Friends of the Mississippi River

To achieve our organizational goals, FMR has developed a multi-faceted, holistic approach. FMR is laser-focused on issues affecting the river and our river communities, and we tackle them with every tool in the toolbox – from research to advocacy to habitat protection and restoration to community engagement and education – making a tangible difference for the river and inspiring river-lovers along the way. Indeed, our impact can be found at the confluence of people, place, land, and water.

We’ve developed four interrelated programs that focus on water quality and watershed health, land protection and restoration, community education and engagement, and river corridor protection. Through this lens, the primary goals we are working to achieve include:

• The natural, scenic, cultural, historical, recreational and public values of the Mississippi River corridor are understood, protected, enhanced and celebrated by local communities working in partnership with FMR.

• An ecologically functionin g corridor of natural habitat exists along the Mississippi River and important tributaries.

• The Mississippi River meets all water quality standards and fully supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

• Individuals and communities feel a connection to the Mississippi River and its watershed that inspires an ethic of active participation in stewardship and conservation.

What follows is a summary of our programmatic priorities which are outlined in our recently updated strategic plan and support the goals.

Land Use & Planning Program goals and strategies:

1) Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRRCA) rules, plans and ordinances are clear, consistent and enforced.

2) Economic and park development in the corridor is sensitive to the river’s unique natural and cultural resources, and the decision process recognizes community input.

3) The Above the Falls vision for continuous parks and trails along the river north of downtown Minneapolis is realized, creating improved and equitable river access from surrounding neighborhoods and economic development that enhances the public realm.

Land Conservation Program goals and strategies:

1) Land that is important to the river’s ecosystem is protected in perpetuity.

2) Critical ecological functions of the land managed by FMR are restored.

3) FMR’s restoration work is rooted in science and designed to have the greatest possible ecological impact.

4) FMR restoration sites serve as strong pollinator habitat.

Water Program goals and strategies:

1) State level Clean Water Act administration is strong.
2) State legislative outcomes reflect FMR’s priorities.
3) FMR's water program effectively changes the water quality narrative and builds grassroots support for clean water.

4) FMR champions implementation of programs and projects that demonstrate the potential for achieving Minnesota’s agricultural water quality goals.

5) FMR leads an effective statewide water quality coalition.

Stewardship & Education Program goals and strategies:

1) FMR annually engages 4,000-5,000 people in stewardship events and outings to learn about the river and meaningfully contribute to protecting and enhancing river resources.

2) Participants and volunteers are prepared and eager to participate in more events and activities, share their experiences with others, and make river-positive behavior changes in their personal lives, homes and yards.

3) Stewardship events and activities support other FMR programs and efforts, including membership, fundraising, land conservation, advocacy and communications.

Friends of the Mississippi River continues to play to our strengths, as well as utilize the strong partnerships and relationships we have built with units of government, local and national non-profits, businesses, community groups, citizens and other stakeholders, to move our priorities forward.

FMR’s strategic plan seeks to build greater capacity for grassroots advocacy and engagement, and enhance our communications in order to more strategically impact the health of river. The plan also declares a commitment to equity and engaging diverse communities in our work, as well as fostering the next generation of river stewards by investing in programming aimed at youth.

FMR is proud to share a snapshot of accomplishments from the past year:
• Ensuring a strong framework for national park protection: For nearly a decade, FMR advocated for the adoption of new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area rules, which govern zoning and land use regulations critical to the health of the river and riverfront communities. The rules were adopted in late 2016, and since then, FMR has been working with the 25 riverfront municipalities to ensure implementation of the new rules respect the values of the river.

• Protecting our natural resources: After leading the permanent protection efforts, FMR began the restoration of one of Dakota County’s largest and most diverse contiguous Big Woods forest remnant – Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area; as well as 160-acres of the William H. Houlton Conservation Area – one of the largest undeveloped riverfront parcels in the corridor.

• Advocating for clean water policies: FMR conceived of and co-led Minnesota Water Action Day in 2017, 2018 and 2019, bringing together 40+ organizations and 1,000 Minnesotans for an annual day of water advocacy, including participation from several native nations.

• Fostering Minnesota’s river stewards: Last year, we engaged over 6,000 people in volunteer stewardship and environmental education programming – including nearly 2,000 youth.

• Advancing equity: FMR contracted with an equity consultant to develop an Equity Strategic Action Plan for the organization. We also established a partnership with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Pillsbury United Communities to engage north Minneapolis residents to advocate and plan for new riverfront redevelopment and improved access to the river.