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

Protecting the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Protecting and extending one of Minnesota's bedrock environmental funding sources is a top priority for FMR. Read more
A blue and golden sky as the sun sets over the Mississippi River in Minneiska, Minnesota.
2022 Gulf dead zone smaller than last year, would still cover entire Twin Cities metro
The life-smothering "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is smaller than scientists had forecast earlier in 2022, but remains significantly large. Read more
A white fishing boat along the shore of the Mississippi River in Louisiana.The water and sky are both a dark blue.
How the Inflation Reduction Act could impact the Mississippi River
By now, you've seen the headlines: A stunning compromise on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will invest nearly $370 billion in new spending on climate change and energy security programs over the next 10 years. What does this mean for the river? Read more
How heat waves fuel toxic algae blooms in Minnesota waters

Harmful blue-green algae blooms can shut down popular beaches, sicken animals and negatively impact water quality.  >>

Read more
'Very excited about the prospects for this': Clean-water crops take center stage
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, agriculture officials and business partners gets a firsthand look at the development of continuous living cover crops.

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, agriculture officials and business partners gets a firsthand look at the development of continuous living cover crops.  >>

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Momentum builds for transformative clean-water crops

The path to a cleaner Mississippi River may run through ag country.  >>

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As 'dead zone' forecast rolls in, so do endorsements of a new federal river initiative

Predictions of a 5,000+ square mile dead zone where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico highlight the need for a major coordinated effort to restore the river. That's why we're so excited to announce that the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative now has more than 100 endorsing organizations. Join us!  >>

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Passed (with a side of controversy): Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation

On the final weekend of the legislative session, lawmakers finalized $70.88 million in spending from the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. It includes some great projects and a fair amount of controversy.  >>

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How FMR's priorities fared this legislative session

Despite a historic surplus, this year's legislative session was disappointing from FMR's standpoint. Here's where our priorities stand, with a few bright spots included.  >>

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Passed: Investments in clean-water crops and their supply chains

Not much made it over the finish line before the legislative session ended on May 23, but lawmakers did pass a bill including new investments in clean-water crops and their supply chains. Here's our take on the final package and where we go from here.  >>

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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