AGP Executive Report

Wildfire response in Montana: A new look at the “Swiss Army knife” role of Missoula smokejumpers shows how elite crews race to the Northern Rockies when fires pop up, as the national wildfire toll keeps climbing. Public lands fight: A debate over Montana’s Roadless Rule heats up, with a review arguing groups backing “Roadless Rule” repeal have supported opening large roadless and wilderness areas to logging and road building. Mining cleanup update: The EPA says Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has agreed to a roughly $57.6 million Superfund cleanup plan, starting the next steps after a consent decree and public comment period. Wildlife safety: A rural Pendroy couple used a remote camera after a dog alerted them to seven grizzlies near their farm, prompting FWP response. Glacier rescue: Two injured hikers were hoisted to safety on Mount Siyeh in Glacier National Park after steep terrain prevented a landing. Invasive species: A guide warns about Russian knapweed’s spread and impacts, including its risk to horses. Energy & environment policy: Western governors, including Montana, launch a task force to speed permitting and upgrade the regional power grid.

Wildlife & Public Lands: Montana’s new wildlife crossing specialty license plate starts this month, funding crossing projects statewide and spotlighting connectivity benefits for animals and drivers. River Protection: River Fest marks 50 years of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River designation, celebrating clean water, fisheries, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Mining Watch: Conservation groups flew people over the proposed Sheep Creek rare-earth exploration site near the Bitterroot headwaters to show potential downstream impacts. Energy & Health: A new look at the Bridger Pipeline argues the project’s approval skipped environmental analysis and raises serious health and spill-risk concerns tied to tar sands dilbit. Local Land-Use: Missoula County’s data center pause debate got a jolt as the developer withdrew a proposed Old Mill site application, prompting officials to consider interim zoning. Community Outdoors: FWP and partners host a free Kids/Family Fishing Day on the Marias River July 11, with no license required. Workplace & Parks: Glacier National Park employees voted to unionize with the National Treasury Employees Union, aiming for broader worker voice and protection.

Family Fishing Access: Shelby’s Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Walleyes Unlimited for a free Kids/Family Fishing Day July 11 at Williamson Park on the Marias River—no fishing license needed, with education stations and 50 poles to give away. Conservation Easement: A 394-acre working ranch in Madison County, the Robinson Ranch, was permanently dedicated to agriculture through a voluntary conservation easement with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, helping the owner offset development limits. Wildlife & Safety: Montana FWP is urging hikers and outdoor folks to be rattlesnake-ready as the season ramps up, with tips like wearing ankle-covering boots, avoiding earbuds, and giving snakes space. Public Lands Litigation: A Montana federal judge will decide whether to split and potentially move two lawsuits challenging BLM’s reduced protections for greater sage grouse habitat, with Wyoming arguing for dismissal or severance. Outdoor Education: FWP is rolling out hunter and bowhunter education classes and field days across central and eastern Montana this summer, with online course requirements and free in-person options. Water Recreation Etiquette: FWP is reminding anglers and boaters about Madison River boat ramp etiquette—launch quickly, don’t rig up at the ramp, and use designated parking.

Wildlife & Education: Montana FWP and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are teaming up for a Fort Peck bat walk on July 31, with a talk on bat behavior and tools that translate echolocation into audible sound. Public Safety: As rattlesnake season ramps up, FWP is urging hikers and runners to wear ankle-covering boots, avoid earbuds, watch where they step, and give snakes space if they’re encountered. Water & Recreation: The Flathead River near Bigfork will close to all watercraft July 8-9 for bridge work at Sportsman’s Bridge, while a nearby fishing access site stays open for southbound boaters. Conservation & Fish: A bull trout spawning study in the Swan River basin highlights how invasive lake trout, hybridization, and warming stream conditions are driving steep declines. Local Land Use: A proposed Bonner data center application has been withdrawn after public concerns about environmental impacts, and Missoula County is moving toward an interim pause while it drafts policy. Air Quality: Experts warn wildfire smoke can cause long-lasting lung damage, especially for kids and people with chronic conditions, and share practical ways to reduce exposure.

Wildlife Tracking: A tagged Wilson’s phalarope (#71795) sprinted from Freezeout Lake to the Gallatin River near Bozeman, then to eastern Idaho, and later pinged at the Great Salt Lake—radio towers logged its fast, unseen migration. Fish Recovery: Montana fisheries managers say bull trout in the Swan River basin are down about 90% over the past decade, with invasive lake trout, hybridization, and warmer, lower flows blamed for the steep decline. Local Land-Use Fight: Missoula County says Krambu has withdrawn its application for a proposed Bonner data center, while the county moves ahead with an interim pause on new facilities to shape future rules. Mining Watch: A new exploration plan for the Sheep Creek mine near Darby would use helicopters and drilling/sampling at four sites, with explosives at one bulk-sampling location. Water & Health: Montana officials warn of harmful algal blooms as summer heat rises, and DEQ is proposing an impairment designation for Big Hole River algae. Outdoor Safety & Habitat: FWP is rolling out free hunter and bowhunter education classes and field days across central and eastern Montana.

PFAS in the food web: New research compiling 42 years of Great Lakes studies finds “forever chemicals” move through algae, fish, birds and other organisms, showing how exposure can climb into people. Bitterroot mining scrutiny: The Bitterroot National Forest released a revised proposed plan of operations for US Critical Minerals’ Sheep Creek mine exploration near Darby, including drilling and bulk sampling with explosives, plus site-by-site reclamation. Blackfoot River gold worries: Montana DEQ approved an amended exploration license for Sentinel Metals’ Columbia Gold Project near Lincoln, prompting backlash and a lawsuit by conservation groups and residents over potential impacts to a watershed still recovering from past mining. Wildlife conflict fallout: Two orphaned Montana grizzly cubs were transferred to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado after repeated human-wildlife conflicts led to their mother’s death, underscoring the stakes for bears and people. Energy grid push: Western governors, including Montana’s, backed a multi-state task force to update regional transmission lines to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability. Water quality watch: Montana officials warn of harmful algal blooms as summer temperatures rise, flagging another seasonal threat to rivers and lakes.

Mining & Water Quality: The Bitterroot National Forest released a new proposed exploration plan for the Sheep Creek mine near Darby, with US Critical Minerals Corporation planning sampling and drilling at four sites near Sheep Creek and the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, including use of explosives at one bulk-sampling area and helicopter-based logistics, with reclamation after work. Critical Minerals Policy: A renewed U.S. push for antimony and tungsten is driving faster permitting under the FAST-41 framework, spotlighting renewed activity in Idaho’s Thunder Mountain/Stibnite district—an echo of the same strategic-minerals pressure Montana communities often face. Public Health & Water: Montana DEQ is warning residents to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer temperatures rise, noting blooms can look like pea soup or floating scum and can be dangerous to people, pets, and livestock. Drought & Fisheries: A new TroutCast tool is rolling out to help Montana managers and anglers forecast drought impacts on trout by linking streamflow and long-term monitoring to seasonal and multi-year trout risk. Wildlife & Conflict: Two orphaned grizzly cubs from Montana are now at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado after repeated human-wildlife conflicts led to their mother’s death. Energy Grid: Western governors—including Montana’s—back a multi-state effort (WestTEC) to study and expand regional transmission lines to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability.

Montana Water Quality Watch: Montana DEQ is warning residents about harmful algal blooms in Lake Helena and other waters as summer heat rises, urging people to check conditions before swimming and keeping pets away from “pea soup” or discolored water that can be toxic. Mining & Rivers: A new gold exploration push near the Blackfoot River has Montana groups and residents back in court, arguing the DEQ’s amended approval for Sentinel Metals could threaten decades of recovery for bull trout and a key recreation watershed. Drought Planning for Trout: TroutCast, a new Montana tool, is using streamflow and trout monitoring data to forecast drought risk and help fisheries managers plan for low flows and warm-water impacts. Wildlife Conflict, Montana Grizzlies: Two orphaned grizzly cubs from Montana are now in Colorado after repeated human-wildlife conflicts led to their mother’s death, highlighting the stakes of keeping wildlife wild. Heat & Access: A national analysis shows Montana has limited air-conditioning access compared with many states, raising risks during extreme heat. Severe Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of the region, with damaging wind, large hail, and heavy rain possible.

Heat & Health: Montana officials are warning residents to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer temperatures rise, urging people to check water before swimming and keeping pets away from “pea soup” looking water that can be toxic. Water & Fisheries: A new TroutCast tool is bringing drought forecasting to Montana’s trout rivers by linking streamflow and long-term monitoring to seasonal and multi-year drought risk, aiming to help fisheries and water managers act earlier. Mining Watch: Montana DEQ approved amended gold exploration drilling near the Blackfoot River headwaters, drawing fresh backlash from conservation groups and residents who fear setbacks to decades of recovery for bull trout habitat. Wildlife Conflict: Two orphaned grizzly cubs from Montana have arrived at a Colorado zoo after repeated human-wildlife conflicts led to their mother’s death, underscoring the stakes of keeping grizzlies wild. Extreme Heat Equity: A new national map highlights uneven air-conditioning access during the heatwave, with Montana among states where a notable share of households lack cooling. Policy & Regulation: The USDA announced a lawfare-focused partnership with the SBA to shield producers and ranchers from weaponized regulation and enforcement. Fire Safety: Missoula is reminding residents of strict fireworks limits during the holiday period, with citations for violations.

Blackfoot River Mining Watch: Montana DEQ approved Sentinel Metals’ amended Columbia Gold Project exploration near the Blackfoot River headwaters, allowing up to 21 deep exploratory holes after thousands of public comments—prompting renewed backlash from conservation groups and residents who fear setbacks to decades of river recovery. Water Quality Alert: As summer heat rises, Montana DEQ is warning people to watch for harmful algal blooms in Lake Helena and other waters, noting health risks for people and pets and advising swimmers and dog owners to check conditions first. Bison Grazing Court Fight: A Helena judge granted American Prairie a temporary preliminary injunction in its dispute over bison grazing on state trust lands, blocking a Land Board directive while the legal process continues. Wildfire Readiness Spotlight: A Missoula smokejumper profile highlights how the Northern Rockies rely on rapid-response wildland firefighters as fire seasons intensify. PFAS and Contamination Concerns: Reports include “forever chemicals” detected in Big Mountain Water Co. wells, keeping Montana’s drinking-water monitoring in focus. Data Center Pressure: Yellowstone County Democrats seek a moratorium on large data centers, adding to the growing debate over water, power, and local control. PFAS/Plastics Policy Clash: Montana is among states suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach beyond state lines.

Water Quality Watch: Montana DEQ is warning residents to look out for harmful algal blooms as summer heat rises, citing health risks to people and pets and advising people to check water conditions before swimming or letting dogs wade. Big Hole River Update: DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River tied to nutrient-driven algae growth, with a draft proposal discussed at an open house and a possible final decision not expected until 2027 at the earliest. Bitterroot Mining Concern: U.S. Critical Materials says it’s relocating its headquarters to Darby and is pushing forward with the Sheep Creek Project at the Bitterroot headwaters, while residents continue to raise alarms about the plan and lack of transparency. Wildfire Prevention in Montana: CitroTech says it has expanded its certified wildfire-protection partner network to 13 organizations, including new reach in Montana, positioning its fire-inhibitor approach as proactive and “nontoxic.” Bison Grazing Court Fight: American Prairie won a preliminary injunction against Montana’s Land Board directive affecting bison grazing on state trust lands, arguing the process bypassed required public notice and comment. Wildland Fire Readiness: A Missoula smokejumper profile highlights how elite crews are being stretched by a record-breaking wildfire season and changing federal fire-management structure.

Western Governors: Gov. Josh Green took over as chair of the Western Governors’ Association, setting a year-long “Health Beyond Healthcare” focus and planning a winter meeting in Hawaii tied to Pearl Harbor commemorations. Big Hole River Water Quality: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River over nutrient-driven algae growth, with a final decision not expected until 2027 at the earliest. Mining Oversight Fight: Upper Missouri Waterkeeper won a temporary restraining order after challenging DEQ’s “backroom” approval process tied to extractive mining near the Big Hole River. Invasive Mussels: Inspectors at the Anaconda boat check station stopped a zebra mussel–fouled wake boat headed for Georgetown Lake, decontaminating and preventing launch. Wildlife Habitat Protection: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement Phase 1, locking in habitat and permanent public access. Air Monitoring Glitch: A Billings-area air quality monitor malfunction is temporarily offline after inaccurate readings for fine particles. PFAS Concern: “Forever chemicals” were detected in Big Mountain Water Co. wells, including one well above EPA’s maximum contaminant level. Heat & Climate Context: A new look at Montana’s hottest Julys since 1895 underscores how extreme heat is becoming more common. Data Centers & Local Control: Yellowstone County Democrats are pushing a two-year moratorium on large data centers in Montana.

Aquatic Invasives: Inspectors at the Anaconda boat check station stopped a wake boat headed for Georgetown Lake after finding zebra mussels and watermilfoil on the trailer and in ballast tanks—decontamination and a lockout prevented launch. Water & Drought: Silver Lake water will again be released to boost flows into the Clark Fork River via Cable Creek and Warm Springs Creek under a new agreement, with releases capped at 32 cfs and set to run through Aug. 20 (start may shift after recent rain). Air Quality: A Billings-area air monitor malfunction is temporarily offline after inaccurate PM2.5 readings; DEQ says nearby sensors look normal while technicians troubleshoot. Wildlife Tracking: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks installed its 19th Motus radio tower for wildlife movement research, with funding tied to the marijuana tax initiative. Public Health & Water Safety: Big Mountain Water Co. wells show detectable PFAS (“forever chemicals”), including one well above EPA’s maximum contaminant level. Climate: A new ranking finds July 2026 among the hottest in Montana since 1895, underscoring warming trends. Recreation Safety: FWP is asking for public comment on proposed fee updates and is warning about harmful algal blooms on Montana waters. Bison & Public Lands: A Helena judge granted American Prairie a preliminary injunction in its bison grazing dispute involving Montana state trust lands.

Wildfire risk & fireworks: Western states are urging people to skip backyard fireworks as extreme wildfire danger drives bans and restrictions ahead of July 4. Montana drought monitoring: Montana is expanding Mesonet stations to better track drought and soil-water conditions as summer conditions stay uncertain. Conservation easement fight: Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing a first 99-year conservation easement, drawing debate over how long protections should last. Forest Service logging after windstorms: The Forest Service plans to fast-track salvage logging in western Montana blowdown areas, including steps that could affect access near wilderness. Data center pressure in Missoula County: County commissioners plan a July 9 hearing on interim zoning rules that could pause new data center development while updated natural-resource impacts are addressed. Bears and wildlife safety: Multiple bear sightings—including a cluster near Pendroy—highlight ongoing human-wildlife conflict and the need for attractant control. PFAS bottled water: The FDA moves to limit PFAS in bottled water, aligning with stricter public-water standards. Energy politics: Montana coal messaging to Korea and broader disputes over energy permitting and “cheap energy” show how power choices are colliding with environmental concerns.

Energy Grid & Transmission: Montana joined a Western states push to streamline permitting and expand electric transmission through WestTEC and a new Permitting Alignment and Coordination Task Force, aiming to cut bottlenecks and keep power affordable as demand rises. Public Lands & Wildlife Habitat: A federal judge ordered the federal government and Wyoming to refund $109M over illegal BLM oil and gas leases approved in prime greater sage grouse habitat, while allowing some already-producing wells to continue. Mining & Water Quality: Two groups sued Montana DEQ over a draft environmental assessment for a hardrock mine near Lincoln, arguing the agency didn’t provide enough materials for meaningful public comment. Wildlife & Recreation: Missoula County closed outdoor burning July 1 as fire danger stays moderate but hot, dry conditions could quickly raise risk; and FWP relocated a black bear that wandered under a porch in Worden. Conservation & Community: Missoula County approved $250,000 from an open space bond to protect a wildlife corridor near Bonner, and Montana Range Days celebrated 50 years training young rangeland stewards. Climate & Forest Policy Debate: A guest opinion argues “Healthy Forests” style deforestation projects have produced mounting unintended consequences. Northern Lights: NOAA forecast minor geomagnetic storms that could make auroras visible across parts of northern Montana.

Wildfire & public lands: Western states are pushing for faster, coordinated action on energy and grid upgrades, while the Mountain West fire season keeps flashing red—Colorado and Utah fires are burning tens of thousands of acres with low containment, and coverage also questions a “full suppression” approach and a new federal fire service. Montana wildlife & habitat: A judge ruled the Montana Land Board overstepped authority in a bison directive, ordering changes tied to stocking-rate review and a pause on new bison requests; separately, FWP proposed a 99-year conservation easement to protect central Montana habitat and expand public access. Water & pollution: The Bitterroot River faces renewed scrutiny over a proposed rare-earth mine, with local groups warning about impacts to trout habitat and downstream waters. Weather: Weekend storms brought heavy rain and snow across western Montana, partially closing Glacier National Park and improving some drought areas. Community & access: Missoula adjusted Fourth of July fireworks plans after a noise waiver denial, shifting to a drone show and a two-day celebration. Accountability: A poaching case in Lewis and Clark County led to a hunting license loss and more than $12K in penalties for illegal elk and deer take. Energy & data centers: Montana residents are seeking voter oversight of data center construction, while eastern Montana counties share lessons from wind development as more large projects loom.