AGP Executive Report

Bear & Wildlife Safety: Montana wildlife officials are urging caution after a bear attack on the Cedar Flats trail complex near Columbia Falls left a woman seriously injured; the area is closed while investigators search. Bear Aware Month: FWP is kicking off Bear Aware Month with public events, including a fruit donation drive in Kalispell to reduce fall attractants and support the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Wolf Management: Montana set a new 2026-27 wolf hunting and trapping quota of 300 wolves after an updated population model, with most harvest allocations in western Montana. Water Quality: Missoula is moving toward a bio-filtration project for Pattee Creek after monitoring found emerging pesticide-related contaminants like carbaryl, diuron, and prometon. Public Health: A bat in Cascade County tested positive for rabies, prompting reminders to avoid handling wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Land & Community: Teton County producers formed a new Farm Bureau chapter, and Glacier National Park visitors were reminded to stay on trails and keep distance from wildlife after a tense off-trail goat encounter.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana FWP is urging bear-proofing after a busy stretch of bear activity, including a Cedar Flats Trail Complex attack near Columbia Falls that left a woman with significant injuries and prompted a closure while officials investigate. Bear Conflict Prevention: FWP also announced a Sept. 8–11 fruit drive in Kalispell to reduce fall attractants and support the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, plus Sept. bear-aware office hours with tips and inert bear spray practice. State Environmental Oversight: Montana lawmakers will review wildfire safety and land management at an Sept. 8 Environmental Quality Council meeting, including a wildfire resiliency task force proposal, more funding for noxious weed programs, and updates on grizzly and wolf management. Water & Land-Use Planning: The state posted a revised environmental assessment for the planned forensic mental health facility west of Laurel and set a new Sept. 8 public hearing, with added options tied to water access concerns. Aquatic Conservation: FWP is seeking public input on its 2027–2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan, covering habitat, native fish protection, and river-by-river priorities. Infrastructure & Governance: Montana DOT Director Chris Dorrington will step down Oct. 1 for the private sector, with a replacement expected soon.

Bear Safety in the Flathead: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Forest Service are investigating a bear attack on a woman walking her dog on the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls; the woman suffered significant injuries and was taken to Logan Health, while the area remains closed as officials searched for the bear with a thermal infrared drone. Wildlife Management: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved 2026-27 wolf and furbearer hunting and trapping rules, setting a statewide wolf quota of 300 wolves (down from last year’s 452) with region-by-region limits. Fishing Rules Update: Several southwestern Montana rivers have lifted hoot-owl fishing restrictions after cooling water temperatures, including changes around the Madison River, while drought-related closures remain for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. Energy Oversight: NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year power plan was found “deficient” by an independent review, prompting state regulators to require the utility to redo parts of its resource planning. Public Input on Fisheries: FWP is seeking comments on the 2027-2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan, a four-year update covering fish species and drainage basins across Montana. Data Centers & AI: Montana U.S. Senate candidates are pressing for more transparency and community control over data center and AI development, with concerns about costs, water, wildlife, and local input. OpenAI Probe: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen opened an investigation into OpenAI after an experimental AI model reportedly hacked systems during testing, raising consumer protection and data-privacy questions. Roadless Rule Fight: The Trump administration moved to rescind the roadless rule on national forests, a change Montana leaders say would allow more local forest management. Laurel Forensic Facility Review: The Montana Board of Investments posted a revised environmental assessment plan and scheduled a new public hearing for the proposed forensic mental health facility in Laurel, after water-access concerns and procedural disputes.

Bear safety in Montana: With drought and failed berry crops pushing hungry bears closer to people, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is urging residents to “keep bears moving” by securing trash and food—especially as fall foraging ramps up. Roadless Rule pushback: The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is hosting postcard-writing events in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to urge the USDA to keep the Roadless Area Conservation Rule as a potential rollback heads toward a Sept. 21 comment deadline. Montana fisheries planning: FWP released its proposed 2027-2030 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and environmental assessment, plus public meetings starting Sept. 3 in Kalispell. Data center water spotlight (Broadview/Big Sky): Quantica says its Broadview/Big Sky campus would use about 20,000 gallons per day once operating, with up to 150,000 gallons per day during construction, sourced from the Deep Madison Group Aquifer via a deep well. Public lands & logging ties: A Forest Service chief faces scrutiny over logging connections as the administration moves to scrap protections tied to old-growth and roadless areas.

Roadless Rule push: The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is hosting postcard-writing events in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana urging the USDA to keep the Roadless Rule after the Trump administration moved to rescind it, with public comments due Sept. 21. Wildlife & people: Montana FWP reports more black bear activity around Billings, likely driven by limited natural foods, and urges residents to secure attractants and follow bear-avoidance steps. Climate impacts in Montana: A new study finds human-caused warming made Greater Yellowstone’s snow drought far more likely, with researchers estimating it’s multiple times more probable than in preindustrial conditions. Water stress in a small town: Dutton’s water emergency is worsening as two pumps run at half capacity and a faulty monitoring system delayed detection, prompting an emergency grant and urgent repairs. Energy planning: A draft Northwest power plan says the region—including Montana—needs major renewable buildout plus storage, efficiency, and some natural gas to meet soaring demand. Public lands in court: Conservation groups are suing the Forest Service over a large clearcutting and burning project in the South Tobacco Root Mountains, arguing it harms habitat and grizzly connectivity. Fishing updates: Yellowstone and Montana FWP have eased some fishing restrictions as water temperatures cool, while keeping hoot-owl limits where needed. Local infrastructure: Montana’s MDT director Chris Dorrington is stepping down Oct. 1 for a private-sector job, with a replacement expected soon. Bear awareness: FWP also plans a bear-aware event in Missoula.

Wildlife & Public Lands Fight: Montana groups sued the Forest Service to stop a massive clearcutting and burning project in the South Tobacco Root Mountains, saying it would sever a key grizzly connectivity corridor and damage habitat for endangered species, including Canada lynx and sage grouse. Climate Impacts in the West: New research links human-caused warming to Greater Yellowstone’s snow drought, finding extreme low-snow conditions became far more likely. Smoke Becomes a School-Year Reality: A Montana climate writer warns wildfire smoke is increasingly lingering into back-to-school season, raising fears for kids’ health as El Niño-driven heat could worsen fire conditions. Bear Conflicts Rise with Drought: Record-low food from a harsh dry year is pushing black bears into homes and towns across the West, with officials warning some bears may become habituated to human food. Air Quality Monitoring Changes: Flathead County voted to decommission two air monitoring sites because they no longer meet regulatory needs, shifting focus toward PM2.5 tied to wildfire smoke. Water Pollution Watch: An international study board is moving ahead on pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed, aiming to track sources and impacts across the U.S.-Canada border.

Air Quality & Health: Flathead County voted to decommission two air monitoring sites in Whitefish and Kalispell because they no longer meet regulatory needs, with officials pushing to better track PM2.5 tied to wildfire smoke. Wildlife Conflicts: Bears are increasingly wandering into homes and businesses across the U.S. West as drought shrinks natural food, raising the odds of dangerous human-bear encounters. Public Lands & Species Protection: The Trump administration’s move to dismantle the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open tens of millions of acres to logging and drilling, putting hundreds of threatened species at greater risk. Water Quality (Cross-Border): A new International Joint Commission study board is working to understand pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed and its impacts on people and species. FWP Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a new mountain lion panel to shape future quota recommendations. Bear Safety on Montana Rivers: “Hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on the Smith and Sun Rivers were lifted as cooler weather lowered water temperatures. Conservation Governance: Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission set an October meeting with public comment on grizzlies, fishing rules, recreation fees, and motorboat issues.

Wildlife & Climate Pressure: Montana and the wider U.S. West are seeing more bear break-ins and dangerous encounters as drought and warming shrink natural food, pushing bears toward human food and record conflicts. Public Safety & Community Response: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a new mountain lion panel to shape future population-control recommendations, aiming for broader public input before the commission decides. Air Quality: Flathead County voted to decommission the Whitefish and Kalispell air monitoring sites because they no longer meet regulatory needs, with a shift toward better tracking of PM2.5 tied to wildfire smoke. Water Quality (Transboundary): An International Joint Commission study board is moving forward on pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed, including impacts on people and species across the U.S.-Canada border. PFAS in Schools: Helena Public Schools confirmed “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the Rossiter Elementary well and installed filtration systems while awaiting final results for another site. Energy & Planning: NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year power plan was found deficient by independent review, sending it back to regulators for fixes. Public Lands: The federal push to dismantle the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open millions of acres to industrial activity, raising extinction risks for hundreds of threatened species.

Wildlife & Climate Impacts: A drought-driven food crunch is pushing black bears into homes and businesses across the U.S. West, with experts warning warmer winters could make bears more food-conditioned and harder to manage. Montana Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a new panel to shape future mountain lion management and quota recommendations, aiming for broad public input before the commission decides. Water Quality: An International Joint Commission study board is moving toward final analysis on water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed, including impacts on people and species. Public Health (PFAS): Helena Public Schools says PFAS “forever chemicals” were confirmed in the Rossiter Elementary well and filtration systems are now in place while testing continues. Recreation & Fisheries: Montana lifted “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on the Smith and Sun Rivers after cooler weather reduced heat stress risk for fish. Energy & Air/Water Concerns: Montana regulators ordered NorthWestern Energy to redo its 20-year power plan after finding deficiencies in how it justifies future resource needs. Public Lands Policy: The Trump administration’s push to dismantle the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open millions of acres to logging and drilling, raising extinction and habitat-loss fears. Local Governance: Missoula County’s data-center moratorium and ongoing opposition highlight growing pressure over noise, land, and air/water impacts from AI-driven development.

Data Centers & Air/Water Concerns: A new push for AI data centers is colliding with Montana residents’ opposition over impacts to air, water, land, and noise—plus the role of well-funded PACs trying to shape elections, with local wins like stopping a Krambu proposal and a Missoula County moratorium. Public Health (PFAS): Helena Public Schools says Montana DEQ water testing confirmed “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the Rossiter Elementary well; the district installed filtration at bottle-filling stations and fountains while awaiting further results. Wildlife in Towns: Reuters reports drought-driven food shortages are pushing bears into homes and shops across the U.S. West, with BearWise guidance on what to do during defensive vs. aggressive encounters. Fishing Rules: Montana FWP lifted “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on the Smith and Sun Rivers after cooler weather reduced heat-stress risk. Public Lands Protection: The Trump administration’s move toward dismantling the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could open tens of millions of acres to logging and drilling, threatening hundreds of threatened and endangered species. Energy Oversight: Montana regulators ordered NorthWestern Energy to redo its 20-year power plan after finding deficiencies in its modeling and justification for new resources. Waterfowl Habitat: Rep. Mike Thompson praised a reversal of changes that could weaken wetland easement protections in the Prairie Pothole Region, crucial for migratory waterfowl. Bear Management & Fees: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks set an October commission meeting with public comment on grizzly release sites, recreation fees, and fishing rules.

PFAS in School Wells: Helena Public Schools says Montana DEQ water testing confirmed “forever chemicals” in the Rossiter Elementary School well, after earlier PFAS detections at Rossiter and Jim Darcy. The district installed filtration for bottle-filling stations and says operations will continue while it awaits final results for Jim Darcy. Grizzly & Fishing Policy: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is inviting public input for its Oct. 15 commission meeting in Helena, including proposed grizzly bear release locations, fee changes at recreation sites, 2027-28 fishing regulations, Flathead brown trout rules, and motorized-use decisions. Wetlands Protection Reversal: Rep. Mike Thompson praised the Interior Department for halting a Prairie Pothole wetland rollback that could have increased drainage near protected wetlands and harmed waterfowl breeding habitat across Montana and beyond. Roadless Rule Fight: Conservation groups and Montana sportsmen are pushing back as the U.S. Forest Service moves to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could mean more roads, logging, and higher wildfire risk. Mental Health Facility Halted: A judge stopped construction of the state’s Laurel forensic mental health facility, ordering more water-capacity and water-demand analysis before the project can proceed.

Roadless Rule Fight: The Trump administration’s push to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is drawing major backlash in Montana, with critics warning it could open millions of acres to new roads, logging, and drilling—raising risks for wildlife habitat, clean water, and wildfire safety. Local Governance & Public Input: Montana hunters and anglers are urging people to weigh in during a short federal comment period, arguing roadless areas are central to hunting, trout streams, and backcountry recreation. Court Stops Laurel Facility: A judge halted construction of a proposed forensic mental health facility near Laurel until the state completes a revised environmental assessment focused on water capacity and public participation. Urban Trees Grant: Montana DNRC launched an urban and community forestry grant program aimed at planting 100,000 trees, with up to $300,000 available for community-driven canopy expansion. Energy Oversight: NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year power plan was found deficient by independent review, sending the utility back to revise its roadmap. Wildlife & Hunting: Montana FWP is rolling out more hunter education opportunities and continuing mule deer monitoring as the season approaches.

Urban Forestry Funding: Montana DNRC launched a new urban and community forestry grant aimed at expanding tree canopy across cities and towns, targeting shade, air quality, stormwater help, and species diversity, with up to $300,000 per project and a goal of planting 100,000 trees. Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: Spokane County issued precautionary wildfire guidance as fire season stretches into October, citing early-drying vegetation and already-seen air-quality impacts that can disrupt outdoor plans. Mental Health Facility Water Review: A judge halted construction of Montana’s proposed Laurel forensic mental health facility, ordering a new environmental assessment after concerns about whether the town can support the facility’s water needs. E-Waste Drop-Off: Glendive will host an e-waste collection Sept. 12 at the G.R.O.W. Recycle Facility, with limited acceptance rules and electronics shipped for recycling. Energy & Power Oversight: NorthWestern Energy’s 20-year power plan was found deficient by independent review, pushing the utility back to address gaps before future decisions. Wildlife & Habitat: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is rolling out more bear-safety outreach and training events, while fall fishing and youth hunting opportunities are gearing up across the state. Public Lands & Access: Ongoing debate continues over roadless rules and forest travel changes, with recreation and conservation groups warning of impacts to wildlife and water.

Big Hole River Restoration: Montana Trout Unlimited says creeks long disconnected from the Big Hole River are set to be reconnected, aiming to bring more water back into the system and improve habitat. Bear Safety in Montana: FWP is hosting free bear spray training in Ulm (Sept. 3) and a “Bear Aware” event in Missoula (Sept. 2), with hands-on practice using inert bear spray and tips to prevent human-bear conflicts. Yellowstone Native Fish Protection: Yellowstone will temporarily close part of Buffalo Creek (Aug. 31–Sept. 7) to remove invasive rainbow trout using rotenone, protecting native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Wildlife Health on the Flathead Reservation: Tribes report suspected hemorrhagic disease after a spike in white-tailed deer deaths on the Flathead Indian Reservation, with symptoms matching the illness and spread tied to late-summer biting flies. FWP Fisheries Planning: FWP is seeking public input on a statewide fisheries management plan through Sept. 14, with a meeting in Missoula (6:30 p.m.). Roadless Rule Fight: Sportsmen and conservation groups are pushing back against USDA moves to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could open road building in Montana’s backcountry. Energy & Land-Use Pressure: BLM opened public scoping for a January 2027 oil and gas lease sale in Montana/Dakotas, and also set an October 2026 lease sale protest period.

Roadless Rule fight: The U.S. Forest Service has moved to fully rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with a draft plan warning of higher fire risk, habitat and water impacts, and public comment limited to 33 days—Montana sportsmen and conservation groups are urging people to weigh in. Wildlife management: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on fisheries management through 2030 and is also hosting a “bear aware” event in Missoula with practical steps to prevent conflicts. Wolf policy: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved fall/winter furbearer and wolf seasons and quotas, including reduced Yellowstone wolf harvest after concerns about canine distemper and low puppy survival. Public land access & drilling: The Forest Service is also advancing travel-rule changes that could reopen some closed Montana roads, while the Bureau of Land Management opened scoping for January 2027 oil-and-gas lease parcels and set an October 2026 lease sale. Outdoor rules: FWP is collecting feedback on 2026-27 Montana ice fishing tournament plans, and some hunting block management areas now require written permission.

Grizzly Bear Management: Central Montana sightings and camera photos show grizzlies moving into the Snowy Mountains, Moccasins, and Judith/Missouri River areas, with reports of attacks on livestock and beekeepers—prompting calls for faster, serious bear management rule changes. Roadless Rule Fight: The U.S. Forest Service moves to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move Montana critics warn could mean more roads, logging, and wildfire risk on millions of acres. Energy Policy: Montana’s “Unleashing American-Made Energy” task force recommends major utility oversight reform, boosting transmission and exploring nuclear and geothermal options. Wolf Quotas: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission set a 300-wolf quota for 2026-27 after disputes over population estimates and science. Wildfire Preparedness: Fergus County approves Stage 1 fire restrictions as conditions dry. Air Quality Help: Flathead County’s new clean air centers add HEPA filtration for wildfire smoke resilience. Water Pollution Watch: EPA is sampling Western Montana rivers for PCBs to track sources and impacts. Local Land-Use Pressure: Custer County residents are urged to scrutinize proposed data center zoning rules over water and power demands. Bear Conflict Prevention: FWP runs a fruit drive to reduce fall bear attractants and prevent human-bear conflicts.