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

How the local pre-emption bills for plastics fared this session

One bill stalled, the other passed in the tax bill that was vetoed by Gov. Dayton.
 

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Gov. Dayton vetoes wild rice bill

FMR, along with 26 other conservation, tribal and outdoor recreation organizations, recently wrote a letter to Gov. Dayton asking him to veto this controversial bill. On Thursday, May 30th, Gov. Dayton vetoed the wild rice bill! >>

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#Omnibus Prime vetoed: Massive supplemental budget & policy bill goes down

Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed the Legislature’s massive multi-subject budget and policy bill due, in part, to environmental concerns. >>

 

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How groundwater and drinking water fared this session

Protecting drinking water and groundwater must be a top priority for Minnesota, and citizens expect this of their state government. Sadly, the legislative session has come and gone with no progress to show for it, paired with a threat to delay the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule.

This session, five major bills were introduced that (for better or worse) addressed groundwater and drinking water-related topics. >>

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Legislators hold drinking water protections hostage

In a surprising move, GOP chairs of the Minnesota House and Senate made headlines by threatening to delay proposed drinking water protections if Gov. Mark Dayton fails to sign an unrelated ag policy bill.

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Our letter to Gov. Dayton on the Environmental Trust Fund raid

FMR and our allies urge Gov. Mark Dayton to veto the raid of Minnesota's environment trust fund. Learn more from the Star Tribune or FMR's Legislative Updates blog.  >>

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The 2018 bonding bill: What’s in, what’s out and what trust fund got raided to pay for it

The House and Senate passed a final state bonding bill in the final weekend of the session. While the overall bill includes some excellent projects, the overall bill includes a massive $98 million raid to the state's Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and $500,000 for regulated polluters to provide “oversight” of their own state regulators. >>

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White Bear Lake legal ruling suspended by Legislature

New legislation has been signed into law that prevents the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from complying with a  judge’s court-ordered conservation measures for White Bear Lake. >>

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Ole Olson prairie, Mississippi River, Minneapolis skyline

Celebrate 30 years of FMR!

For our 30th anniversary, our wish is for you to join us in restoring, protecting and enhancing the Mississippi River.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee SNA, Hastings
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis
Giveback Days all Sept. + visit FMR in-store Sept. 14 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Orvis - Miracle Mile, St. Louis Park