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

Mining the riverbed? An unusual proposal being considered in Cottage Grove
Mining company Holcim is proposing a mining operation directly in the riverbed in Cottage Grove. This might be the best option for the multinational company's bottom line, but it may not be the best for our community or the river. Read more
River with islands in the distance
3 things River Guardians can be proud of from 2024
River Guardians participated in a record-setting number of advocacy events with FMR in 2024, and contributed to two big wins for the river. Read more
River Guardians at Forever Green tour
The latest on the Twin Cities' lock and dam studies
The Army Corps of Engineers' study about the future of two Mississippi River locks and dams continues to move ahead — slowly. FMR and our partners are still busy with research, engagement and advocacy to bring the right information to the table. Read more
People look out at Ford Dam
A resounding victory for conservation funding in Minnesota
Voters throughout the state showed up for Minnesota’s great outdoors this election, ensuring projects that protect air, land, water and wildlife continue to receive funding for years to come.  Read more
FMR now a Water Over Nickel partner
FMR signs on as a partner to Water Over Nickel to oppose the negative consequences of nickel mining. Read more
Minnesota wetland
Protecting the Mississippi River from the impacts of nickel mining
FMR joins Water Over Nickel to raise awareness of the negative consequences of nickel mining and preserve Minnesota's natural environment and water resources. Read more
People look out over wetland
What the lottery-backed environment fund has made possible for the Mississippi River
Vote YES to rededicate lottery funds to our great outdoors this fall. This fund has helped uncover the hidden risks of triclosan, restore 1,000+ acres of habitat, figure out the best way to deter invasive carp, advance clean-water crops and more. Read more
Pine Bend Bluffs SNA in the fall with a view of the river from bluffs
Celebrating the carp deterrent win — and starting what comes next
"We owe it to every Minnesotan to see this project through," FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman said at a press conference. Read more
Coalition members, legislators and agency staff all pose for a celebratory photo outside at Harriet Island.
This election season, join us to support the lottery-backed environment fund
Thousands of environmental projects throughout Minnesota depend on our vote this fall. As we approach the 2024 general election, here's how you can support this critical fund as an organization or individual. Read more
A loon on the Mississippi River
We're hiring: Community Engagement and Organizing Intern
Join us as our paid, part-time fall intern to advocate for cleanup of toxic riverfront site Ford Area C. Read more
People canoeing + FMR is hiring!

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Upcoming Events

This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount