Critical Area

Critical Area
4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?
January 13, 2025
St. Paul was supposed to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development by January 2021. Four years later, the process has stalled and city leaders won't share why. Read more
St. Paul downtown riverfront in winter
DNR sues Minneapolis over riverfront development rules
February 13, 2024
A riverfront property owner wants to build a home right on the edge of the erosion-prone bluff, breaking the rules Minneapolis adopted to protect the river. But the city approved the plan anyway, setting a concerning precedent. Read more
Rendering of house development on river bluff
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.
St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules
September 25, 2023
St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more
The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.
St. Paul's new bird-safe, river-oriented development rules move ahead
January 26, 2023
We think the city's proposed Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area development guidelines are the best we've seen. Read more
St. Paul skyline and Mississippi River
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
What can cities do to guide development and protect open space?
by Colleen O'Connor Toberman
December 15, 2021

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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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