FMR Updates

Funding to augment White Bear Lake pulled from Senate but lingers in House

by Trevor Russell

May 16, 2016

Water levels in White Bear Lake have fallen dramatically in the last decade, leading some to call for augmentation by pumping in water from nearby lakes, each of which is in turn backfilled by the Mississippi River. FMR has long advocated against such an expensive and uncertain system, instead promoting longer-term solutions to address the north and east metro's larger groundwater supply and demand issues. Thankfully, the author of the Minnesota Senate bill agrees and has removed all funding for augmentation while calling for investments in a more sustainable water supply for this area. Yet, $2.2 million in provisions supporting augmenting linger in the House.

Fate of Working Lands & Forever Green bills to be decided this week

by Trevor Russell

May 16, 2016

As the clock ticks toward adjournment Monday, May 23, the fate of FMR's top legislative priorities will be decided by a bipartisan conference committee of state senators and representatives. In the next few days, FMR will likely be asking all River Protectors and friends of the river to contact their legislators to support FMR's top priorities this session.

Through July 6: Last chance to weigh in on new riverfront land-use rules

by Irene Jones

May 10, 2016

FMR encourages all river-lovers to contact Judge Lipman by July 6, 4:30 p.m. to let him know that you support strong river development rules in our national park, tell him why the river is important to you and share what you would like to see protected or improved. Read on to learn more about the proposed rules for the metro-area stretch of the Mississippi River and how to contribute your voice.

Riders along the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area, our local national park!

Swing Bridge Park: Our newest restoration & volunteer site

by Adam Flett, by Alex Roth, by Amy Kilgore

May 5, 2016

This unique location blends historic renovation with ecological restoration along today's working river. Learn more about its history, ecology and our first public volunteer event at this riverfront site, Saturday, June 4.

Spring nighthawks: Acrobats of the bird world

by Tom Lewanski

May 4, 2016

When you hear the distinctive call of these late Mississippi River flyway migrants, look to the early evening skies to enjoy their graceful dusk-hour dives.

Senate budget bill approved; Fully funds FMR priorities

by Trevor Russell

May 3, 2016

The Minnesota Senate voted 39 to 24 in favor of the Senate Omnibus Finance Bill on Thursday, April 28. The bill includes several of FMR's top environmental initiatives, including The Working Lands Watershed Restoration Program and funding for the Forever Green Initiative.