Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Instagram) 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

As 'dead zone' forecast rolls in, so do endorsements of a new federal river initiative

by sue rich

June 17, 2022

Predictions of a 5,000+ square mile dead zone where the Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico highlight the need for a major coordinated effort to restore the river. That's why we're so excited to announce that the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative now has more than 100 endorsing organizations. Join us! >>

Passed (with a side of controversy): Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriation

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2022

On the final weekend of the legislative session, lawmakers finalized $70.88 million in spending from the state’s Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund. It includes some great projects and a fair amount of controversy. >>

How FMR's priorities fared this legislative session

by Trevor Russell

May 24, 2022

Despite a historic surplus, this year's legislative session was disappointing from FMR's standpoint. Here's where our priorities stand, with a few bright spots included. >>

Passed: Investments in clean-water crops and their supply chains

by Peter LaFontaine

May 23, 2022

Not much made it over the finish line before the legislative session ended on May 23, but lawmakers did pass a bill including new investments in clean-water crops and their supply chains. Here's our take on the final package and where we go from here. >>

New York Times spotlights U of M's clean-water crops

May 19, 2022

Action Alert: Last call for clean-water crops this session [CLOSED]

May 18, 2022

We've got a chance to make vital investments in clean-water crops this legislative session! Act now and ask your representatives to make sure these initiatives make it through before the Legislature's last day. >>

Proposed federal river initiative in the news from headwaters to the gulf

May 16, 2022

As the story of the Mississippi as one of "America's Most Endangered Rivers" spread, dozens of journalists shined a spotlight on a potential solution: a proposed federal program to fund Mississippi River restoration and resilience projects from the headwaters to the gulf. >>

Mississippi named one of the 'most endangered rivers' in the US

April 20, 2022

As covered by MPR News, WCCO and other media outlets, the Mississippi River made the list of "America’s Most Endangered Rivers" this week. But a proposed federal program — championed by Friends of the Mississippi River and many others — has the potential to turn that designation around. >>

Action Alert: Support our top state legislative priority, funding for clean-water crops [CLOSED]

April 19, 2022

FMR's top two priorities for the 2022 legislative session are each included in the wide-ranging agriculture omnibus packages. The Minnesota House and Senate will vote on these packages soon — please take a moment to send a quick message in support of these programs. >>

Where FMR's priorities stand at the Legislature

by Trevor Russell

April 14, 2022

FMR entered this unique 2022 legislative session with a slate of clear priorities. After a week-long break, lawmakers are heading back to the state capitol for the final legislative push. Now is a great time to take stock and take action. >>