Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river. 

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use 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

Who owns the St. Anthony Falls cutoff wall? It's still being debated
The cutoff wall, a vital component of the infrastructure around St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, has drawn attention in recent years due to questions about its ownership and maintenance. A study is underway, but it won't resolve everything. Read more
Water flows over Owamniyomni, also known as St. Anthony Falls
Invasive carp deterrent project moves ahead
FMR was proud to be part of the Stop Carp Coalition's success last year to secure state funding for an invasive carp deterrent in the Mississippi River. Will the project be completed in time to block these fishes' upstream progress? Read more
Silver carp jumping out of the water
Rare birds flock to little-known Maplewood grassland
Grassland birds are under immense pressure due to habitat loss, but there's a special corner of habitat near Battle Creek Regional Park. Learn more about this site's uncertain future and how you can get a glimpse of its feathered residents. Read more
Grasshopper sparrow singing
Mississippi River island hosts colorful sculptures
Through Oct. 26, colorful Mexican folk art sculptures will cover Raspberry Island in downtown St. Paul as a celebration of the Latino community's connection to the Mississippi River. Read more
Alebrije on Raspberry Island
There's still time to push for stronger river protections in St. Paul
St. Paul residents are speaking up about a proposal to water down riverfront development regulations. Read more
St. Paul skyline with river
Tell Congress: Hands off Minnesota's national parks
Proposed cuts could harm our local Mississippi River Twin Cities metro park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and hundreds of beloved national parks. Sign the action alert and tell Congress to get off the sidelines. Read more
Students gather around a ranger on a boat on the Mississippi River
We're hiring: Grassroots Organizing Coordinator
Work with us! Our Grassroots Organizing Coordinator engages advocates to make a difference on important local, state and federal environmental policy decisions. Read more
Minneapolis prairie, skyline, river
St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps
This flood of St. Paul river issues means FMR and community members have opportunities to push for stronger riverfront protections, walkable access to the river in line with community plans and quality cleanups for two toxic riverside dumps. Read more
Trees over river
Speak up for strong riverfront rules in St. Paul
St. Paul's long-awaited Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance is finally coming up for public comment. Unfortunately, the updated draft removes bird-safe building requirements and other vital riverfront protections. Here's how to help. Read more
Birds fly over Harrient Island and river
Judge tells Minneapolis to comply with its riverfront development rules
In 2024, the city of Minneapolis approved a request to build a home on the edge of an erosion-prone riverfront bluff. Now a judge has stepped in, preventing the construction and a bad precedent. Read more
Rendering of house development on river bluff

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Throughout August 2025
Wabasha Taproom, St. Paul