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.

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POSTS

Revised 2020 state budget outlook casts a shadow on environmental funding

by Trevor Russell

May 7, 2020

A few months ago, Minnesota was looking at a sizable budget surplus. Now we've got a projected $2.4 billion deficit. What does that mean for clean water funding this legislative session? >>

Action Alert: Don't cut funds for Minnesota's environment and environmental jobs [CLOSED]

April 27, 2020

Funding from Minnesota's voter-approved Environmental Trust Fund is at risk this session. Ask your Senator to pass an Environment Trust Fund bill to keep important environmental projects up and running across the state before the clock runs out. >>

This is not the time to bench MN's Environmental Trust Fund

by Trevor Russell

April 27, 2020

It’s frustratingly familiar territory with a scary new twist: A recent attempt to raid the 2020 Environment Trust Fund threatens to cancel the entire $64M allocation this year — hurting all the research and habitat restoration projects and jobs it supports throughout the state. Let’s dive in. >>

Still on the table this legislative session: Bonding for clean water and our river corridor

by Trevor Russell

April 13, 2020

While uncertainty reigns supreme this legislative session, $300 million or more in clean water investments and a few pivotal river corridor projects remain in play as the governor and legislators approach a May 18th adjournment deadline. >>

It's time to pause $20M ask for Upper Harbor Terminal

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 13, 2020

Nutrients down(ish), salts up in U.S. rivers

by Peter LaFontaine

April 8, 2020

A new report from the U.S. Geological Survey has found some disturbing — but uneven — trends in American rivers over the last generation. >>

Uncertainty amid promise of agriculture climate solutions (Yale 360)

by Trevor Russell

April 7, 2020

As policymakers and advocates look to croplands to sequester carbon, a recent article from Yale 360 points out that flows of greenhouse gases into and out of soil are complex, and outcomes can be uncertain. >>

Soil isn't a dirt-y word

by Peter LaFontaine

April 6, 2020

You know it when you smell it — good soil is healthy! Here's an explainer for how soil organic matter can make a difference for plants, animals and downstream neighbors. >>