Twin Cities locks and dams

Over the coming years, Twin Citians will face a momentous decision: Should we remove dams on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

FMR staff and River Guardians are actively engaged in this issue and others surrounding the locks and dams in the metro area. Updates are below.

Twin Cities locks and dams
How we're filling in research gaps for the lock and dam study
November 13, 2023
FMR and our partners are bringing together researchers to dig into crucial questions that the official Army Corps lock and dam disposition study won't be able to answer. Here's what we're focusing on and why. Read more
Four people talk on a boat on the river
Army Corps study on the future of two metro locks and dams enters new phase
July 17, 2023
What will the Corps focus on in their years-long study about the future of two metro locks and dams? The release of the Corps scoping documents gives us a picture of what questions they'll investigate — and what could go unanswered. Read more
Lower St. Anthony Falls lock and dam and Ford dam
Lawmakers approve $1M to shed light on St. Anthony Falls’ hidden hazard, the cutoff wall
May 23, 2023
We'll soon know a lot more about one of the state's most crucial, but overlooked, pieces of infrastructure: the hidden cutoff wall underneath St. Anthony Falls. Read more
St. Anthony Falls during spring high waters
River Guardians' top questions, concerns about the future of the locks and dams
January 10, 2023
River Guardians submitted more than 170 comments about the future of the locks and dams. Here are the most frequent questions and topics. Read more
A kayaker paddles away from Lock and Dam 1 on a sunny June day in 2022.
5 key issues regarding the future of the locks and dams
January 9, 2023
Here are the big questions and concerns we asked the Army Corps to consider as it weighs the future of the locks and dams. Read more
A collection of kayakers, seen from far above, approaches Lock and Dam 1 on the Mississippi River during a June event.
The scoping comment period for two Twin Cities locks and dams is over. Now what?
January 6, 2023
Maybe you took a lock and dam tour with us this summer and weighed in on the future of two Minneapolis locks and dams this fall. What's next in the process? Read more
Lock and Dam 1
River Guardians' impacts in 2022
December 8, 2022
In 2022, 1,225 River Guardians sent 2,974 letters to 166 decision-makers, significantly impacting our work towards a healthier, more resilient river community. Read more
Paddleboat on river with young angler

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Upcoming Events

Join us at the annual river gorge Earth Day cleanup
Saturday, April 20 - 9:30 AM to Noon
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Apply to be a 2024 ESI mentor for the summer
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Pull garlic mustard at Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area [FULL]
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area

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