known to have some of the country's best urban park systems. But how well do they deliver equitable park access to all residents? >>

What a minor flood season could mean for Ford Area C

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 27, 2021

Area C, Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste dump on the Mississippi River floodplain in St. Paul, hasn't been in the news lately. The site is being better monitored than in the past, but we're waiting for flood data to give us a fuller picture about what risks the pile may pose. >>

Invasive carp continue to pose threat

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 20, 2021

A recent invasive carp round-up on the Mississippi in southern Minnesota is a reminder that these fish pose an ongoing threat to Minnesota's waterways. >>