Friends of the Mississippi River https://fmr.org en How our warm winter affected habitat restoration progress https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/how-our-warm-winter-affected-habitat-restoration-progress <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-component paragraphs-items-field-component-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-component field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3590"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-author-date-view field-type-viewfield field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3591"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/whhca-winter-2019.jpg" width="2000" height="1500" alt="Open river with snow along the banks" title="WHHCA winter 2019" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>This winter's warmer temperatures and lack of snow made some of our usual habitat restoration work challenging. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3592"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Weather is always a hot topic of conversation in Minnesota, especially in the winter — especially <em>this</em> winter. Whether you're elated about this year's mild temps, longing for your snow pants and boots or worried about <a href="https://fmr.org/changing-climate-changing-river">climate change</a>, these months of unseasonably warm weather might make you wonder: How will this winter impact plants and wildlife that are adapted to Minnesota's cold, snowy climate?</p> <p><a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/01/31/warm-winter-could-mean-ecological-ripple-effects-on-mn-forests-wildlife">MPR News tackled that topic</a> during our record-breaking warm stretch at the end of January. And the answer from most scientists is: We don't know yet how this abnormal winter will affect wildlife.</p> <p>At FMR, what we do know is that this winter impacted our work to <a href="https://fmr.org/land-conservation-restoring">restore wildlife habitat</a>. Here are three standard techniques that the warm weather affected — and how we got creative and found solutions.</p> <h3>Problem #1: We usually seed restoration areas when there's snow. </h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3722"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/winter-seeds-nicollet-2021.jpg" width="4096" height="3072" alt="Small seeds cover the snow" title="Winter seeding Nicollet Island 2021" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>We cast these grass and wildflower seeds over the snow at our Nicollet Island prairie restoration in 2021.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3725"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Winter is a great season for seeding native plants. In nature, plant species produce seeds at all different times during the growing season. Most of these seeds drop to the ground by the fall and persist in the soil over winter. They rely on a prolonged period of wet and cold temperatures to signal that it's time to sprout — a period called stratification.</p> <p>When we restore land, we try and mimic this cycle by timing our seeding with the perfect conditions. We like to seed before a big snow event, or when there are a few inches of heavy, wet snow on the ground and the sun is shining. The sun melts the dark seeds into the snow, protecting them from predators. And the late winter's freeze/thaw cycles eventually sink seeds into the soil. This process ensures the seeds get the environmental signal that winter is here, and they'll sprout when temperatures warm up in the spring.</p> <h4>How we're adapting</h4> <p>This year, we've turned to seeding after rain when the soil is muddy. We might not get a typical winter stratification period, but the seeds will at least stick to the mud, and the daily frost cycles can still work those seeds into the ground.</p> <h3>Problem #2: Forestry mowing works best on frozen ground.</h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3723"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/forestry-mower-vama-contractor-2018.jpg" width="2048" height="1536" alt="Forestry mower works in a snowy forest, downing shrubs" title="Forestry mower VAMA 2018" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Forestry mowing can take out major areas of buckthorn shrubs at a restoration site.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3726"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p><a href="https://fmr.org/news/2018/01/11/snow-and-foresty-mowers-restoration-winter-work">Forestry mowing</a> is one of our most effective and efficient methods for removing large amounts of woody <a href="https://fmr.org/tags/invasive-plants">invasive plants</a> like buckthorn from restoration sites.</p> <p>Heavy equipment, typically a skid steer, grinds up all woody plants with stems up to 6 inches in diameter in its path — so it works great as a first step in areas dominated by <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/conservation/buckthorn-how-can-shrub-be-so-harmful">buckthorn</a>, honeysuckle and other invasive shrubs and trees. This method clears the way for us to plant and restore a more diverse forest ecosystem.</p> <p>Forestry mowing works best in the winter when the ground is frozen. Big equipment can otherwise create ruts or cause soil compaction. With warmer temps this winter, it's taken longer for the ground to freeze to a depth that can support equipment use. And that frozen soil hasn't lasted long, with only occasional short cold snaps and afternoon temperatures frequently above freezing.</p> <h4>How we're adapting</h4> <p>We're keeping a close eye on the daily temperatures and prepping for quick deployment. Even though the weather is generally warm, we've found windows where the ground is frozen and equipment can be used safely. We've also mostly limited mowing work to the mornings before the soil heats up and begins to thaw with the midday sun.</p> <h3>Problem #3: Bonfires are safer when there's snow.</h3> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3724"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/buckthorn-burn-pile-gorge-2023.jpg" width="2048" height="1536" alt="Buckthorn brush pile burns in the snow" title="Buckthorn burn pile gorge 2023" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Burning removed buckthorn brush requires a safeguard of snow.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3727"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>In steep or otherwise sensitive areas that are inaccessible to forestry mowing, our contractors manually remove buckthorn by cutting plants at the base, treating the stumps and piling the material to be burned later. What do we do with all the invasive woody plants we remove? In winter, burning those brush piles is a key next step.</p> <p>Cutting and treating occurs in all seasons, but burning piled material almost always happens in winter. The snow is like an insurance policy for preventing wildfires: The bonfire can't spread because it's surrounded by readily available water on all sides. Without that snowpack, it's difficult for contractors to obtain permits for burning piled brush. </p> <h4>How we're adapting</h4> <p>In rare cases, it's been safe to burn the brush piles with less than 3 inches of snow. Our contractors spend extra time raking out the coals to dissipate the heat afterward and take other precautions.</p> <p>In some areas, we've been able to use forestry mowing to mulch up and scatter the brush instead. But most of these spots are pretty inaccessible, which is why we cut and piled brush in the first place. In most cases, the piles we wanted to burn this winter will stick around until next winter.</p> <p>So if you see a brush pile in your favorite natural area this summer, don't think resource managers forgot about it! We're all holding out for a snowy season next year.</p> <h3>Adaptive management is key</h3> <p>With all of these unanticipated changes and potential roadblocks, it would be easy to throw up our hands and just wait until conditions improve. But FMR's Land Conservation team is used to the unexpected. We routinely use the principle of adaptive management to overcome unanticipated challenges like these.</p> <p>And in the climate change era when <a href="https://fmr.org/changing-climate-changing-river">so many of our weather norms are changing</a>, it's reassuring to have adaptive, creative and flexible contractors and partners that allow us to be as responsive as we can to resource challenges.</p> <p>Although in the case of the remaining burn piles, Minnesota's tried and true sports phrase "better luck next year" applies. </p> <h3>Join us!</h3> <p>FMR is working to <a href="https://fmr.org/changing-climate-changing-river">mitigate climate change and increase resilience</a>. <a href="https://fmr.org/climate-change">Read more updates on climate change</a>, and join our efforts as a <a href="https://fmr.org/volunteer">volunteer</a>, <a href="https://fmr.org/advocate">advocate</a> or <a href="https://fmr.org/join-or-renew">member</a>. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3593"> <div class="content"> <div class="static"> <div class="field field-name-field-cta-content field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5735" class="node node-call-to-action view-mode-teaser clearfix" style="border: 2px solid #003767;color: #003767;"> <h3>Explore all of our Conservation updates.</h3> <div class="content clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/updates/conservation">Read More</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/phenology">Phenology</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/climate-change">Climate Change</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/land-conservation">Land Conservation</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/invasive-plants">Invasive plants</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/restoration">restoration</a> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:00:59 +0000 lweston 6107 at https://fmr.org First look: FMR helps unveil new low-carbon transportation bill https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative/2024-legi-session-clean-transportation-standard <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-component paragraphs-items-field-component-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-component field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3693"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-author-date-view field-type-viewfield field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3694"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/20240214-mnleg2024-clean_transportation-with_mnleg_tag.jpg" width="1920" height="1200" alt="A hand puts a charging plug into an electric vehicle. Text says &quot;MN Leg 2024&quot;" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>One key benefit of a Clean Transportation Standard is funding for electric vehicle infrastructure.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3695"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>A highly anticipated bill that would spur ambitious cuts to greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota’s transportation and agriculture sectors was heard in the Minnesota Senate this week.</p> <p>The amended <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-fuel-standards">Clean Transportation Standard</a> (CTS) bill was unveiled ahead of a Monday afternoon hearing in the <a href="https://www.senate.mn/committees/committee_bio.html?cmte_id=3132&amp;ls=93">Senate Transportation Committee</a>. The bill (authored by Sen. Scott Dibble) directs state agencies to create and implement new rules that would push Minnesota as close as possible to a carbon-neutral transportation sector by 2050.</p> <p>As envisioned in the legislation, the standard would enable this seismic emissions shift by funding electric vehicle infrastructure; incentivizing the use of new, more sustainable biofuels; and reducing emissions from legacy vehicles — all while benefiting the health of Minnesota’s soils and waters thanks to <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-water-crops">quickened adoption of clean-water crops</a>. </p> <p>"You may wonder why a river conservation organization is working on a piece of transportation policy," Trevor Russell, water program director at FMR, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASPok0jA7eg">told the Senate committee</a>. "And the reason is that the CTS reduces our greenhouse gas emissions; reduces our reliance on gasoline, petroleum and ethanol in our cars and trucks; promotes equitable vehicle electrification; and most importantly creates an exciting new pathway for millions of acres of cropland conservation statewide."</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-video paragraphs-item-video paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3730"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-video field-type-video-embed-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="embedded-video"> <div class="player"> <iframe class="" width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ASPok0jA7eg?width%3D640%26amp%3Bheight%3D360%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bvq%3Dlarge%26amp%3Brel%3D0%26amp%3Bcontrols%3D1%26amp%3Bautohide%3D2%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D1%26amp%3Bmodestbranding%3D0%26amp%3Btheme%3Ddark%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D1%26amp%3Bwmode%3Dopaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3697"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Russell was one of several individuals who testified in support of the Clean Transportation Standard bill during the hearing. Its final language is the culmination of months of work, involving discussions with representatives from a diverse range of sectors chosen to take part in a working group. </p> <p>The bill’s language was carefully crafted to ensure a final standard puts Minnesota on a path to low-carbon transportation while simultaneously funding EV infrastructure, decreasing fossil fuel use and ethanol consumption in Minnesota, and improving water quality in the state through regenerative agriculture incentives. <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/conservation-water-legislative/minnesotas-new-climate-goals-are-great-start-now-its-time">The state’s Climate Action Framework</a>, which calls out transportation as the largest source of greenhouse gases, has highlighted the potential of carbon-free and low-carbon fuels to address this source of emissions.</p> <p>"There is no other policy proposal under consideration in Minnesota that would have such a large impact on transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions, clean air, clean water and embracing a clean fuel and vehicle future," said Brendan Jordan, vice president of transportation and fuels with the <a href="https://betterenergy.org/">Great Plains Institute</a>, and representative of the Future Fuels Coalition. "It increases choice for consumers and it creates new economic impact and jobs."</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-embedded-content paragraphs-item-embedded-content paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3731"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4J7WXAot0k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4J7WXAot0k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Friends of the Mississippi Riv (@friendsmissriv)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-adjust-css-for-embeds field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3729"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>We’re deeply grateful Sen. Dibble took time to carefully clear up some confusion about what the bill does (and does not) do. For example:</p> <ul> <li><strong>There is no evidence CTS policies directly increase gas prices:</strong> Data from other states with low carbon fuel standards show such policies have little influence on fuel prices at the pump. Just in case, the Minnesota CTS bill includes cost-containment provisions allowing MnDOT to adjust the credit market if there’s any indication it is causing gas prices to go up.</li> <li><strong>The CTS does not promote Enhanced Oil Recovery pipelines:</strong> In fact, the bill specifically prohibits credit generation for captured carbon dioxide used for this fossil fuels extraction technique.</li> <li><strong>The CTS will decrease ethanol consumption in Minnesota:</strong> Modeling shows that under every scenario, a CTS would result in a decline in ethanol consumption in the state. Why? Because less gasoline means less ethanol. It’s that simple. The bill includes provisions to help farmers and biofuel producers transition from producing corn ethanol for gasoline blending, to producing low-carbon jet fuel from <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-winter-oilseeds">Forever Green crops like camelina and pennycress</a>.</li> </ul> <p>"For Minnesota to meet its emissions reduction targets, we must rise to meet the scale of the challenge. The Clean Transportation Standard is essential to equitably decarbonzing the transportation and agriculture sectors. This bill will give consumers, industry leaders and farmers — and all Minnesotans — the process and tools needed to reduce emissions," said Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, senior lead, innovation and impact, at <a href="https://fresh-energy.org/">Fresh Energy</a>.</p> <p>You can read more about the CTS in two recent news stories:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-03-04/energy-policy/mn-transportation-sector-could-be-next-in-line-for-carbon-free-standard/a89158-1#">MN transportation sector could be next in line for carbon-free standard</a> — Public News Service</li> <li><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2024/02/its-time-for-a-clean-transportation-standard-for-minnesota/">It’s time for a Clean Transportation Standard for Minnesota</a> — MinnPost</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> <div class="field-item even"> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-accordion paragraphs-item-accordion paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3698"> <div class="content"> <h3 class="field field-name-field-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> Previous updates </div> </div> </h3> <div class="field field-name-field-accordion-item field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div id="accordion-field_accordion_item-3698" class="para-jq-acc"><h3><a id="h4feb-23-passing-a-fuel-standard-will-bring-down-transportation-ag-emissionsh4" href="#h4feb-23-passing-a-fuel-standard-will-bring-down-transportation-ag-emissionsh4"><h4>Feb. 23: Passing a fuel standard will bring down transportation, ag emissions</h4></a></h3><div> <div class="field field-name-field-accordion-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>A Clean Transportation Standard might be one of FMR’s most ambitious legislative goals.</p> <p>Heading into the 2024 session, we’re as well-positioned as we could be to advocate for new rules that will result in <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-fuel-standards">enormous reductions in the state’s two biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions</a>: transportation and agriculture — while helping restore water quality in this Mississippi River. </p> <p>We’ve spent the past eight months working with <a href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/sustainability/clean-transportation-fuel-standard-working-group.html">a large and diverse group of allies and stakeholders to craft a set of recommendations</a> for a Clean Transportation Standard (CTS) that are customized for Minnesota. The CTS will require statewide emissions reductions from our transportation fuels of 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2040. The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. </p> <p>With the group’s official recommendations now in the hands of decision-makers, lawmakers have everything they need to advance a new Clean Transportation Standard this session. </p> <h3>4 key benefits of a CTS</h3> <ol> <li>Funding EV infrastructure: According to an analysis by the Minnesota Clean Transportation Standard Working Group, EV infrastructure funding is estimated to begin at between $15-$44M/yr and increase to $44-$132M/yr by 2035. </li> <li>Restoring soil and water: The CTS incentivizes on-farm conservation and “continuous living cover” (CLC) crops that produce low-carbon biofuel fuels while enhancing water quality, habitat and soil health. In particular, winter annual oilseeds (ex: camelina and pennycress) and perennial oilseeds (ex: silphium) can generate credits as low-carbon marine and aviation biofuels; providing new market opportunities for crops in sectors that are unlikely to quickly electrify.</li> <li>Reducing legacy vehicle emissions: A CTS is a mechanism for lowering the CI for traditional fuel vehicles that are not going to be electrified. Addressing emissions from these vehicles (some of which will be on the road for another 15-20 years, or longer) is essential to achieving our climate goals as we electrify. </li> <li>Reducing consumption of gasoline and ethanol: The Minnesota CTS Working Group analysis found that a CTS will result in a decrease in gasoline and ethanol consumption in Minnesota — an important part of lowering emissions and reducing demand for annual row crops. Just as importantly, during the transition period toward electric vehicles, the CTS also results in “better ethanol” by incentivizing facility efficiency improvements and widespread adoption of “climate-smart ag” practices that also enhance soil health and improve water quality. </li> </ol> <h3>Addressing environmental justice and public health </h3> <p>A central pillar of the CTS strategy is to ensure that the benefits that flow from this policy must be directed to help address persistent inequities in public health and EV infrastructure throughout Minnesota.</p> <p>When it comes to public health, nothing is more important than the air in our lungs. That’s why the CTS bill requires the rules to be designed to ensure that the CTS “improves air quality and public health, targeting communities that bear a disproportionate health burden from pollution from transportation fuels.” In fact, the CTS policy would generate public health benefits due to reduced tailpipe emissions, particularly in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by transportation pollution. According to research by the Holloway Group at the University of Wisconsin, a CTS could generate up to $35 million in annual health benefits for Minnesota. </p> <p>As for making electric vehicles affordable and accessible to everyone, the bill requires that the CTS “supports equitable transportation electrification powered primarily with low-carbon and carbon-free electricity that benefits all communities.” In fact, the CTS bill specifies that at least 60% of the credit revenue generated by a utility from residential electric​ vehicle charging must be spent to support transportation electrification for the primary​ benefit of rural areas and environmental justice areas (<a href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/116.065">as defined by Minnesota Statute 116.065</a>).</p> <h3>A boost to the green economy</h3> <p>The CTS bill is also an investment in green jobs for all Minnesotans. This bill will create net positive economic impacts due to increased availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels, investments in biofuels and electric vehicle infrastructure, and increased electricity sales. </p> <p>According to modeling by ICF, a Minnesota CTS could contribute over $197 million to Minnesota’s gross domestic product and generate an annual average of 1,500 jobs and $95 million in labor income. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3700"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-block field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5780" class="node node-stock-primer view-mode-full clearfix container" > <div class="content clearfix" > <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-stack field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1208"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> Learn more about our legislative priorities </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-2024-legi-priorities">Our 2024 legislative priorities</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-water-crops">Making clean-water crops a reality on the landscape</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-carp">Why we need to act now against invasive carp</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-fuel-standards">Ensuring a new clean fuel standard is truly clean</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-pollution-control-agency-community-board">Restoring public oversight of major MPCA decisions</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-water-fund">Safeguarding the Clean Water Fund</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link-footer field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/tags/legislative-updates">See all legislative updates</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/climate-change">Climate Change</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/legislative-updates">Legislative Updates</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/clean-transportation">Clean Transportation</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/agriculture">agriculture</a> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:53:01 +0000 smclaughlin 6123 at https://fmr.org Clean-water crops: What we’ll be advocating for at the Capitol https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative/2024-legi-session-clean-water-crops-forever-green <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-component paragraphs-items-field-component-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-component field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3676"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-author-date-view field-type-viewfield field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3677"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/20240214-mnleg2024-forever_green_funding-with_mnleg_tag.jpg" width="1920" height="1200" alt="A farmer drives a combine harvester over a field of Kernza. Text over the image says &quot;MNLEG 2024&quot;" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>We’ll be advocating for critical investments in clean-water crops such as Kernza, as well as more support for the local businesses nurturing their use. (Photo by Dodd Demas for FMR)</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3678"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>We’ve seen a lot of exciting developments with clean-water crops since the 2023 legislative session wrapped.</p> <ul> <li>The <a href="https://fmr.org/clc-report-announcement">release of the “Putting Down Roots” report</a> demonstrated the environmental and economic potential of these crops that provide continuous living cover</li> <li><a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/11/22/tackling-the-big-brown-spot-keeping-fields-in-living-cover-could-be-path-to-reducing-nitrate">Major</a> <a href="https://www.startribune.com/kernza-camelina-winter-oilseed-crop-protect-water-mississippi-river-farming-environment/600331076/?refresh=true">media</a> <a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/a-win-win-report-finds-new-crops-could-boost-farmer-profits-while-protecting-mns-waters/">coverage</a> of the report and the impacts of these crops</li> <li><a href="https://www.startribune.com/kernza-camelina-winter-oilseed-crop-protect-water-mississippi-river-farming-environment/600331076/?refresh=true">Farmers across Minnesota planted winter camelina oilseeds</a>, prized for its potential as <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-winter-oilseeds">a sustainable biofuels source</a></li> <li>A <a href="https://cfans.umn.edu/news/cargill-forever-green-grant">$2.5 million gift from Cargill to Forever Green</a> to support research of the winter oilseeds</li> </ul> <p>As the <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-2024-legi-priorities">2024 legislative session gets underway</a>, we’re hoping this undeniable groundswell continues to grow. We’ll be advocating for critical investments in clean-water crops and more support for the small businesses working to make them flourish. </p> <p>What does that look like? Here are two priority pursuits:</p> <h3>More grants for small businesses nurturing clean-water crops</h3> <p>Money awarded via the state’s “Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Crops” program <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/water-legislative/mda-unveils-first-recipients-clean-water-crops-grants">is already being put to good use</a>.</p> <p>But it’s still not enough to meet demand. The number of small businesses applying for this financial support far outpaces available funds.</p> <p>This session, we’re urging lawmakers to pass a third round of funding for this program, so we can ensure these local businesses have the support they need as they grow strong regional supply chains for clean-water crops. </p> <p>All of this benefits soil, water, biodiversity and economic development in the state. </p> <h3>Filling equipment and data gaps</h3> <p>When launching a new crop in the marketplace, it’s important to make sure farmers are still protected by our federal “safety net." Programs like crop insurance and conservation assistance minimize risks to farmers and incentivize sound management. Accessing that safety net is a multistep process involving numerous agencies, businesses and growers — all of which operate on their own timelines. Every delay out of the starting block compounds down the procedural line, pushing a clean-water crops future further and further into the distance.</p> <p>The Forever Green Initiative, which is leading development of many clean-water crops, needs stable funding to ensure their work can move forward in a timely, productive manner. We’ll be asking legislators to approve funding for: </p> <ul> <li>Critical data collection and research efforts (for example, to help get <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-winter-oilseeds">winter oilseeds</a> into federal crop insurance programs)</li> <li>Equipment and infrastructure gaps that, if not addressed, will hold back how quickly and efficiently seeds can be shared with farmers</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3680"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3>Going forward</h3> <p>If you want to keep track of where these efforts go, keep this page bookmarked. We’ll be updating it throughout the legislative session whenever there are new developments. We’ll also share opportunities for you to weigh in and make a difference by sending a message to your legislators. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3682"> <div class="content"> <div class="static"> <div class="field field-name-field-cta-content field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5687" class="node node-call-to-action view-mode-teaser clearfix" style="border: 2px solid #003767;color: #003767;"> <h3>Become a River Guardian</h3> <div class="content clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Sign up and we'll email you when important river issues arise. We make it quick and easy to contact decision-makers. River Guardians are also invited to special social hours and other events about legislative and metro river corridor issues.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/general/join-river-guardians">Sign Up</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3683"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-block field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5780" class="node node-stock-primer view-mode-full clearfix container" > <div class="content clearfix" > <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-stack field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1208"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> Learn more about our legislative priorities </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-2024-legi-priorities">Our 2024 legislative priorities</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-water-crops">Making clean-water crops a reality on the landscape</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-carp">Why we need to act now against invasive carp</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-fuel-standards">Ensuring a new clean fuel standard is truly clean</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-pollution-control-agency-community-board">Restoring public oversight of major MPCA decisions</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-clean-water-fund">Safeguarding the Clean Water Fund</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link-footer field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/tags/legislative-updates">See all legislative updates</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/legislative-updates">Legislative Updates</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/clean-transportation">Clean Transportation</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/agriculture">agriculture</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/forever-green">Forever Green</a> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:04:18 +0000 smclaughlin 6119 at https://fmr.org Earth Day and beyond: Celebrate and steward the river this spring! https://fmr.org/earthday <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-component paragraphs-items-field-component-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-component field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1923"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-author-date-view field-type-viewfield field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1845"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/earth-day-volunteers-2022.jpg" width="4032" height="3024" alt="A family of volunteers at the 2022 Earth Day cleanup" title="2022 Earth Day volunteers" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Whether you're looking to get outside, join an indoor event or advocate online, FMR offers many opportunities to help the river this Earth Day and beyond!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1846"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p dir="ltr">Spring and Earth Day will be here before we know it! Join our big traditional cleanup or celebrate throughout the season at volunteer habitat restoration, education and advocacy events (in-person or online). </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1847"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3 dir="ltr">Join the Earth Day cleanup </h3> <p dir="ltr">As part of the larger citywide Minneapolis Earth Day cleanup, FMR's <a href="https://fmr.org/events/annual-river-gorge-earth-day-cleanup">river gorge cleanup</a> has become an annual family-friendly tradition. Hundreds of people from nearby neighborhoods and community groups come together to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. This year's event is on Saturday, April 20.</p> <p dir="ltr">To join the cleanup and experience the beauty of the river gorge, simply show up between 9:30 a.m. and noon at either location (E 36th St &amp; W River Parkway for individuals and groups under 10 people, or E 44th St &amp; W River Parkway for groups of 10-20). FMR staff will sign you in and provide all the supplies you'll need. However, if you have your own work gloves, feel free to bring them. (They may fit better.) We strongly suggest wearing sturdy shoes and dressing in layers for the weather. And we suggest bringing your own water bottle and sunscreen. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1850"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3 dir="ltr">Schedule your storm drain stenciling outing</h3> <p dir="ltr">May-October, we stencil storm drains on St. Paul streets with educational messages. <a href="https://fmr.org/stenciling">Storm drain stenciling</a> is a great activity for families, clubs, classes and groups to get outside and help the Mississippi River. We also offer kits that make it easy for groups of 20 or fewer to volunteer independently.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1851"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3>Beyond Earth Day: help restore habitat </h3> <p dir="ltr">Earth Day is important, but we often need helping hands at later spring habitat restoration events. We particularly need volunteers in May and June at natural areas around the Twin Cities! Check our <a href="//fmr.org/events">events listings</a> or sign up for <a href="https://fmr.org/sign-up">Mississippi Messages</a> to receive our event calendar and updates each month.</p> <p dir="ltr">Volunteers are welcome to participate just once or join us throughout the season. No experience is necessary. If you volunteer at four or more, you become an FMR <a href="https://fmr.org/super-volunteer" target="_blank">SuperVolunteer</a>!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1921"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3>Advocate for the river, Earth Day and every day</h3> <p dir="ltr">Earth Day lands in the middle of Minnesota's legislative session. You can take action on <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/primer-2024-legi-priorities">FMR's legislative priorities</a> by <a href="https://fmr.org/advocate">becoming a River Guardian advocate now</a>. Sign up to receive invitations to advocacy opportunities this Earth Day and beyond, as well as in-person events, like community meetings and social hours.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1852"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3 dir="ltr">Help the river all year</h3> <p dir="ltr">We hope you'll celebrate the river with us this spring, in whatever ways work for you! If you're looking for even more ways to help the river, <a href="https://fmr.org/30-ways">here are 30 more ideas throughout the year.</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Whether it's through volunteering, advocating, <a href="https://fmr.org/give-today">donating</a> or taking action at home, we're grateful for all you do. Thanks for caring for our metro Mississippi River!</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1922"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/stewardship">Stewardship</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/events">Events</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/volunteer-events">Volunteer Events</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/advocacy">Advocacy</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/river-guardians">River Guardians</a> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 17:08:09 +0000 sdowney 5864 at https://fmr.org DNR sues Minneapolis over riverfront development rules https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/dnr-sues-minneapolis-over-riverfront-development-rules <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-component paragraphs-items-field-component-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-component field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-author-date paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3633"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-author-date-view field-type-viewfield field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3634"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/ne-mpls-bluff-issue.png" width="2418" height="1169" alt="Rendering of house development on river bluff" title="NE Mpls house rendering" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>A proposed building overlooking the Mississippi River disregards bluff erosion and river health. (Image by Shelter Architecture)</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3635"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>A riverfront property owner in Northeast Minneapolis plans to build a new home on the edge of an erosion-prone bluff — breaking the rules Minneapolis recently adopted to protect the river. The city says that's just fine, but FMR and the Department of Natural Resources disagree.</p> <p>Since our founding, FMR has led the call to manage our metro riverfront land in a consistent, clear and science-based way. After many years of advocacy, our work culminated in updated protective rules for the entire <a href="https://www.fmr.org/river-rules">Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area</a>. Minneapolis was <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/mrcca-riverfront-protections-update-you-made-difference">among the first communities</a> to adopt them. Now they're being put to the test. </p> <p>To date, no one has explained why the new house cannot be set back the required distance (40 feet) from the bluff’s edge. We understand the occasional need to make exceptions to the rules (or variances), but an owner's desire for a river view and an oversized garage shouldn’t make the cut, let alone set a bad precedent for future projects in and beyond the city. </p> <h3>Proposed bluff home doesn't merit an exemption</h3> <p>In 2021, a property owner on Marshall Street Northeast requested city approval to build a large garage and an additional single-family home on their riverfront lot, which already contains a duplex.</p> <p>With the right design, this large lot could certainly accommodate the additional density. However, the owner wants to build their new home right on the edge of the river bluff, with zero setback from the bluff's edge. According to the city ordinance and state rules, the home should be set back 40 feet.</p> <p>Bluff setbacks protect sensitive habitat areas and scenic views. Without setbacks, blufftop development can exacerbate erosion and put water quality at risk. And as <a href="https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/climate-change-climate-justice-and-fmrs-land-use-planning-program">climate change brings more extreme rainstorms</a>, preventive measures against erosion are even more important.</p> <p>Bluff setbacks also protect the buildings themselves. Elsewhere along the riverfront, buildings set on the edges of erosion-prone bluffs have deteriorated and developed structural issues. </p> <p>We don't believe that this project requires this extreme setback exemption (known as a variance), and we don't believe that the property owner or city has substantiated the requirements (called findings) that the ordinance says any variance must meet.</p> <p>These findings must conclude that a variance is consistent with critical area goals; that it won't harm bluffs, scenic views, native vegetation stands or other special river resources; and that it's needed due to a "practical difficulty" in complying with requirements.</p> <p>This house could be located elsewhere on the lot in proper compliance with setback requirements. No one has explained why that can't be done and why a zero-foot bluff setback is a necessary and reasonable alternative. It seems that this blufftop home is based on the owners' desire for a river view and an oversized garage, neither of which is legal grounds for a variance. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-image-with-caption paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3684"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/lilydale-bluff-erosion.png" width="1200" height="630" alt="Building foundation at edge of bluff with exposed dirt " title="Lilydale bluff" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-caption field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p dir="ltr">Buildings built on bluffs like this one accelerate erosion issues that place structures, habitat and water quality at risk.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-text-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3685"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-description field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <h3>City approved project despite opposition</h3> <p>FMR and other riverfront partners — including the National Park Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and neighbors — have consistently stated opposition to this bluff setback variance.</p> <p>In fact, when the Minneapolis Planning Commission approved this project in 2021, we appealed to the Minneapolis City Council and prevailed, stopping the project. But that wasn't the end of the challenge to this protective riverfront bluff setback rule.</p> <p>Last year, the property owner again sought approval for the same project without modifications to the plan. Though the planning commission denied the variance based on testimony from FMR and others, the applicant appealed to the city council. This time, the council granted the appeal, allowing the project to proceed.</p> <p>We believe that the council granted this appeal in error without proper consideration for the clear requirements a bluff setback variance must meet.<br /> <br /> Councilmembers pushed the property owner to complete an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board about possible public ownership of the property at some undefined point in the future. The council even implied that they would approve the bluff setback variance if this agreement were in place, and later proceeded to do just that.</p> <p>But the law is clear: The city must evaluate the variance based only on the required findings in its ordinance, not on other factors like future property ownership. </p> <h3>The latest twist: court case underway</h3> <p>On Jan. 30, 2024, the DNR appealed the city's project approval to the Hennepin County District Court. We appreciate the DNR's leadership in filing a lawsuit to correct the city's error in judgment.</p> <p>We don't know when this case will be decided or what the next steps may be.</p> <p>We do know that no one should get to build their home over the edge of a river bluff simply because they prefer to. This area of the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront has suffered from extensive industrialization, which is all the more reason to hold ourselves to a high standard for future development rather than pile on further harm.</p> <p>We hope that the City of Minneapolis and other riverfront communities will learn from this case and treat their new riverfront development requirements, the fruits of years of community-based advocacy and input, with the full respect they deserve. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3638"> <div class="content"> <div class="static"> <div class="field field-name-field-cta-content field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5687" class="node node-call-to-action view-mode-teaser clearfix" style="border: 2px solid #003767;color: #003767;"> <h3>Become a River Guardian</h3> <div class="content clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Sign up and we'll email you when important river issues arise. We make it quick and easy to contact decision-makers. River Guardians are also invited to special social hours and other events about legislative and metro river corridor issues.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/general/join-river-guardians">Sign Up</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-call-to-action paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3639"> <div class="content"> <div class="static"> <div class="field field-name-field-cta-content field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5277" class="node node-call-to-action view-mode-teaser clearfix" style="border: 2px solid #003767;color: #003767;"> <h3>Explore all of our Land Use & Planning updates.</h3> <div class="content clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/updates/land-use-planning">Read More</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-stock-primer-block paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-3640"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-block field-type-entityreference field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <article id="node-5814" class="node node-stock-primer view-mode-full clearfix container" > <div class="content clearfix" > <div class="paragraphs-items paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack paragraphs-items-field-primer-stack-full paragraphs-items-full"> <div class="field field-name-field-primer-stack field-type-paragraphs field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <div class="paragraphs-item paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-multi-links paragraphs-item-full paragraphs-item-1469 addtional-space"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> Better understand this work </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/mrcca-update-overview">Rules to protect our special river corridor</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/news/2019/06/12/how-does-fmr-evaluate-development-plans">How do we evaluate development plans?</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/river-corridor-and-land-use-updates/what-we-weigh-development-and-parks-map">What we weigh in on: development and parks map</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/river-corridor-and-land-use-updates/whats-our-deal-density">What&#039;s our deal with density?</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/updates/land-use-planning/whats-going-twin-cities-locks-and-dams">What&#039;s going on with Twin Cities locks and dams?</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-add-extra-space field-type-list-boolean field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/land-use-planning">Land Use & Planning</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/critical-area">Critical Area</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:31:21 +0000 ctoberman 6111 at https://fmr.org 2022 Annual Report https://fmr.org/2022-annual-report <div class="field field-name-field-photo field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/2022-annual-report-cover.jpg" width="2000" height="1500" alt="2022 Annual Report Friends of the Mississippi River + Mississippi River gorge in fall" title="2022 Annual Report" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-link field-type-link-field field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/annual-report-2022">Enjoy online</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-file-attachment field-type-file field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/core/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://fmr.org/files/fmr_ar2022_print.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=6001684">fmr_ar2022_print.pdf</a></span> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:26:59 +0000 erogers 5822 at https://fmr.org What do you dream for the river? https://fmr.org/news/2022/08/16/what-do-you-dream-river <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/styles/1280w/public/field/image/river-dreams-2022-preview.jpg" width="1280" height="672" alt="The River Dreams, speakers, and river images" title="The River Dreams" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>The river has the power to spark imagination, catalyze action and inspire. That's why the theme for FMR's fall gala this year is The River Dreams.</p> <p>As we get closer to <a href="https://fmr.org/2022/an-evening-celebrating-the-mississippi-river">the Big River's biggest night on September 29</a>, we want to know: What do you imagine we can make possible together for the Mississippi River, its wildlife and communities?</p> <h3>Tell us your dreams for the river</h3> <p>Our work is stronger because of our supporters, and we're inspired by your visions for the Mississippi. Tell us your dreams for the river using the form below. We'll weave your answers throughout our event.</p> <p><div id="ff-compose"></div> <script async defer src="https://formfacade.com/include/104448229131958769238/form/1FAIpQLSfFby3fhmLzFKyegkE3XA7FXAW3WLQZDzcgiGwS2lya_eTidA/classic.js?div=ff-compose"></script></p> <h3>Our dreams for the river and this year's fall gala</h3> <p>We hope you can join us for <a href="https://fmr.org/2022/an-evening-celebrating-the-mississippi-river">An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River: The River Dreams</a> on Thursday, September 29. We're back in person this year for the first time since 2019 and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the river with our community.</p> <p>From our historic venue on the Minneapolis riverfront, we'll savor refreshments and seasonal fare, and enjoy a river-themed auction, live music and interactive learning exhibits.<span id="docs-internal-guid-e248d0d2-7fff-0115-0149-d0920af11a2e"><span> You'll have the chance to taste-test foods and beverages made with&nbsp;perennial clean-water crops</span></span><span><span>, play river&nbsp;Jeopardy, meet three Environmental Stewardship Institute fellows, try to stump our ecologists, and more! </span></span></p> <p>This year's program will feature stories of our hopes and dreams for the Mississippi River, as well as the work we're spearheading to achieve them.</p> <p dir="ltr">We'll hear from staff, interns and participants on the front lines of our critical work who daily envision a brighter future for our river and communities, and whose imaginations, skill and effort drive those dreams closer to reality. Here's a preview:</p> <h5 dir="ltr">Water Program Director Trevor Russell and Agricultural Policy Manager Peter LaFontaine</h5> <p dir="ltr"><img alt="Peter, Trevor, Kernza" src="/sites/default/files/water-dreams.jpg" /></p> <p>Our dream is as simple as it sounds: a cleaner, healthier Mississippi River. We envision acres of farmland across the Midwest planted with continuous living cover — crops and systems that significantly reduce the amount of nutrient pollution running into the river, as well as enhance farm prosperity.</p> <h5 dir="ltr">Conservation Director Alex Roth and Ecologists Karen Schik and Laura Domyancich-Lee</h5> <p dir="ltr"><img alt="River Heights Park, Alex, Karen, Laura" src="/sites/default/files/lc-dreams.jpg" /></p> <p>Our dream is to create corridors of protected and restored land, green ribbons winding and weaving through the metro landscape. We envision more diverse, vibrant native habitats that support our buzzing pollinators, our feathered friends and all the other wildlife and people that depend on the natural environment.</p> <h5>2022 Community Engagement Interns Aldric Martinez-Olson and Yumi Kashihara and Grassroots Organizing Coordinator Maddie Miller</h5> <p><img alt="Aldric, Yumi, Maddie, lock and dam" src="/sites/default/files/lup-dreams_0.jpg" /></p> <p>Our dream is that your dreams and perspectives will shape policy and decision-making on critical river issues. This summer, as we led tours and events for more than 600 people on the potential for dam removal in the Twin Cities, every conversation taught us something. Your responses and engagement make us hopeful and excited for the river's future.</p> <h5>2022 Environmental Stewardship Institute Fellows Li Le Kaplow and Sarah Hu, Stewardship &amp; Education Program Associate Samantha Mie Armacost and Volunteer &amp; Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey</h5> <p><img alt="Canoe, ESI fellows, Sam, Sophie" src="/sites/default/files/se-dreams_0.jpg" /></p> <p>Our dream is that everyone has access to outdoor spaces, and everyone feels safe in them. We are working to deepen connections with BIPOC neighbors through our BIPOC River Stewards Program and to grow our career pathways program for youth, building relationships between our communities and our river.</p> <h3>Learn more and join us</h3> <p><a href="https://fmr.org/2022/an-evening-celebrating-the-mississippi-river">Visit our event page</a> to RSVP and find out more about An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River: The River Dreams.</p> <p>If you have questions, would like to RSVP over the phone or have an access or disability-related request to make your evening more enjoyable, please contact FMR Member Relations Manager John Briel at 651.222.2193 x19 or jbriel@fmr.org.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Photo credits on page: Kernza by Dodd Demas, River Heights Park by Tom Reiter</em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/supporting-fmr">Supporting FMR</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 19 Aug 2022 20:56:14 +0000 erogers 4798 at https://fmr.org Thank you, summer 2022 interns and assistants! https://fmr.org/news/2022/09/01/thank-you-summer-2022-interns-and-assistants <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <img src="https://fmr.org/files/styles/1280w/public/field/image/summer-2022-interns-assistants.jpg" width="1280" height="960" alt="Summer 2022 interns and assistants" title="Summer 2022 interns and assistants" /> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Our internship program helps us support the next generation of environmental leaders on their career paths. This summer, we had three interns and three assistants working with our teams. Together, we doubled the size of our high school career pathways program, led more than 20 engagement events around lock and dam issues, and surveyed wildlife at restoration sites around the metro.</p> <p>Here's a little more info about these amazing people and the efforts they made possible.</p> <h3>Yumi Kashihara: Community Engagement Intern</h3> <p><img alt="Yumi" src="/sites/default/files/yumi.jpg" /></p> <p>Yumi helped engage community members in the forthcoming studies about <a href="https://fmr.org/river-corridor-and-land-use-updates/what-we-heard-summers-lock-and-dam-tours">the future of two Mississippi River locks and dams</a>, with a special focus on reaching youth. She also assisted with our <a href="https://fmr.org/environmental-stewardship-institute">Environmental Stewardship Institute</a>, for which she had been volunteering for several months. Yumi helped mentor emerging environmental leaders, led lock and dam tours for dozens of people, and created curriculum and activities that we'll use to engage more youth in the future.</p> <p>Yumi is extremely driven and focused. She worked hard to learn everything she could about FMR, the river and future employment opportunities in our field.</p> <h5>Yumi's reflections</h5> <p>"After working on the issue of the locks and dams at FMR, I learned about the Mississippi River itself and what it has gone through in the past. On top of that, I re-realized that many entities intertwine in the community along the river. People, animals, plants, infrastructure and geography significantly impact the river. It is necessary to focus on each separately as well as their relationship as a whole.</p> <p>Besides the projects I worked on, I really enjoyed working at the office. I connected with other staff and learned what they were working on, which helped me explore my future career potential.</p> <p>I strongly hope to continue having experience outside of school before finishing my undergraduate program in a year. Thanks to the opportunities at FMR, I reaffirmed that I want to work on building a healthy relationship between humans and nature. I'd like to seek opportunities in city planning, natural disaster management or environmental consulting."</p> <h3>Aldric Martinez-Olson: Community Engagement Intern</h3> <p><img alt="Aldric" src="/sites/default/files/aldric.jpg" /></p> <p>Aldric helped <a href="https://fmr.org/river-corridor-and-land-use-updates/what-we-heard-summers-lock-and-dam-tours">design, plan and lead tours</a> and other outreach events to engage folks in the upcoming studies about the future of the locks and dams. He spoke with hundreds of community members about this huge opportunity for the Mississippi River, equipping them to be involved advocates in this process for years to come.</p> <p>Aldric can have a great conversation with anyone. He's skilled at connecting with people and inviting them into our work.</p> <h5>Aldric's reflections</h5> <p>"I was the most excited to interact with the community regarding the lock and dam. I wanted to know each person's relationship to the river, and if they didn't have one, help them form one!</p> <p>I think the stories that I heard were very powerful, it seems like a lot of community members developed a connection to the river by visiting it during their childhood, and it has still stuck with them. I learned about the importance of access and how simply existing by water can have positive effects on people.</p> <p>This fall, I'll be starting my junior year at Macalester with a focus in urban geography. I hope to work with other nonprofits on other community-building issues."</p> <h3>Keeley McCall-Tunell: Field Ecology Intern</h3> <p><img alt="Keeley" src="/sites/default/files/keeley.jpg" /></p> <p>Keeley assisted the staff ecologists on bird and vegetation surveys and data entry from our <a href="https://www.fmr.org/fmr-conservation-map">restoration sites across the metro</a>. She brought her native landscape background to lead a request for proposals process and helped to plan a new prairie restoration and select contractors. Independently she led volunteer trainings on pollinator, monarch and soil invertebrate surveys, and compiled the recorded data. She monitored a wildlife camera and assisted on a small mammal survey.</p> <p>She came with good basic skills in plant identification and accomplished all new endeavors with great competence. Keeley's interest in learning and strong work ethic contributed so much to FMR and will no doubt set Keeley up for success in her natural resources career.</p> <h5>Keeley's reflections</h5> <p>"This summer, I've had the opportunity to work with FMR on a variety of components of restoration. I've been able to conduct bird, monarch, pollinator, small mammal, and my personal favorite, vegetation surveys. This internship also allowed me to be a part of the beginning stages of a restoration project and meet other professionals in the field. Throughout my internship, I've increased my native plant ID skills, learned bird calls, and deepened my understanding of what considerations and decisions need to be weighed when working on a land restoration project.</p> <p>This fall I will continue to study horticulture at the University of Minnesota. My time at FMR has strengthened my desire to continue working in the restoration field after completing my schooling, and I am excited to see what the future holds!"</p> <h3>Environmental Stewardship Institute Assistants</h3> <p>As part of the growth of our career pathways program, we're able to offer paid leadership positions primarily to <a href="https://fmr.org/environmental-stewardship-institute">Environmental Stewardship Institute</a> (ESI) graduates and prior FMR interns. These assistants help plan and facilitate the summer program and provide support for fellows. We had three wonderful assistants this year.</p> <p><img alt="Holly, Ivy, Riya" src="/sites/default/files/esi-assistants.jpg" /><br /> <em>Our ESI assistants (from left to right: Holly, Ivy and Riya) made it possible to grow our program to accept even more fellows this year.</em></p> <h5>Holly Swiglo</h5> <p>Holly supported our community and team-building activities this summer for the ESI fellows. This was an important component this year especially; with a larger ESI cohort from the previous year, we wanted to make sure fellows had an opportunity to develop relationships with their peers. She also worked with fellow assistants to create an ESI guidebook for future assistants that will include some of the collaborative activities she led.</p> <p>Holly is a great leader and very organized! She's detailed-oriented and knows how to prioritize tasks. She is also a very skilled facilitator — she even led one of our Stewardship &amp; Education meetings with our program staff and ESI team.</p> <h6>Holly's reflections</h6> <p>"My favorite part of the summer was the enthusiasm and energy at our first meeting with the fellows. It was so awesome to see all the hard work we put into planning the program come to life! I really enjoyed getting to know and work with other youth interested in environmental issues. Seeing how their projects came along was so exciting. I learned so much about the behind-the-scenes of the program too — there are so many moving parts! It's great to see how everyone's unique skills and abilities come together to create an awesome program. The ESI team is amazing, and we have so much fun together!</p> <p>I will be a senior at Roseville Area High School next year, and I plan on continuing my journey with ESI during the school year as a member of the <a href="https://fmr.org/environmental-stewardship-institute">ESI Youth Advisory Council</a>. After high school I plan on attending a liberal arts college to major in environmental studies. I look forward to seeing where life will take me next!"</p> <h5>Ivy</h5> <p>Ivy managed communications between FMR and the ESI fellows, sending out weekly emails with assignments and reminders, and creating a calendar for the fellows to give them a complete picture of the program schedule. Her work broadened the role of the assistants and produced clearer guidelines for ESI communications.</p> <p>Ivy was very insightful and took initiative to fill gaps she saw in our planning. Her attention to detail and organization skills were a great help with our fast-paced summer schedule.</p> <h6>Ivy's reflections</h6> <p>"I was excited to work with FMR because I wanted to get to know others in the field, other youth and environmental groups, and to build connections. I also wanted to work with and learn about the environment and ways to help it. I learned many things at FMR, some of which include leadership skills, event planning, time management and many others.</p> <p>I will be a high school senior in the fall, graduating in 2023. I plan on going to college and pursuing environmental studies."</p> <h5>Riya</h5> <p>Riya managed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/esi.fmr/">ESI's Instagram page</a>, bringing together reflections from fellows and photos from staff to expand our social media presence. She also put together our ESI resource list, which allowed us to quickly create assignments and activities for the fellows.</p> <p>Riya jumped right into her role as assistant, despite having never worked with FMR before. She was always quick to suggest new ideas for ESI. Her willingness to try new things made her fun to work with for staff and fellows.</p> <h6>Riya's reflections</h6> <p>"Being an ESI assistant this summer has completely broadened my understanding of the Mississippi River's significance and the importance of stewardship on Indigenous land. It also opened up opportunities for new relationships and collaborations with fellow youth advocates and the BIPOC community.</p> <p>I'll join the ESI Youth Advisory Council this fall to continue supporting our social media and plan the ESI Environmental Career Day next spring. I'm excited to learn more about what environmental careers are out there."</p> <h3>Learn more about our internship program</h3> <p>We've expanded our capacity for hosting paid opportunities for youth and young people. Learn more about internship <a href="https://fmr.org/intern-friends-mississippi-river">openings</a> or, to see future announcements, sign up for our <a href="https://fmr.org/sign-up">e-newsletter Mississippi Messages</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/internships">Internships</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/environmental-stewardship-institute">Environmental Stewardship Institute</a> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 10 Aug 2022 21:18:47 +0000 erogers 4786 at https://fmr.org Stream Health Evaluation Program starts its 16th year https://fmr.org/updates/stewardship-education/stream-health-evaluation-program-starts-its-16th-year <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/files/shep2019.jpg" title="Stream Health Evaluation Program starts its 16th year" class="colorbox" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-node-4777" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;title&quot;: &quot;&quot;, &quot;alt&quot;: &quot;&quot;}"><img src="https://fmr.org/files/shep2019.jpg" width="1600" height="1200" alt="" title="" /></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p><em>If you live in the Rice Creek Watershed District and you're looking for a unique, in-depth way to contribute to your watershed, <a href="https://fmr.org/wade-your-watershed-monitor-stream-health-rice-creek-watershed-district">join us as a SHEP volunteer</a>! </em></p> <p>On a Friday evening in July, a group of volunteers gathered to share food and celebrate the start of the Stream Health Evaluation Program's 16th year. In just a few weeks, these volunteers will be donning waders and grabbing nets to head into streams in the Rice Creek Watershed District and start sampling. The data they collect will help provide a snapshot of each stream's health and whether it's improving or declining over time.</p> <p>Since 2006 FMR has coordinated the <a href="https://fmr.org/stream-health-evaluation-program-in-depth">Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP)</a> in the Rice Creek Watershed District. Scientists train SHEP volunteers to evaluate stream biological health by sampling benthic macroinvertebrates (small, stream-dwelling bugs) — and then studying these samples to assess stream quality. Volunteers contribute roughly 40 hours to the program between August and December. Each team of 10 samples three sites along Rice Creek, Clearwater Creek, Hardwood Creek and Locke Lake.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://fmr.org/sites/default/files/shep2020_1.jpg" /><em>SHEP volunteers truly wade into their watersheds, like this volunteer in 2020.</em></p> <h3>Volunteers keep coming back</h3> <p>Between field and lab training, sampling with groups and hours spent identifying bugs, SHEP volunteers give a lot of their time to this program. Many volunteers have been involved since day one, accumulating 16 years of experience. This year, the SHEP teams include city officials hoping to gain knowledge to enhance their environmental programming, parents and their children, and friendships forged through volunteering together. Community and friendship play a large part in why volunteers stay involved.</p> <p>"I come back for the science — it's always changing and always interesting," says Jo Ann Morse, a longtime volunteer. "And for the people, who are so fun to work with."</p> <h3>Why monitoring makes a difference</h3> <p>Macroinvertebrates have different reactions to pollutants and stream conditions. Some can live in polluted waters while others are more sensitive and can only survive in healthy waters. This makes the presence or absence of certain macroinvertebrates a strong indicator of the conditions of our local streams, rivers and lakes.</p> <p>Our well-trained and dedicated volunteers produce reliable data that can be used to inform water resource management decisions throughout the watershed. SHEP volunteers typically score 90-99% accuracy on their identification, producing high-quality findings every year.</p> <p>And with <a href="https://fmr.org/stream-health-evaluation-program-in-depth">16 years of data</a>, this information plays a valuable role in determining the watershed's future. After all this time, certain trends are starting to take shape. One stream, for example, appears to have a five-year cycle of improvement and decline that repeats over time. Volunteers have also recorded how changes in the environment (such as drought) affect water quality. Findings can help shape policy and practices to protect these streams in the future.</p> <p>"It is so interesting to look through the microscope," says volunteer Tere O'Connell, who describes herself as having a history background rather than a science background. She explains her dedication to the program as "making sure [the streams] stay healthy and get better."</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://fmr.org/sites/default/files/shep2022.jpg" /><em>SHEP volunteers kick off the 2022 season with a report from Katie Farber from Bolton &amp; Menk, who runs the SHEP trainings and analyzes the data.</em></p> <h3>Get involved</h3> <p>This year, our SHEP teams have openings for a few more volunteers. Rice Creek Watershed District residents are especially encouraged to apply. (<a href="https://www.ricecreek.org/index.asp?SEC=AE91ACEB-9828-49F9-AB58-93781E42A10E&amp;Type=B_BASIC" target="_blank">Check this map to see if you live in the watershed</a>.) You can <a href="https://fmr.org/wade-your-watershed-monitor-stream-health-rice-creek-watershed-district">learn more about volunteering here</a>, or contact Volunteer &amp; Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey (<a href="mailto:volunteer@fmr.org">volunteer@fmr.org</a>, 651.222.2193) if you're interested in signing up.</p> <h3>Project support</h3> <p>SHEP is made possible through funding and support from the Rice Creek Watershed District, as well as technical support from Bolton &amp; Menk. And thanks to <a href="https://fmr.org/give-today">our members</a> for making all our programming possible.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/stewardship">Stewardship</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/watershed-protection">Watershed Protection</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:49:21 +0000 sdowney 4777 at https://fmr.org Time is running out to stop invasive carp https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/time-running-out-stop-invasive-carp <div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="https://fmr.org/files/jumpingsilvercarp.jpg" title="Time is running out to stop invasive carp" class="colorbox" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-node-4775" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;title&quot;: &quot;&quot;, &quot;alt&quot;: &quot;&quot;}"><img src="https://fmr.org/files/jumpingsilvercarp.jpg" width="2048" height="1371" alt="" title="" /></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p><i>Silver carp can jump up to 10 feet in the air when startled by a boat, such as during this electrofishing removal effort on the Cumberland River in Kentucky. (Photo credit: USFWS)</i></p> <p>For decades invasive carp (silver carp, bighead carp, black carp and grass carp) have been working their way up the Mississippi River. Because they outcompete other fish for food and space, their spread can diminish ecosystem diversity, lower water quality and limit recreation in tributaries from Minnesota to the Gulf.</p> <p>Though we don't fully know the extent of their population in Minnesota's portion of the Mississippi River, invasive carp have been recorded as far north as the Twin Cities metro as well as in the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers. However we believe that most of their population, and likely their reproductive activity, is still further downstream, meaning that we still have the opportunity to stop carp from reproducing in many of Minnesota's waterways — if we act right now.</p> <p>One method the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses to monitor carp is to attach tracking tags to some fish and allow them to continue living in the river as "traitors" to help us understand where fish go. This led to a stunning recent event.</p> <p>High water levels in the Mississippi this spring helped one tagged silver carp swim 35 miles upstream in a single day through or over several locks and dams. The carp traveled from Pool 8 (near LaCrosse, WI) to Pool 5A (upstream of Winona, MN, just 22 miles short of Lake Pepin) in mere hours. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.startribune.com/a-fast-swimming-carp-in-the-mississippi-rings-alarm-bells-for-fight-against-invasive-fish/600183114/" target="_blank">Star Tribune</a> and Rochester's <a href="https://www.kttc.com/2022/06/28/friends-mississippi-river-group-demands-action-against-invasive-carp/" target="_blank">KTTC TV</a> were among the outlets that interviewed FMR staff and brought attention to this distressing finding.</p> <h3>State action is overdue</h3> <p>Invasive carp are introduced predators, brought to the U.S. in the 1970s as a way to clean aquatic farms and canals. As introduced species, it's easy for them to outcompete native fish, leading to native fish population decline, which harms ecosystems and recreational activities. Silver carp can even injure people; weighing over 40 pounds, these fish can jump high enough out of the water to hit boaters.</p> <p>It's difficult to study how large a fish population is. However we do know that carp populations often explode unexpectedly and take us by surprise. We don't know when a population will reach a tipping point of no return, which means that no one can decisively say that Minnesota can afford to wait to stop them.</p> <p>For this reason, FMR and other members of the Stop Carp Coalition have been asking the DNR to take more action to <a href="https://fmr.org/tags/invasive-carp">prevent invasive carp's spread</a> in the Mississippi River. In October 2020, the coalition asked the DNR to update its Invasive Carp Action Plan to guide these expanded actions and support funding requests and policy changes.</p> <p>Nearly two years later, we're still waiting for the updated plan. The DNR hasn't even started creating it yet.</p> <h3>Inaction has a cost</h3> <p>Invasive carp prevention and management is not simple; several tools and tactics will need to be deployed. One potential tool is a barrier at Lock and Dam 5, for which a feasibility study has been done. We know that carp are knocking at the door of Lock and Dam 5, and we know that the dams upstream are unlikely to be as effective as this barrier. </p> <p>No one tactic will be sufficient on its own. Carp management will also need to include fish removal programs, strengthening the resilience of our native ecosystems, continuing research on additional options and other efforts.</p> <p>The DNR has told us that it can't expand its current set of tactics without a full revision of its Invasive Carp Action Plan. Of course we support the need to review the science, learn from other localities, engage stakeholders and carefully examine the pros and cons of different management options. That planning should get underway immediately.</p> <p>But just as action has its costs and consequences, so does inaction. With no timeline for completing an action plan or expanding its carp prevention efforts, the DNR has left our waterways and residents at risk. </p> <p>We don't know how many invasive carp are in Minnesota, but we do know that the threat is imminent and that our state isn't ready for what's to come. Our state leaders need to act with far more urgency to evaluate and implement prevention strategies before it's too late.</p> <h3>Join us</h3> <p><a href="https://fmr.org/joinriverguardians">Become a River Guardian</a> today to hear about future opportunities to advocate to stop the spread of invasive carp and other ways to protect our river and enhance riverfront communities.</p> <p><a href="https://fmr.org/river-corridor-updates">Read more Land Use &amp; Planning program updates.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field-label"> Tags:&nbsp; </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/land-use-planning">Land Use & Planning</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/fmr-updates">FMR Updates</a> </div> <div class="field-item even"> <a href="/tags/invasive-carp">Invasive carp</a> </div> <div class="field-item odd"> <a href="/tags/mississippi-river-news">Mississippi River News</a> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:24:03 +0000 ctoberman 4775 at https://fmr.org