Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Blog 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

FMR in DC: Reflections from a whirlwind week in the nation's capital
Grassroots Organizing Coordinator Maddie Miller shares what it was like advocating for the Mississippi River alongside coalition partners in D.C. Read more
FMR grassroots organizing coordinator pictured with Sen. Tina Smith and other members of the MRN delegation.
Restoring public oversight of major MPCA decisions
We all benefit from community oversight of the biggest, most important agency for pollution regulation in Minnesota. Read more
A flurry of hands in the air, fingers pointed up as if wanting to interject in an important conversation.
Our 2024 legislative priorities
It’s time to finish what we started. Here's what FMR will be working to accomplish at the Capitol this year. Read more
The dome of the Minnesota Capitol building, seen in front of an evening blue sky. Text says "MNLEG 2024."
Renewing the call for a federal river restoration program
A bill to create a place-based, whole-river program Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act was introduced in both the House and the Senate for the first time. Read more
Great blue heron flying over water
Just released: Read the landmark new report 'Putting Down Roots'
The report, which measures the environmental impact of crops that provide continuous living cover, was produced by FMR, Ecotone Analytics and the Forever Green Partnership. Read more
A hand prods at the bare dirt, prepping for a seed planting. Text says "Putting Down Roots: Analyzing the economic and environmental benefits of  continuous living cover for MN’s farmers, water and climate"
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
Press release: ‘A win-win’ — Report finds new crops could boost farmer profits while protecting MN’s waters
Our first-of-its-kind analysis presents unused winter cropland as an untapped opportunity and force for clean water in Minnesota. Read more
Hand holding jar of water in field of 'living cover' crops.
Winter oilseeds: Key to clean water and lower emissions
These clean-water crops, which stay in the soil through the winter, can benefit the river in numerous ways. Read more
Organic farmer Karen Torjesen holds a hand low to the ground, amidst a recently planted field of winter camelina in November, 2023.
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
EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota
In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more
Drinking water glass

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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