AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Public Health: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says a suspected plague die-off among prairie dogs near Billings is likely “sylvatic plague,” a known recurring risk in prairie dog colonies, with fleas as the main carrier. Conservation & Recreation: FWP also warned of a bear sighting east of Rotary Pond and urged “bear aware” steps for campers and hikers. Water & Habitat Access: A section of the Blackfoot River near I-90 is projected to close mid-July through October for bridge repairs, with nearby access points and trail impacts outlined. Fish & Climate Impacts: Montana’s new TroutCast tool predicts trout-stream conditions and future fish population trends, aiming to help anglers respond to changing water supply and hotter summers. Community Nature Learning: The Summit Nature Center opens for the summer in Whitefish with hands-on wildlife exhibits and ranger-led discovery walks. Outdoor Safety: FWP highlighted bear safety basics and reminded people to carry bear spray and store food properly. Science & Environment: Montana State University researchers reported a cellular process that may help explain new cancer treatment paths by enabling cysteine creation inside mammalian cells.

Wildlife & Public Safety: FWP is warning people to be bear-aware near Rotary Pond after trail-cam footage showed a bear (possibly a grizzly) with no reported conflicts, urging campers and hikers to store food properly and carry bear spray. River Access & Construction Impacts: A section of the Blackfoot River near I-90 will close for bridge repairs starting mid-July through at least October, with limited access still available downstream at Milltown and Sha-Ron. Conservation & Outdoor Learning: The Summit Nature Center is opening for the summer in Whitefish with ranger-led discovery walks and hands-on wildlife exhibits, plus a Junior Forest Ranger program for ages 8–12. Climate & Health: Montana’s homelessness count shows a complicated trend—federal reporting found a big jump from 2024 to 2025, while other data suggests declines—amid rising housing costs. Public Lands Policy: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop National Park Service censorship and restore removed educational exhibits and signs. Research & Wildlife Tech: Montana State researchers reported a new cellular process that could someday support cancer treatments, and FWP rolled out TroutCast to help anglers predict river conditions and fish population changes.

Wildlife & Water Access: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says a stretch of the Blackfoot River near Missoula will close for bridge repairs starting mid-July through at least October, with limited access still possible downstream. Outdoor Recreation & Public Lands Funding: Rep. Ryan Zinke introduced “GAOA 250,” a bill to extend and modernize major investments in national parks, forests, and outdoor recreation. Conservation & Data for Anglers: Montana’s new TroutCast web tool aims to predict river conditions and help forecast trout population changes, tying water supply to the state’s $1.5 billion fishing economy. Science & Health: Montana State University researchers identified a cellular pathway that can make cysteine when a cell’s main systems fail, a finding that could open doors to new cancer treatments. Community & Wildlife Viewing: A new osprey livestream is live at Spring Meadow Lake in Helena, built with MT FWP and Last Chance Audubon. Local Land-Use Pressure: Missoula-area groups are organizing against a proposed data center near Bonner, arguing it conflicts with claims about water use and backup power. Energy & Education Trust Funds: Montana hit $1 billion in permanent investment from state trust land revenues, supporting K-12 funding.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks crews hiked into Sluice Boxes State Park to remove graffiti after vandalism earlier this month, with officials estimating about $1,000 to clean up a popular spot that sees roughly 38,000 visitors a year. Conservation & Land Use: A conservation easement proposal for the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement would protect more than 34,600 acres in the Thompson River drainage in the Cabinet Mountains, with a final decision coming from the Fish and Game Commission. Local Waterways: Bozeman Creek’s downtown tunnel-and-culvert system is getting fresh attention as residents and advocates revisit how the city channelized and hid the creek over time. State Trust Funding: Montana hit a $1 billion milestone in permanent investment from state trust land revenues, aimed at stabilizing K-12 school funding. Community Pushback on Data Centers: Missoula-area residents are organizing to oppose a proposed Bonner data center, arguing the project’s water use and claims don’t add up and that tax incentives tilt the playing field. Federal Policy & Wildlife: Conservation groups are appealing a federal decision that canceled Montana bison grazing permits, arguing the agency’s interpretation could undermine restoration goals. Animal Health: Texas reported additional New World screwworm cases, triggering animal movement rules and quarantine requirements that can affect interstate livestock handling. Outdoor Recreation & Risk: Yellowstone officials are investigating a death after a body was found floating in Yellowstone Lake near Bridge Bay, underscoring the hazards of cold, fast-changing lake conditions.

Bison Grazing Fight: A conservation group is appealing a federal decision that canceled BLM bison grazing permits on seven Montana allotments tied to American Prairie, arguing the agency’s interpretation of how the herd is managed doesn’t match federal grazing law. Habitat Protection: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is weighing a major Upper Thompson Conservation Easement proposal that would protect more than 34,600 acres in the Thompson River drainage, with a possible second phase reaching nearly 48,000 acres. Public Lands Vandalism: FWP crews hiked into Sluice Boxes State Park to remove graffiti found June 3, and officials are asking the public for tips as restoration costs add up. Invasive Species Watch: FWP confirmed invasive fish in community ponds in Three Forks and Livingston, including northern pike and bass species not native to the upper Missouri/upper Yellowstone basins. Wildlife Health & Safety: Teton County is exploring testing options for town drinking water after chronic wasting disease was detected on the National Elk Refuge. Data Center Air Impacts: DEQ is reviewing a proposed data center near Sidney that would use unwanted Bakken natural gas instead of flaring, aiming to reduce flaring-related emissions. Birding Science: FWP and partners are banding birds at Spring Meadow Lake State Park to track movements, health, and populations over time.

Public Lands & Wildlife: Montana FWP is investigating graffiti vandalism at Sluice Boxes State Park near Belt after spray paint was found on rock walls and structures; wardens are asking the public for tips via TipMont, with possible rewards. Roadless Rule Fight: A Senate committee advanced a move that would repeal the Roadless Rule, a change that could affect millions of acres of Montana forest habitat. Cross-Border Conservation: A new report says cross-border wildlife conservation between the U.S. and Canada is weakening, even as animals like grizzly bears and wolves keep moving across the line. Water & Pollution Watch: A petition filed with EPA challenges Pondera County’s Montana Renewables produced-wastewater injection permits, arguing gaps and missing limits in Underground Injection Control Class V approvals. Air Quality & Health: A new interactive “Refinery Risk Map” estimates potential health impacts from oil refinery emissions across the Mountain West, including Montana. Climate & Farming Impacts: Northeastern Montana farmers report drought-like conditions worsened by strong winds that stripped topsoil and damaged planted fields. Outdoor Education: FWP is offering summer educator trainings to bring fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreation into Montana classrooms.

Roadless Rule Fight: A Senate committee advanced language that could roll back federal roadless protections on about 6 million acres in Montana, a move supporters say would help manage wildfire risk and opponents say could open remote habitat to more development. Wildlife & Invasives: FWP confirmed invasive fish in community ponds in Three Forks (northern pike) and Livingston (smallmouth and largemouth bass), warning that these non-native species aren’t native to the upper Missouri/Yellowstone basins and urging tips on illegal introductions. Abandoned Mine Fallout: A DEQ report says a collapsed drain pipe from the Sunset Mine is threatening a Red Lodge home with possible demolition after years of flooding from the abandoned site. Energy & Air Quality: A Billings Gazette investigation reports internal DEQ emails tied to a Broadview data center plan that would rely heavily on gas-fired power, raising concerns about fossil-fuel expansion. Local Conservation & Community: Whitefish’s Westland Impact Festival is pitching a clean-energy model—running on solar-charged batteries and portable power—while Montana’s weed control program in Whitehall continues biological control work against noxious weeds. Mining Jobs: Stillwater Mine is rehiring after 2024 layoffs, adding 150 positions as palladium prices recover, though parts of the operation remain in maintenance mode.

DEQ & Mining: Montana DEQ approved an amended gold exploration license for Sentinel Metals’ Columbia Gold Project in the upper Blackfoot River headwaters, allowing up to 21 core-drill holes over 6–8 weeks with reclamation required within 2 years. Wildlife Habitat in Court: Conservation groups won a partial federal win over Montana grizzly and bull trout impacts tied to road and vehicle access in the Bitterroot National Forest, though the judge said the Forest Service may not need a specific public document. Public Lands & Grazing: The BLM’s proposed grazing rule overhaul is out for comment through July 13, with ranchers praising flexibility while conservationists warn it could degrade habitat and push elk off public range. Water Quality & Infrastructure: MECA backed Lakeside County Water and Sewer District’s proposed wastewater upgrades, arguing higher treatment levels would better protect Flathead Lake and groundwater. Firefighting Oversight: A ProPublica report says Sen. Tim Sheehy pushed to cut Forest Service aircraft inspections tied to his former company, after an inspector reportedly found a crack in a Bridger scooper that failed the inspection he sought to eliminate. Conservation Easements: FWP is seeking public comment on a proposed perpetual conservation easement near Herron Park that would protect forest roads and trails and keep the land from development. State Parks Vandalism: Graffiti vandalism at Sluice Boxes State Park prompted an investigation and a public tip request. Bear Safety: MFWP is hosting a hands-on bear spray seminar in Great Falls on June 24.

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: Montana marked Wildfire Smoke Ready Week with a push to protect lungs from PM2.5, including using HEPA filters or a DIY box fan with MERV 13+ and watching air-quality forecasts. Wildlife & Public Safety: FWP euthanized a black bear after it entered a camper’s tent at Beavertail Hill State Park near Missoula, saying the bear was habituated to people; FWP also approved relocation after a separate Worden neighborhood bear ended up under a deck. Conservation & Community: Flathead Audubon honored Linda Winnie with a Lifetime Conservation Achievement for decades of birding, lake protection work, and volunteer leadership. Outdoor Access: A new campground opened at the John and Nancy Owen Fishing Access Site on the Bitterroot River near Stevensville, adding campsites, a restroom, and boat-trailer parking. Policy & Land Use: Conservation groups filed appeals to stop the Trump administration’s plan to evict more than 900 bison from central Montana public lands. Climate Extremes: A Stacker roundup highlighted coldest Junes in Montana since 1895, underscoring how variable conditions can be.

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: Gov. Greg Gianforte proclaimed Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, urging residents to monitor air quality and improve indoor air to protect kids, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Forest Management & Wildlife: Opponents are pushing back on a U.S. Forest Service logging plan near Yellowstone, saying emergency approval could harm wildlife habitat and tourism. Conservation Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced nearly $18.5 million for Great Plains grasslands, targeting species like pronghorn and greater sage-grouse while supporting ranching communities. Public Land Access Rules: Environmentalists say a bid to end the roadless rule could open large areas of federal forest to roads and development, including in Montana. Local Habitat Grants: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks opened applications for about $1.8 million in WHIP grants to restore and improve wildlife habitat statewide. Water Quality & Development: A Flathead Lake-related wastewater plan is under scrutiny, with residents worried about whether it will protect the lake’s water quality. Bear Safety: A black bear near Billings was relocated by FWP game wardens after it was spotted near homes. Wildlife & Hunting Enforcement: Montana sentenced a man for poaching a nontypical whitetail, including a hunting ban and fines. Invasive/Animal Health: Montana Department of Livestock issued emergency rules tightening animal imports after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas. Fishing Access: Montana’s free fishing days are set for June 20-21, waiving license requirements while keeping regulations in place.

Wildfire Smoke Ready Week: Gov. Greg Gianforte has proclaimed June 8–12 as Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, urging people—especially kids, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory issues—to prepare early and improve indoor air quality. Air Quality Alerts: State and local officials warn smoke can drift far from fires and linger in valleys overnight, with practical steps like staying indoors when air is worst and using cleaner-air options. Behavioral Health Funding: Montana was selected for a four-year federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid demonstration, aiming to expand access to mental health and substance-use care with more stable funding. Bison Grazing Fight: A Missoula-area group has appealed BLM’s move to revoke northeastern Montana bison grazing permits for American Prairie, arguing the reversal was politically driven and contradicts prior findings. Animal Import Ban: Montana’s Department of Livestock issued an emergency order blocking imports of certain animals from New World Screwworm-affected areas in Texas unless strict inspection and treatment rules are met. Fishing Regulations: FWP and Walleyes Unlimited asked anglers to keep more small walleye at Canyon Ferry to boost the number of larger fish. Drought Tool for Trout: FWP launched Troutcast, a new app to track drought impacts on fish flows and support fisheries decisions. Public Lands Shooting Closures: DNRC is considering closing two state trust land parcels near Gallatin Gateway to recreational shooting due to safety and enforcement concerns. Grizzly Habitat Lawsuit: Groups are challenging a Forest Service project in a key grizzly connectivity corridor, arguing it would harm habitat needed for recovery. Local Jobs & Industry: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800M manufacturing facility, promising thousands of jobs, while Red Mountain Mining reported outcropping garnet skarn at its Pioneer tungsten project. Education & AI: Montana school boards are starting to adopt generative AI guidelines for classrooms, using state association policy language.

Fish & Water: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks launched TroutCast, a new web tool to forecast drought impacts on trout rivers and help flag likely drought-related fishing closures. Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups appealed the BLM’s decision to evict 940 bison from Montana public lands, calling it a politically driven reversal. Grizzlies & Forest Policy: Groups are challenging a U.S. Forest Service project aimed at shrinking “secure habitat” for grizzlies, arguing it would damage critical connectivity. Wildfire Preparedness: Missoula County is updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, shifting toward living with wildfire reality rather than relying only on suppression. Local Land Use & Safety: DNRC is weighing whether to close two state trust land parcels near Gallatin Gateway over unregulated shooting risks. Wildlife Encounters: A black bear roamed a Lockwood neighborhood near schools, prompting an official response. Outdoor Economy: A new report highlights how fishing supports Montana’s economy, underscoring why protecting healthy waterways matters. Climate Literacy: A local view piece spotlights how cities are trying to educate residents and build climate-smart resilience.

Public Lands & Climate Policy: Sen. Elizabeth Warren unveiled a plan for a first-day moratorium on new oil and gas drilling and mining on federal lands, plus a push to reinstate methane and other pollution rules. State Sovereignty & Permitting: A Montana viewpoint urges Gov. Gianforte and DEQ not to sign a FAST 41 MOU that would cede state control to a federal permitting council. PFAS in Water: Montana’s rivers and fish are showing PFAS contamination, with reports of elevated levels in popular species like trout and walleye. Mining Fight: A “Speak up to stop Sheep Creek Mine” call targets ongoing pressure around the project. Wildlife & Habitat: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in 8 packs in 2025, with low pup survival and disease suspected; Wyoming cut its wolf hunt in half after a distemper outbreak. Energy & Power Demand: Missoula groups warn data centers could consume 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030, straining Montana’s electricity supply. Land Access: Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers sued Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over “corner crossing,” arguing it blocks access to hundreds of thousands of acres. Local Wildlife Safety: A black bear roamed a Lockwood neighborhood near schools, prompting wildlife officials to respond. Wildfire Outlook: Montana officials warned 2026 could bring above-normal wildfire risk driven by drought, wind, and warmer conditions. Weather: A First Alert Weather Day was issued for Sunday severe storms across parts of the northern High Plains, including southeast Montana.

Wildlife Watch: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with low pup survival tied to likely disease and thinner prey conditions, while some wolves are also being killed outside the park. Regional Policy: Wyoming cut its wolf hunt by 50% after a canine distemper outbreak drove numbers to the lowest level in two decades. Public Lands Access: Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers sued Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks over “corner crossing,” arguing hundreds of thousands of acres are effectively locked away without it. Water Quality: Montana’s rivers and fish show PFAS contamination, with “forever chemicals” detected in popular species and raising health concerns. Local Government: Kalispell is weighing Safe Haven Baby Boxes at fire stations after public lobbying. Fire Risk: Montana officials warned the 2026 wildfire season may bring above-normal danger from drought, wind, and warmer conditions. Energy & Power Demand: Missoula groups warned data centers could dramatically spike electricity use, straining the grid. Weather: A severe storm threat is building across the northern Plains, including parts of southeast Montana.

Forest Health & Fire Readiness: Montana officials announced a major expansion of the Shared Stewardship forest management partnership, adding a new Lolo National Forest landscape and bringing the total to nearly one million acres aimed at improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk. Public Lands Access & Wildlife: A draft federal move would expand off-road vehicle access on millions of acres of national forest land, including areas affecting about 5 million acres in Idaho and Montana, raising concerns for habitat and protections. Grizzly Bear Conflicts: A 15-year-old in western Montana was charged after shooting and killing a grizzly that broke into a chicken coop, while separate reports highlight ongoing bear encounters in Glacier National Park. Local Power & Data Centers: Missoula-area environmental groups warned that proposed data centers could dramatically increase electricity demand, with NorthWestern Energy letters of intent tied to hundreds to over a thousand megawatts by 2030. Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day was issued for Sunday with damaging wind gusts and large hail possible across parts of the northern High Plains, including southeast Montana. Land Swaps Politics: An opinion piece says Montana’s land swap process is becoming more political as authority shifts toward the Land Board, potentially speeding trades of hard-to-access state parcels. Wildlife & Habitat Research: A community science effort is recruiting more cat owners nationwide, including Montana, to help fill gaps in feline genetics and behavior research.

Wildfire Watch: Montana officials warned the 2026 wildfire season could bring above-normal risk, driven by drought, heat and wind, and stressed the need for strong local, volunteer and federal coordination. Public Lands Access: A draft memo says the Forest Service could expand year-round off-road vehicle access on millions of acres, including areas tied to wilderness protections—an Idaho/Montana-focused change that could reshape recreation and habitat. Forest Management: Montana and the U.S. Forest Service expanded a Shared Stewardship agreement to nearly one million acres, adding a new Lolo National Forest landscape aimed at improving forest health and reducing wildfire threats. Grizzly Conflict: A 15-year-old in Frenchtown was charged after shooting and killing a grizzly that broke into his family’s chicken coop, raising familiar questions about wildlife safety and human response. Data Centers vs. Power: Missoula heard warnings that proposed data centers could consume 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030, straining electricity supplies and local planning. Climate Court Update: Federal judges rejected a bid to revive a youth climate lawsuit targeting Trump energy orders, continuing Montana’s recent run of climate-case setbacks. Coal Push, Montana Left Out: Trump’s nearly $700 million coal plan targets other states, with Montana excluded—though industry leaders still see broader federal energy momentum.