AGP Executive Report

Public Lands Deal: A 161-acre tract near Yellowstone that was eyed for gold mining is now being added to the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, with mineral rights purchased so mining can’t reopen—protected under the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act. BLM Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, a move conservationists say could accelerate drilling and land sales. Montana Access Fight: A Dearborn River stream-access dispute is still sparking competing narratives, while Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and a public access group push a lawsuit to block FWP’s “corner crossing” enforcement stance. Mental Health Funding: Gov. Gianforte and DPHHS announced $1.2 million to expand in-state psychiatric residential beds for Montana youth. Local Watch: Missoula City Council approved selling city-owned land behind Bob Wards for an affordable housing development. Wildlife Moment: Iris, an osprey in Missoula, is highlighted as the oldest known nesting osprey.

Public Lands Power Struggle: The U.S. Senate confirmed Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management in a party-line vote, as the Trump administration accelerates mining and drilling and rolls back conservation rules—setting up a major fight over how Montana’s federal lands are managed. Montana Utility Oversight: Montana regulators heard arguments over whether NorthWestern can merge with Black Hills Electric, with critics warning the deal could weaken local oversight and affordability protections. Mental Health Capacity: Montana committed an additional $1.2 million to expand youth psychiatric residential care, splitting grants between Shodair Children’s Hospital and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Fishing Access on the Yellowstone: Montana FWP opened public comment on a proposed Sisken Island fishing access site, including float-in access and camping. Local Infrastructure Delay: East Helena’s long-awaited Valley Drive reconstruction—funded by a 2024 federal RAISE grant—still hasn’t started, now stuck in federal legal review. Wildlife Access Lawsuit: Public land groups sued Montana FWP over its corner-crossing position, challenging the state’s guidance as unlawful.

Federal child-welfare policy: A bipartisan Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act was introduced to help states separate normal childhood independence from neglect, backing training and clearer standards. Wildlife management pressure: Wyoming is cutting its gray wolf hunting cap by 50% to 22 wolves after a canine distemper outbreak pushed numbers to the lowest in two decades. Public lands fight: The Biden-era Public Lands Rule has been rescinded, shifting the balance back toward broader multiple-use management. Montana climate leadership: NPR highlights how Montana Indigenous communities are using traditional knowledge plus Western science to drive climate action. Solar storm skies: Multiple CMEs are headed toward Earth, with northern lights possible across parts of the northern U.S., including Montana, if the impacts “glance” our way. Local environment angle: Whitefish is set to revisit a deer management plan amid growing conflicts and chronic wasting disease concerns.

Heartland Fiber Push: DCN, Range, and WIN Technology just announced a $700M, 2,000-mile fiber build linking Denver to Chicago through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana—aimed at boosting capacity and resilience for AI-driven data center demand, with construction starting this summer and deployment over 1–2 years. Blackfeet Storytelling: Blackfeet photographer Whitney Snow received the Madonna Thunder Hawk Environmental Photography Fellowship for “The Women’s Grass,” documenting women restoring sacred sweetgrass and protecting teachings. Montana Land-Access Fight: Corner-crossing legality remains in the spotlight as Montana officials and landowners clash over whether hunters can access checkerboard public land without trespassing—now with drone-related arguments adding new pressure. Fire Safety Watch: Stutsman County residents were urged to avoid controlled burns as red-flag conditions bring dangerous fire behavior from high winds and dry air. Water Update: Denton’s boil-water advisory is set to be reassessed Monday after a disinfection failure, with the town continuing monitoring and free water support.

Wildfire pressure in Montana: Stutsman County is under a “critical” fire-weather pattern with high winds and low humidity, and officials are urging people to avoid controlled burns as red-flag restrictions can change fast. Public land access showdown: Conservation groups are suing Montana FWP to “cement the legality” of corner crossing after Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras argued it’s trespassing—setting up a court fight over how Montanans can legally access checkerboard public lands. Water safety update: The Town of Denton’s boil-water advisory is set to stay in effect until Monday, May 18, after a disinfection failure—while officials keep providing free bottled water. Climate context: A climate group says it’s backing away from some of the most extreme doomsday estimates, while scientists warn El Niño could still bring major disruptions. Aurora watch: NOAA says northern lights chances remain possible this weekend, including parts of northern Montana.

Public Lands Legal Showdown: Montana conservation groups just filed suit to “cement the legality of corner crossing,” challenging Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ position that the practice is unlawful and should be handled case-by-case with permission from adjoining landowners. Land-Exchange Rules Under Fire: Montana’s Land Board is set to consider changes that would let third-party consultants—paid by interested landowners—broker state trust land exchanges, and critics warn it could tilt access toward those who can afford outside help. Fire Safety Watch: In North Dakota, Stutsman County issued red-flag fire restrictions as high winds and low humidity create dangerous fire behavior—an early reminder that spring conditions can turn fast. Northern Lights Buzz: NOAA says aurora chances remain on the table for parts of northern Montana and nearby states this weekend, with the best viewing late night into early morning.

Bear Safety in Glacier: A missing hiker’s body was found in Glacier National Park, and the National Park Service says injuries match a bear encounter—the first deadly bear attack there since 1998, with trails near the Mt. Brown Trail temporarily closed while officials check for bear activity. Public Land Access Fight: Conservation groups and hunters are pushing Montana to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, filing suit against FWP after Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras argued it’s trespassing—adding fuel to a fast-moving legal gray area. State Trust Land Policy: Montana’s State Auditor James Brown is set to ask the Land Board to expand land exchanges using third-party consultants paid by landowners, drawing criticism that it could tilt fairness toward those who can hire help. Fire Weather: Stutsman County issued red-flag fire warnings as high winds and low humidity create “extreme” fire behavior—urging residents to avoid controlled burns. Northern Lights: NOAA says aurora chances remain in northern Montana and nearby states this weekend, with the best viewing after dark in darker areas.

Bear Safety Shock: A missing 33-year-old hiker’s body was found in Glacier National Park, with the National Park Service saying injuries match a bear encounter—the first deadly bear attack there since 1998. Trails near Lake McDonald Lodge were temporarily closed as wildlife and law enforcement assess the area. Public Lands Access Fight: Conservation groups are suing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, arguing the state’s guidance conflicts with existing legal authority and public trust duties—setting up a major court showdown over how Montanans reach checkerboard public land. Water System Disruption: Denton’s “boil water” advisory is staying in effect until May 18 after a disinfection failure; the town says repairs are done and residents get free daily water. Northern Lights Buzz: NOAA forecasts another aurora chance this weekend, with visibility potentially reaching as far south as northern Montana. Local Wildlife Culture: Sun River Wildlife Management Area gates opened near Augusta as antler season begins, drawing crowds and prompting expanded patrols.

Bear Safety & Public Lands: Glacier National Park says the body of missing hiker Anthony Pollio, 33, was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, with injuries consistent with a bear encounter—prompting temporary trail closures as wildlife staff assess the area. Northern Lights: NOAA says northern Montana and parts of the northern Plains have a low chance to see aurora Friday night, with a similar shot Saturday. Corner Crossing Fight: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Public Land & Water Access Association filed suit to “cement the legality” of corner crossing in Montana, arguing FWP’s policy is unlawful and leaves people without clear guidance. Grizzly Politics: Rep. Ryan Zinke is calling for delisting grizzly bears after recent bear-related incidents in Glacier and Yellowstone. Energy & Data Centers: The Montana PSC is holding hearings on the Northwestern Energy–Black Hills merger, with testimony split between growth and power reliability versus climate and rate impacts.

Bear Safety in Glacier: A missing 33-year-old hiker’s body was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, and the National Park Service says injuries match a bear encounter—prompting temporary trail closures and a fresh sweep for bear activity. Corner Crossing Fight: Conservation groups sued Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to “cement the legality” of corner crossing, after Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras said it’s illegal and FWP policy treats it as unlawful. Energy & Data Centers: The Montana Public Service Commission is holding hearings on the Northwestern Energy–Black Hills merger, with testimony split between powering data centers and protecting rates and climate goals. Public Lands Policy: Gov. Gianforte welcomed BLM’s rescission of the Biden-era Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, arguing it restores multiple-use management. Local Wildlife Watch: Helena’s urban deer survey reports record density but fewer conflicts and less daytime movement—showing management may be working.

Glacier National Park Bear Tragedy: A missing hiker’s body was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, and the National Park Service says injuries match a bear encounter—marking the first deadly bear attack at Glacier since 1998. Local Politics: Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino is set for a June 2 primary face-off with challenger Evie Cahalen, with no Democrats on the ballot. Public Lands Fight: New Mexico lawmakers urged people to comment against a looming repeal of the federal Roadless Rule, warning it could open millions of acres to logging and roads. FWP Enforcement Shake-Up: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reorganizing its wardens’ division after audits flagged morale and trust problems. Outdoor Safety & Access: Glacier is also rolling out new visitor limits this summer, including a three-hour parking rule at Logan Pass. Wildlife Conflict Prevention: A Tahoe interagency bear team is testing new tactics to reduce human-bear conflicts after training in Kalispell.

Glacier National Park Bear Tragedy: Authorities say the body of missing hiker Anthony Pollio, 33, was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, with injuries “consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” prompting temporary trail closures and an area check for ongoing bear activity. Corner Crossing Legal Fight: Montana’s Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras told lawmakers corner crossing is unlawful, but the hearing left many asking for clearer answers on how trespass law applies in real-world access scenarios. FWP Fishing Rules: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks updated 2026 paddlefish regulations, including new tagging and reporting steps for anglers. Water Infrastructure Spotlight: A Belgrade library screening and Q&A will focus on the nation’s aging wastewater systems and what they mean for public health. Wildfire Mitigation: The Forest Service approved the Bitterroot Front Project to cut wildfire risk across 148,000 acres. Local Agriculture Growth: Local Bounti reported 15% Q1 sales growth, citing expanded production and upgrades.

Glacier National Park Tragedy: A missing hiker’s body was found Wednesday about 50 feet off the Mt. Brown Trail, and the National Park Service says injuries match a bear encounter—marking the first deadly bear attack at Glacier since 1998. Trails from Lake McDonald Lodge were temporarily closed as wildlife and law enforcement assess the area for ongoing risk. Energy & Rates: Montana’s Public Service Commission has opened a four-day hearing on the $15.4B NorthWestern Energy–Black Hills merger, with ratepayers pressing for transparency around data centers and businesses arguing for reliability. Public Lands & Bison: The Bureau of Land Management finalized cancellations of bison grazing permits for American Prairie, drawing praise from Montana officials and criticism from conservation groups. Wildlife Tech: New AI tools are helping wildlife camera projects sort images in days instead of months, speeding up monitoring. Outdoor Safety: Montana tick season is already ramping up, with FWP urging long sleeves, tucked pants, and regular checks for people and pets.

Glacier National Park Tragedy: Authorities say the body of missing hiker Anthony Pollio, 33, was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, with injuries consistent with a deadly bear encounter—the first such fatality at the park since 1998, and trail closures are in place while officials assess bear activity. Greater Yellowstone Bear Season: Yellowstone experts warn that warm, low-snow conditions have pushed grizzly activity earlier than usual, setting up a potentially intense summer for hikers. Montana Energy Decision: The Montana Public Service Commission is holding a four-day hearing on a potential merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy, with ratepayers pressing for transparency and businesses arguing for reliability. Public Lands Policy Shift: The BLM has canceled American Prairie’s bison grazing permits on federal land, a move praised by Montana officials and criticized by conservation groups. Water Rights: UM law graduate Lori Blumenthal was appointed a Montana water master to help adjudicate water claims. Outdoors Safety: FWP says tick season is already ramping up across Montana—long sleeves, boots, and pet checks are key.

Glacier National Park Bear Tragedy: A missing hiker’s body was found Wednesday off the Mt. Brown Trail, and the National Park Service says injuries match a bear encounter—marking the park’s first deadly bear attack since 1998. Trails from Lake McDonald Lodge were temporarily closed as wildlife and law enforcement assess bear activity. Public Lands Policy Shift: The Trump administration is scrapping a Biden-era BLM rule that treated conservation as a “use” of public lands, a move supporters say boosts energy predictability and critics say weakens protections for water and wildlife. Chronic Wasting Disease Watch: Chronic Wasting Disease was detected for the first time on the National Elk Refuge, raising new alarms for Wyoming’s Jackson elk herd. Montana Wildlife Updates: FWP is also fielding multiple mountain lion reports around Bozeman, while bear-safety warnings continue after recent attacks in the region.

Bear Safety & Public Lands: A missing 33-year-old hiker’s body was found in Glacier National Park, with injuries “consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” and nearby trails closed while wildlife and law enforcement assess the area. Wildlife Tech: Montana and beyond are getting faster wildlife monitoring as AI can sort camera-trap images in days instead of months. Energy & Rates: Montana regulators kick off public hearings this week on a proposed NorthWestern–Black Hills energy merger, with environmental and consumer groups urging scrutiny—especially around data-center power plans. Conservation Policy: The Interior Department is canceling a rule that treated conservation on par with development on public lands, a move critics say weakens protections for water and wildlife. Local Infrastructure: Helena is starting planning and early environmental review for a grade-separation project at the Montana Avenue BNSF crossing. Fishing Rules: Montana FWP is taking public input on 41 proposed fishing regulation changes, including potential limits on boat fishing on the East Gallatin River. Road Safety Tech: Montana Highway Patrol says drones are now helping document crash scenes faster and keep roads open sooner.