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

Our updated Land Use & Planning program name

We've updated the name of our former River Corridor program to Land Use & Planning to better describe what we do.  >>

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An update on the future of St. Anthony Falls

There's a lot happening around St. Anthony Falls. Here's the latest on the Army Corps' disposition study, upcoming events about the future of the lock area, and that mysterious underwater wall.  >>

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Rare Maplewood grasslands one step closer to protection

As covered in several news outlets, Ramsey County is stepping back from its plans to develop a rare grassland bird haven. We're celebrating this win and advocating for the next logical step: permanent habitat protection. Ramsey County residents — please send a note to the county to express support for this special refuge.  >>

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What's going on with Twin Cities locks and dams?
Learn why we support keeping one lock, but look forward to exploring the potential removal of two local locks and dams, and sign up to receive updates. Read more
Dam photo
What can cities do to guide development and protect open space?

When we work with community members involved in local development and habitat protection issues, we often hear similar questions: "What can my city leaders do about this issue?" "Does anyone have the power to change this project?" Here's a summary of how cities can shape development and protect open space.  >>

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Mississippi Dunes: Cottage Grove's great missed opportunity

The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved a plan for the former Mississippi Dunes golf course. While the plan includes a modest riverfront park, many residents hoped for more.  >>

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River Guardians' impact in 2021

Watch the thank-you video we recorded (complete with outtakes at the end) to celebrate the successes of our River Guardians. These advocates took action in 2021 to champion a federal funding program to protect the Mississippi, advocate for more parkland in Cottage Grove and protect Minneapolis' drinking water.  >>

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Dam removal brings "river giants" back to Minnesota waterways

A recent Star Tribune article celebrated the return of paddlefish, sturgeon and other river species as a result of dam removal projects across the state. Could this kind of restoration be possible for the metro Mississippi?  >>

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Lilydale considers new blufftop development

A challenging property on Lilydale's river bluffs is the site of a new redevelopment proposal under consideration. Our concern: Will the building disrupt the river's scenery?  >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area