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

Our 2020 legislative priorities

by Trevor Russell

January 13, 2020

Minnesota's 2020 legislative session kicks off on February 11. Here’s a look at what to expect, and what FMR's top four priorities are this year. >>

Governor Walz releases ambitious $300M water infrastructure proposal

by Trevor Russell

January 13, 2020

Gov. Walz has proposed investing $300 million in much-needed water infrastructure through the state’s 2020 bonding bill. Find out what's in the governor's proposal. >>

What is the Forever Green Initiative?

January 8, 2020

FMR Water Program 2019 highlights

by Trevor Russell

January 3, 2020

From pushing through a snowstorm to lobby our legislators to expanding our programs to address a major threat to the health of our river, agricultural pollution, FMR staff, members and River Guardians have a lot to be proud of from 2019! >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>

Another brutal year for MN farmers

by Peter LaFontaine

December 5, 2019

Wet weather, a trade war, and low crop prices combined to deal a blow to Minnesota's rural communities in 2019.

Why is this Water Blog news? Because the same strategies that FMR supports to reduce river pollution from agricultural sources can also make farms more profitable and resilient long-term. >>

Projected $1.3B state surplus could be good news for clean water

by Trevor Russell

December 5, 2019

In a delightful bit of news, the State of Minnesota’s December 2019 budget forecast estimates a $1.3 billion preliminary budget surplus for 2020.

While sure to ignite debates regarding both new investments and planned tax cuts during the 2020 Legislative session, this could bode well for much-needed clean water funding. >>

Gov. Tim Walz forms climate sub-cabinet

by Peter LaFontaine

December 5, 2019

Minnesota is falling short of meeting its climate change goals. A new government initiative seeks to re-energize state efforts and build momentum toward a better future. >>

More than half of Minnesota’s waters don’t meet water quality standards

by Trevor Russell

November 26, 2019

Every two years, the state publishes a list of “impaired” waters that do not meet water quality standards. This year’s list shows that 56% of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams fail to meet standards. >>

PBS: 'How a new grain could help combat climate change' (Video)

by Trevor Russell

November 25, 2019

PBS News Hour recently turned their attention to Minnesota’s efforts to develop Kernza – a perennial wheat that may be key to fixing our lagging soil and river health ... and makes really good pancakes. >>