AGP Executive Report

Roadless Rule Fight: The USDA move to eliminate the Roadless Area Conservation Rule threatens protections for millions of acres of Montana and Wyoming public land, with knock-on risks for clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, and wildfire prevention. Bear Safety in Montana: FWP and partners are pushing “Bear Aware Month” messaging as low natural foods drive bears toward homes; a Kalispell fruit drive asks residents to donate gleaned fruit to cut attractants. Human-Bear Conflict Tips: A guide urges Montanans to harvest ripening fruit, remove fallen fruit, secure trash and pet food, and use electric fencing to keep bears wild. FWP Fire Update: Fire restrictions were lifted for FWP lands in Jefferson County, but officials still urge caution as dry conditions linger. Fishing Closures Eased: Daily “hoot-owl” restrictions were lifted on the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir, while other drought-related limits remain. Local Land-Use Watch: Whitefish planners say a river-adjacent townhome project was exempt from some water-quality rules due to an older permitting window, but still required a 310 permit. Hunting Access Enforcement: Montana’s Block Management Enforcement Network lets participating landowners restrict access to rule-breakers, starting this year. Policy & Climate Court Fight: 25 state AGs urge defunding the National Academies over alleged bias in climate-related materials used in lawsuits. Data Centers in Great Falls: Local leaders held a forum on energy costs and environmental impacts as more developers eye Montana.

Wildlife & Recreation: Fire restrictions have been lifted for Montana FWP lands in Jefferson County, but officials still urge caution as dry conditions and lingering fire danger continue; Bear Safety: September marks Montana’s “Bear Aware Month,” with groups pointing to poor natural food availability and urging residents to cut bear attractants like unsecured trash and fruit; FWP also ran a Kalispell fruit drive to reduce backyard bear pull; Fishing Management: Daily hoot-owl fishing limits were lifted for the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir, while other drought-related closures and restrictions remain in place; Climate & Policy Fight: State AGs are pushing to defund the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine over alleged bias in climate-related work used in lawsuits; Energy & Data Centers: Great Falls leaders held a forum on data center concerns, including energy costs and environmental impact; Local Land/Heritage: New research highlights possible very early human presence in the Beartooths, with archaeologists reporting high-elevation sites and artifacts; Weather Extremes: NOAA warns the northern lights could be visible across parts of Montana and other northern states this week, depending on clear skies.

Wildfire push in the spotlight: United By Nature launched “Fight Fire With Flavor,” pairing hot sauces with a national campaign urging Americans to pressure leaders for smarter wildfire prevention and healthier forests. Forest management update in Montana: Montana FWP released a second supplemental environmental assessment for Lone Pine State Park’s forest thinning plan after new tree-health surveys showed the dwarf mistletoe problem is spreading in ways that change how much Douglas fir would be removed per acre; a reopened comment period is underway. Big federal staffing cuts hit conservation: A Center for Biological Diversity analysis says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing is down about 40% in Montana, part of a broader Western drop that could affect wildlife work. Local land-use fight: Yellowstone County opponents of a Broadview data center are pushing for interim zoning to pause development, arguing Montana law allows it even as officials cite a state-law roadblock. Climate and wildlife impacts: A new study warns Yellowstone geysers could become less active as warming reduces snowpack, and a separate report notes lightning killed 220 sheep in the Gravelly Mountains. Energy and mining watch: Domestic Metals started a planned 9,000-meter drill program at its Smart Creek copper project in Montana.

Wildlife & Climate: A new study led by Montana State University warns Yellowstone’s geysers could become far less active as warming reduces snowpack that feeds the basin’s groundwater system. Public Lands & Policy: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed about 3,600 staff during Trump’s second term, with Montana down 77 employees (about 40%), raising concerns for species monitoring and enforcement. Local Land-Use Fight: Yellowstone County opponents of a Broadview-area data center are pushing for interim zoning, but county officials say a new state law blocks that move. Health Costs: Montana state employees and retirees face major out-of-pocket increases for health coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027, with deductibles tripling. Wildlife Conflict Prevention: Bozeman is expanding “first responder” wildlife staffing to anticipate and reduce human-wildlife conflicts before they escalate. Water & Weather: Labor Day storms are expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding across parts of the Northern Plains, with Montana in the mix. Wildlife Rescue: An orphaned polar bear cub was moved to Winnipeg for expert care after its mother died.

Wildlife & Land: Montana’s bear conflict planning is getting more proactive as Bozeman expands “first responder” wildlife staffing to prevent human-wildlife trouble before it starts. Wolf Policy: President Trump’s order kicks off a federal review that could weaken Endangered Species Act protections for gray and Mexican wolves, with states and livestock compensation changes in the mix. Water & Data Centers: Custer County’s zoning hearing drew heavy pushback on hyperscale data centers, with residents warning about water, power, noise, and asking for stronger rules or a moratorium. Climate & Federal Staffing: A report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, including a reported 40% drop in Montana, raising concerns for monitoring and enforcement. Local Impacts: Green Bench Orchard in Missoula canceled its u-pick season after a May freeze wiped out apples and fire blight hit trees. Labor & Environment: A strike is underway at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Montana palladium operations over health benefits and incentive pay changes. Agriculture Research: Bitterroot researchers are studying honeyberries as a potential new crop for Montana growers, including shelf life and harvesting methods. Wildlife Loss: A lightning strike killed 220 sheep in the Gravelly Mountains, triggering local carcass disposal efforts to reduce predator risk.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana FWP says a grizzly attack north of Columbia Falls was a surprise defensive encounter, with the area closed until further notice after investigators found a nearby deer carcass and evidence the bear had at least one cub. Carnivore Conflict: In the Gravelly Mountains, a lightning strike killed 220 sheep, triggering local carcass disposal efforts to keep predators away from other herders and recreationists. Bear Management: Residents in Lincoln are tracking repeated juvenile grizzly visits and damage around town, while FWP continues urging “bear aware” habits like securing attractants. Federal Wildlife Policy: A new Trump order directs Interior to consider weakening Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, including changes to standards for livestock predation. Habitat & Invasive Species: Yellowstone is temporarily closing Buffalo Creek and using fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout to protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Water & Food Safety: Washington health officials warn people not to eat broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts after a Salmonella outbreak linked to 13 illnesses, with additional cases reported in Montana. Local Environment & Cleanup: Belgrade’s “Big Red” grain elevator could get new life with an EPA brownfields grant aimed at repurposing a historic, possibly contaminated site. Weather: Severe storms and flash-flood risk are expected to linger across parts of the Northern Plains into early week.

Wolf Protections Under Review: President Trump signed an order directing Interior to consider rolling back Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves, with faster pathways for lethal removal and changes to how livestock predation claims are handled—Montana’s wolf management could be affected by the federal shift. Montana Wildlife Staffing Cuts: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffing has fallen by 3,600 nationwide, with Montana down about 40% since 2024, raising concerns for enforcement and recovery work. Bear Safety in Montana: FWP is monitoring increased bear activity after multiple encounters near homes and on busy trails, urging residents to secure attractants and stay bear-aware. DEQ Oil & Gas Review: Montana DEQ is seeking public comment on a draft programmatic environmental assessment for its Oil and Gas Registration Program, covering facilities that could emit 25–100 tons of air pollutants per year. Yellowstone Native Fish Protection: Yellowstone closed part of Buffalo Creek and used fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout to protect Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Local Land-Use Pressure: Custer County held a zoning hearing on data center rules, with residents pushing for stronger limits or a temporary moratorium over water, power, and noise concerns. Waterfowl Update: A mid-continent survey found duck numbers at their lowest since 1993 for mallards, though more May ponds could help future fall flights. Public Health Alert: Washington health officials warned people not to eat broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts after a Salmonella outbreak linked to cases in Washington and Montana.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana residents are watching grizzly activity closely in Lincoln after repeated visits by three juvenile bears that have caused damage, while FWP also urged “bear aware” habits as bears stay active longer into fall and mountain lion reports near Helena’s South Hills prompt monitoring. Wolf Protections Under Review: A Trump order directs Interior to assess whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves can be delisted or downlisted, potentially easing lethal removal—sparking immediate pushback from conservation groups and setting up more court fights. Federal Capacity Cuts: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workforce has fallen by about 3,600 nationwide, with Montana down 77 staff (about 40%), raising concerns about how quickly wildlife work can be done. Habitat & Native Fish: Yellowstone will close part of Buffalo Creek and use fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout and protect Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Local Environment & Land Use: Custer County held a zoning hearing focused on data centers, with residents pressing for stronger rules or a moratorium; Butte-Silver Bow also moved toward a temporary data center moratorium. Waterfowl Update: A new survey finds duck breeding numbers down overall, with May pond increases the main bright spot for next year’s flights.

Data Centers & Local Land Use: Custer County’s zoning hearing drew heavy pushback on proposed rules for hyperscale data centers, with residents warning about water, power, noise, and unclear definitions—some urged a two-year moratorium while stronger limits are written. Wildlife Management: Yellowstone is closing part of Buffalo Creek and using fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout to protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout; the closure runs Aug. 31–Sept. 6. Bear Safety: FWP says bears are staying active longer in Montana’s hyperphagia season, and Bozeman is seeing more in-town calls—officials urge bear-aware habits like using bear bins and securing trash. Public Health: Washington health officials warn 13 people (including cases in Montana) are sick with Salmonella linked to broccoli sprouts from Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts; there’s no recall, but people should throw out recently purchased product. Wolf Policy: A Trump order directs Interior to consider delisting gray wolves and Mexican wolves, setting a 90-day decision clock and likely intensifying legal and conservation fights. State Environmental Review: Montana DEQ is seeking public comment on a draft programmatic environmental assessment for its Oil and Gas Registration Program through Oct. 1, 2026.

Wolf Protections Under Review: A new Trump order gives Interior 90 days to consider stripping Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves, with Montana’s northern Rocky Mountain states already managed by states under different rules. Wildlife Staff Cuts: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, including a reported 40% drop in Montana, raising concerns for species and habitat oversight. Bear Safety in Montana Cities: FWP and local officials are urging “bear aware” habits as sightings rise around towns, including Bozeman calls and guidance to secure trash and attractants. Helena Mountain Lion Monitoring: FWP is monitoring mountain lion activity near homes in Helena’s South Hills and reminding residents when to contact the agency. Madison River Fishing Update: “Hoot-owl” restrictions were lifted on the Madison River above Hebgen Reservoir after cooler water temperatures, while lower-river limits remain. Salt River Fish Die-Off: Wyoming Game and Fish linked a major Salt River fish kill to Proliferative Kidney Disease from a parasite, with mountain whitefish most affected. DEQ Oil & Gas Review: Montana DEQ is seeking public comment on a draft programmatic environmental assessment for its Oil and Gas Registration Program. Columbia Falls Grizzly Attack: FWP says a grizzly that mauled a dog walker near Cedar Flats was a surprise defensive encounter tied to a sow with a cub and a nearby cached deer. Freshwater Jellyfish Surprise: A 10-year-old found rare freshwater jellyfish near Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the second major Montana sighting since 2009. Data Center Pressure Builds: Butte-Silver Bow moved toward a temporary data center moratorium, while Missoula’s street policy update and other local actions show how fast-growing infrastructure debates are colliding with environmental and community concerns.

Bear Safety in Billings: FWP says black bear sightings are up around Billings and the Yellowstone River, urging residents to lock up trash and take down bird feeders as bears search for scarce natural food. Bear Spray Disposal: FWP is running Bear Aware Month drop-offs in Glasgow and Havre so expired or used bear spray doesn’t go in household trash. Wolf Management: Montana Fish and Wildlife set the 2026-27 wolf harvest quota at 300 wolves after heavy public input, with the season starting Sept. 5. PFAS at Schools: Testing confirmed PFAS/PFOA at Rossiter Elementary’s well; the district says specialized filters are in place and drinking water is safe while more results are pending. Freshwater Jellyfish in Montana: A rare freshwater jellyfish sighting near Canyon Ferry Reservoir marks only the second major Montana record, reported by residents. Roadless Rule Fight: Montana is weighing the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule, with the state holding public comment opportunities as wildfire and drinking-water concerns rise. Data Centers and Water Concerns: Candidates in Montana’s Eastern House race are spotlighting local control and water transparency issues tied to major data center proposals. Drought Disaster Designations: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to severe or extreme drought, opening the door to emergency loan help. Clark Fork Access: Missoula celebrated new Clark Fork River access points, linking downtown trails and improving eroding banks and riparian habitat. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters says a breach involving its court case platform affected systems in Montana and other states, raising privacy concerns.

Data Center Politics: Montana’s Eastern House race is turning into a referendum on data centers, with candidates debating local control, water transparency, and a proposed voter moratorium as Quantica’s Broadview project faces mounting opposition. Roadless Rule Fight: The Trump administration’s plan to repeal the Roadless Rule is drawing fresh debate in Montana, where roadless protections cover millions of acres tied to drinking water, wildlife habitat, and wildfire risk. Bear Safety in the Flathead: FWP says a Columbia Falls grizzly attack was a surprise defensive encounter involving a female with cubs, and the Cedar Flats trail complex remains closed. Bear Awareness in Billings: FWP reports higher-than-normal bear activity around the Yellowstone River area, urging residents to secure attractants. Harmful Algal Bloom: Lake Elmo near Billings tested positive for harmful algal bloom toxins, and FWP/DEQ monitoring continues. Wildlife Agency Staffing: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply, including major losses in Montana, raising concerns for refuges and imperiled species. Cybersecurity Spillover: Thomson Reuters confirmed a C-Track breach that exposed some court records, including Montana’s Supreme Court, with monitoring offered to potentially affected people. FWP Hunting Outlook: FWP forecasts average to above-average big game hunting in western Montana and updates on season rules.

Wildfire Tech Upgrade: Bridger Aerospace is partnering with OroraTech to plug satellite thermal intelligence and fire-spread modeling into its IGNIS wildfire software, aiming to give crews a clearer picture earlier. Drought Relief: USDA’s natural-disaster designation expands emergency credit for drought-hit Montana counties (Fallon, Richland, Roosevelt, Wibaux) with an April 13, 2027 deadline. Bear Safety in the Flathead: Cedar Flats trail north of Columbia Falls stays closed after a dog-walking bear attack; officials say the bear species is still unknown. Wildlife Conflict at Glacier: Video shows hikers clashing after people went off-trail to approach mountain goats in Glacier National Park—park staff urge staying well back and on designated routes. Data Center Fight in Yellowstone County: Residents pushed to put a countywide data center moratorium on the November ballot, but commissioners took no action. Cybersecurity Spillover: Thomson Reuters confirmed a C-Track breach that exposed court-related personal data in Montana and other jurisdictions. Wolf Management: Montana set a 300-wolf harvest quota for 2026-27 after a lower recommendation from FWP. Water Quality Planning: Missoula is moving toward a bio-filtration project after stormwater monitoring found emerging pesticide-related contaminants in Pattee Creek. Local Agriculture Outreach: MSU Extension will host a pest management tour across eastern Montana in late September and early October.**

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.