FMR joined 22 other organizations in a letter of support for the House Omnibus Environment Bill. In sharp contrast to the Senate's, the House bill reinstates the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens' Board and makes a strong commitment to investing in our natural resources. Here’s the letter we distributed on the Senate floor prior to the debate. >>
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It’s garlic mustard season, so we’re throwing a potluck to bite back at the spread of invasive species. >>
April 2019
In recent weeks, committees in the House and Senate have laid out how they think Minnesota should spend its Legacy Amendment funding for clean water programs. Unfortunately, both bills call for use of these special, voter-created funds for programs normally supported through more routine channels. Now, three broadly-supported programs have been essentially pitted against one another during a time of a billion-dollar surplus. >>
April 2019
Despite the sudden spring blizzard, over 450 Minnesotans from across the state joined us at the Capitol for a day of action and advocacy. Together, they attended trainings on a range of issues, met individually with almost a quarter of the Minnesota Legislature, participated in the first Water Town Hall and rallied for clean water. >>
April 2019
Proposed development along the riverfront could dramatically change the St. Paul city skyline by adding four towers, one of which could be taller than our tallest skyscraper, the Wells Fargo building. (Image: Public domain via Ramsey County/AECOM)
A major development including four tall towers on St. Paul's downtown riverfront is currently under consideration for the former West Publishing and county jail site. >>
April 2019
View from Schaar's Bluff at Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings, part of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area.
Most Twin Cities communities have completed their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront, but a few are still seeking public comments in the coming weeks or months. Learn where your community is in the process and weigh in while there is still time. >>
April 2019
Students participate in a water sampling project at Crosby Farm, a beloved St. Paul park. The draft master plan for this park proposes to improve access while maintaining its undeveloped feel.
FMR has been participating in the master planning processes for Above the Falls, Mississippi Gorge and Hidden Falls Crosby Farm regional parks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here's a roundup of the draft plans, FMR's comments on these plans and opportunities for future public participation. >>
April 2019
FMR's work with volunteers to plant and tend a native demonstration prairie garden at Ole Olson Park has paid off. Not only does this patch of prairie help improve water quality, but it also provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife and creates a beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline from the banks of the Mississippi.
The Mighty Mississippi originates as a humble stream at a small woodland lake in our state. It gets its first full taste of what humans can do to abuse a waterway when it hits the Twin Cities, where, for well over a century, it served as an industrial sewer, made utterly devoid of life.
But for over 25 years, you've helped Friends of the Mississippi River lead the way in enhancing our river. Read why our hometown river and FMR need your support. >>
April 2019
Pull garlic mustard with us! We've got plenty of opportunities to help restore river habitat this May.
'Tis the season for garlic mustard removals. If you've skimmed the FMR events calendar recently, you may have noticed a reoccurring theme: garlic mustard pulls. Prime pulling season typically runs from late-April through May. Learn more about this pesky invader and how you can help. >>
April 2019