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

Ramsey County considers three properties for redevelopment, conservation

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 16, 2021

The county is making plans for three properties on the east side of St. Paul: The site of a former juvenile correctional facility on undeveloped bluffland holding Dakota history; a golf course that's home to an endangered bumblebee; and a grassland where prairie birds flock. We've encouraged officials to inventory ecological resources and work with those studying the cultural resources before proceeding with planning. >>

New river access in Cottage Grove?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 13, 2021

The former Mississippi Dunes golf course in Cottage Grove has amazing potential to be a new park, but its owners want to develop it into housing. You can weigh in to protect habitat and public river access at this special site. >>

Why the Corps of Engineers must remain at St. Anthony Falls

April 1, 2021

Dr. John Anfinson is an FMR board member, a Mississippi River historian and the former superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. He recently wrote this article for the Northeaster newspaper. >>

Pioneer Press highlights St. Paul riverfront projects

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 25, 2021

From northern Minnesota to New Orleans, no city has more miles of Mississippi riverfront than St. Paul. A recent Pioneer Press article highlighted some of the major new projects that will enhance community connection to the river. >>

Star Tribune highlights opposition to Corps' lock disposition plan

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 8, 2021

Despite community and congressional opposition, the Army Corps of Engineers still plans to pursue divestment of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock. Share your feedback on the plan with the Corps through March 18. >>

Action Alert: Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the Twin Cities river [CLOSED]

February 10, 2021

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock in downtown Minneapolis. Join us in advocating for a future that increases public access while safeguarding the lock's essential functions. >>

St. Anthony Falls disposition plan could threaten Twin Cities' water supply

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 9, 2021

In recent weeks, the Army Corps declared its intention to seek a new owner for the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock — a risky plan that could put the future of our river and the water supply for a million Twin Cities residents — into the hands of a private corporation. Join us in advocating for a path forward that protects the public's interest and creates public access. >>

Minneapolis agrees to environmental review before key UHT vote

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 27, 2021

Community advocates recently secured a big victory: Minneapolis leaders committed to an environmental review of its riverfront Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan before voting on the project. >>

MinnPost: UHT plan elicits mixed reactions

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 25, 2021

A recent MinnPost article about the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment in North Minneapolis highlights the wide range of opinions among residents who have been closely involved in the project. Many of them share our concern: Will this project really deliver equity for Northsiders? >>

MRCCA riverfront protections update: You made a difference!

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 10, 2021

Minneapolis is the first city with a new ordinance to guide riverfront development and protections, and thanks to our collective advocacy, their ordinance includes provisions for migrating birds. Will St. Paul and other communities follow suit? >>