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

Lawmakers approve $1M to shed light on St. Anthony Falls’ hidden hazard, the cutoff wall
We'll soon know a lot more about one of the state's most crucial, but overlooked, pieces of infrastructure: the hidden cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls. Read more
St. Anthony Falls during spring high waters
What our spring flood means for Ford Area C
We've been waiting for a river flood to gather more information about the hazards posted by Ford Motor Company's floodplain dumpsite in St. Paul, known as Area C. This year, we'll have new data (and a special tour for our River Guardians). Read more
High water at Ford dam
Action Alert: Tell legislators to support FMR's priorities for the river
The time is now. Tell lawmakers to take action for the river by supporting FMR's priorities this legislative session. Read more
The Capitol building in St. Paul, set against a cloudy sky. Text says "#MNLEG 2023"
Where FMR's 2023 priorities stand at the Legislature
An overview of the progress we've made — and what still needs to happen — as we enter the final weeks of the session. Read more
Looking up at the iconic dome of the Capitol building in St. Paul, against a clear blue sky as backdrop. Text over the image says "FMR's priorities #MNLEG"
Star Tribune: Minnesotans ‘won't forgive today's officeholders for their inaction on invasive carp’
You should blame any future carp catastrophe on those who failed to act during this critical moment, outdoors columnist Dennis Anderson argues. Read more
A pile of sliver carp.
St. Paul's new bird-safe, river-oriented development rules move ahead
We think the city's proposed Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area development guidelines are the best we've seen. Read more
St. Paul skyline and Mississippi River
River Guardians' top questions, concerns about the future of the locks and dams
River Guardians submitted more than 170 comments about the future of the locks and dams. Here are the most frequent questions and topics. Read more
A kayaker paddles away from Lock and Dam 1 on a sunny June day in 2022.
5 key issues regarding the future of the locks and dams
Here are the big questions and concerns we asked the Army Corps to consider as it weighs the future of the locks and dams. Read more
A collection of kayakers, seen from far above, approaches Lock and Dam 1 on the Mississippi River during a June event.
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.

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Upcoming Events

Throughout August 2025
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis
Sunday, September 7, 2025 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
34th to 36th Streets & West River Parkway Minneapolis