Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>
Water and Legislative Updates Blog
FMR is proud to be a leading voice to protect the water of our Big River, and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.
Our Water Blog strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues, from the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature. (For political animals, here's a legislative-content-only version.)
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.
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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. >>
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? >>
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.” >>