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 Instagram) 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

Cottage Grove allows riverbed mine proposal to advance
The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved the environmental review for a riverbed mine next to Lower Grey Cloud Island. FMR and many others still believe that this mine would have major negative impacts — and it might not be legal. Read more
Mississippi River as seen from Pine Bend Bluffs
Agencies and community members push back against river mining proposal in Cottage Grove
A mining company wants to dig for materials beneath the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove. WCCO interviewed FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman about pushback from neighbors and government agencies. Read more
How the metro riverfront gained strong, cohesive protections
The story of one of the most far-reaching accomplishments for the river since FMR’s founding: riverfront rules all along the metro Mississippi to protect its scenic, cultural and ecological value. Read more
Robinson's Rocks on the river
St. Paul closes in on final river rules
After years of delays, the St. Paul City Council is poised to vote on a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development. Residents can join FMR in advocating for the addition of a bird-safe glass requirement. Read more
Downtown St. Paul riverfront
Ford Area C: The overlooked toxic waste dump along the river
Did you know that Ford Motor Company owns a hazardous waste dump right on the river's edge in the middle of St. Paul? FMR has been a longtime advocate for cleaning up this site. Join us to take action. Read more
Cleanup plan for toxic Ford Area C dump finally moves forward
A draft cleanup plan will be released any day now — and advocates will soon have a chance to call for full cleanup of this toxic riverfront site. Tour the dumpsite this fall, sign our petition and get the latest. Read more
Map showing Ford Area C tucked between parks on the riverfront
A brief history of the Ford Area C dumpsite
While many articles look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. Here's a basic timeline of this floodplain dumpsite to lend historical context. Read more
Ford site on the river
Welcome to our new Grassroots Organizing Coordinator (and farewell to Maddie!)
Meet Jenna, our new River Guardians advocacy program leader, and celebrate our outgoing coordinator's achievements. Read more
Jenna Hawkes by river
New video on mine’s risk to a clean Mississippi
Watch this moving video from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe explaining the threat posed to their traditions and the water we all value by the proposed Tamarack Mine. Read more
Hand pointing over wetland
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

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Upcoming Events

November 1 - 20, 2025
Online
Three options: October 20, October 28, November 22, 2025
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
F-O-K Studios, St. Paul