Updates and Articles

EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota
November 15, 2023
In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more
Drinking water glass
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
Clean Transportation Standard: Lower emissions for MN’s transportation and ag sectors
November 10, 2023
To protect the Mississippi River from the worst of climate change, it’s imperative we find a way to significantly cut emissions from transportation and agriculture. Read more
An electric vehicle plugged in and charging. In the background, a person is walking toward the front door of their home.
A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river
November 10, 2023
Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more
Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest
FMR's new Stewardship & Education Program Director
November 7, 2023
We're excited that paddler, writer and river-lover Natalie Warren joined our staff in November to lead our Stewardship & Education program. Welcome, Natalie! Read more
Natalie Warren in a canoe on the Mississippi River
Video: How we chose plants in partnership for the restoration at Wakáŋ Tipi
November 6, 2023
Meet four plants in the restored tallgrass prairie and floodplain at Wakáŋ Tipi in St. Paul, a sacred place to the Dakota. FMR and our partners Wakáŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi talk about the medicine and habitat these trees and wildflowers provide. Read more
Two people talking near bee balm
Safeguarding the Clean Water Fund
November 1, 2023
It’s the only environmental fund dedicated purely to reducing pollution and protecting clean water statewide. Read more
Three people wearing waders stand in ankle-deep water.
What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include
October 24, 2023
St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more
Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.
Video: How the 'big brown spot' pollutes the Mississippi River
October 16, 2023
When farm fields are bare, there’s nothing to stop soil, fertilizers and other farm chemicals from washing off into our rivers, lakes and streams. This "big brown spot" in the Midwest is by far the largest source of pollution to the Mississippi. Read more
Map of Midwest with brown over much of the area around the Mississippi River
Minnesota's drought contributes to drinking water crisis downriver
October 10, 2023
In this Q&A, Matt Rota at Healthy Gulf in Louisiana talks with FMR about the saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River threatening New Orleans' drinking water supply — and already impacting communities farther south. Read more
Army Corps boats construct a sill to prevent saltwater intrusion

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Upcoming Events

'Show Some Love for the River'
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
FMR's office, near Harriet Island in St. Paul
Join the Plastic-Free Challenge
Throughout February
Hennepin, Ramsey & Washington counties
Educators: Bring FMR to your students
This school year
In your classroom or outside

See all Upcoming Events