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.)

Updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Instagram) 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

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. >>

DNR rejects petition for lead ammo, tackle ban

November 13, 2019

As reported by Minnesota Public Radio, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently decided not to ban lead tackle or bullets. As one of the petitioning groups, we were deeply disappointed by the news. But we're hopeful that the issue will emerge in the 2020 Legislative session. >>

Strommen says 'no' to shipping Dakota County groundwater to Colorado

by Trevor Russell

November 1, 2019

The alarming prospect of a for-profit company mining our groundwater for sale out of state is deeply troubling and could leave public and private wells high and dry here at home. We're grateful for the leadership of Sarah Strommen, the head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and former FMR board member, in derailing this proposal. >>

Lessons from the Dust Bowl: A cleaner Mississippi is rooted in a new farming paradigm

by Peter LaFontaine

November 1, 2019

Our agricultural practices caused disastrous dust storms like this one in Kansas in 1935. Generations later, the way we farm has again led to grave challenges — unsafe drinking water and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. What can the Dust Bowl teach us about how to move forward? >>

Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too

by Trevor Russell

October 29, 2019

The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.” >>

Leading scientists to UN: Slash nitrogen waste — or else!

by Peter LaFontaine

October 23, 2019

We're not the only region working to stem nitrogen pollution. Scientists are calling on the United Nations to focus on this serious issue worldwide. >>

Lead shot takes the spotlight as FMR petitions state

by Trevor Russell

October 16, 2019

As fall hunting season arrives, lead shot and tackle is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Why? Because lead rounds can kill twice. >>

Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming

by Trevor Russell

October 14, 2019

How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>

The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland

by Trevor Russell

October 1, 2019

The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river. >>