AGP Executive Report

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.

Wildfire policy and safety: Three U.S. firefighters died in a Colorado blaze tied to a newly created federal fire service and a revived “full suppression” approach that critics say reverses decades of learning about using fire wisely. Air quality enforcement: Montana DEQ reached a consent order with the City of Billings over Clean Air Act violations at an animal shelter incinerator, including repeated failures to hit required temperatures. Public lands and wildlife: Montana Stockgrowers Association filed to intervene in an appeal of BLM’s decision affecting Phillips County grazing allotments, arguing bison don’t meet Taylor Grazing Act production requirements. Wildlife connectivity funding: Starting July 1, Montana drivers can buy a specialty plate that supports wildlife crossing programs and aims to cut vehicle-animal collisions. Outdoor recreation rules: National Park officials confirmed strict pet bans on popular trails, with hikers facing $100 fines for violations. Energy development in eastern Montana: A counties conference in Miles City highlighted how communities are preparing for wind/solar and what comes next as large-scale energy and data-center plans grow. Health and prevention: Sidney Health Center received a quality improvement award for infection-prevention work, including standardizing isolation room turnover.

Wildlife crossings: Montana’s new specialty license plate starts July 1, funding wildlife connectivity and collision risk reduction statewide. Public lands & recreation fees: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing higher fees for state parks and commercial users, with bigger jumps for commercial filming/photography. Water quality: Montana DEQ says the Big Hole River is impaired, citing algae and nutrient problems. Wildfire response: Montana fire officials are preparing for the 2026 season under a major federal consolidation into a single Wildland Fire Service. Weather impacts: A late-June snow system has blanketed higher elevations and even closed Beartooth Pass, with more unsettled conditions expected. Local governance: Gallatin County voters are being urged to push the County Study Commission to put self-governance options on the ballot. Habitat safety: Yellowstone reported a bison encounter injury involving a 12-year-old and reiterated safe-distance guidance.

Wildfire Readiness: Montana fire officials say the 2026 season is already underway, with federal firefighting resources consolidating into a new “United States Wildland Fire Service” as agencies push for faster response and healthier forests. Public Lands & Wildlife Safety: Yellowstone reported a 12-year-old injured in a bison encounter near Mud Volcano, reminding visitors to keep at least 25 yards from bison and other large wildlife. Energy Costs & Data Centers: Missoula County is considering interim zoning to pause new data center and crypto projects while it studies impacts; separately, Montana’s Public Service Commission is limiting public meetings on NorthWestern Energy’s plan, as residents face rising bills. Electric Rates: NorthWestern’s rate plan would raise typical residential electric bills starting July 1, while critics argue the utility undervalues Montana’s wind and solar. Water Quality: Montana DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, citing algae and nutrient concerns. Pipeline Fight: Montana residents are challenging a DEQ waiver tied to the Bridger Pipeline expansion, alleging improper process and missing public notice. Recreation Fees: Montana FWP is proposing higher state park fees, with commercial users facing the biggest increases.

Big Hole River Update: Montana DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, citing warm water, algae blooms, and low oxygen tied to nutrient pollution—an impairment that could trigger more cleanup work if EPA approves. Energy & Public Input: The Montana Public Service Commission is cutting public meetings for NorthWestern Energy’s plan to just two hearings, drawing criticism from groups that say transparency matters more with major data center load plans and other scrutiny. AI Data Center Pushback: A rural Montana mom is leading opposition to a proposed AI data center footprint estimated at 3,800 football fields, warning about impacts to farmland, wildlife, water, and rural character. Drinking Water Funding: EPA announced $1.6 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in Montana and other states, including work to address PFAS and lead. Wildlife & Roads: A new report highlights how wildlife crossings are reconnecting habitats—an approach that’s especially relevant as Montana communities weigh habitat fragmentation. Weather Watch: Winter storm warnings hit parts of southwest Montana and Idaho with heavy, wet snow, while a separate heat wave grips much of the eastern U.S.

Water Quality & Fisheries: Montana DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, citing warm water, algae blooms, and dead trout tied to nutrient overload and low oxygen; the details will feed into the next Water Quality Integrated Report, with possible EPA approval and follow-up pollution limits. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced $1.6 million in grants for drinking-water upgrades across Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, including help targeting PFAS and lead sources. Invasive Species: A new look at Montana rangelands warns that invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass and medusahead are taking over disturbed soils, degrading native plant communities, and changing wildfire behavior. Local Food Systems: Abundant Montana says its Local Food Guide helps connect Montana producers with consumers, aiming to raise the share of food grown in-state from 3% to 33% by 2032. Public Input: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comments on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for the 2027–2028 cycle, with regional meetings and virtual options. Wildlife & Land Use: A Montana-related debate continues over how bison and grazing should be managed, including the role of federal land rules. Severe Weather: Storms across the Northern Plains and into Canada are bringing flooding and tornado threats, with systems tracking from Montana.

Public Health & Climate: Montana Climate Matters warns that rising CO2 can boost crop yields while diluting protein and key minerals, threatening nutrition for kids and communities. Tornado & Flood Watch: Severe storms continue to threaten the Canadian Prairies, with Environment Canada tracking tornado risk and heavy rain that can trigger flash flooding and dangerous travel conditions. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for the 2027–2028 cycle, with regional meetings and online options. Water Quality & Rivers: Montana DEQ moves toward impairment designation for the Big Hole River, citing algae and nutrient concerns. Energy & Land Use: Dawson County voters approved a 250-foot height limit that effectively blocks large industrial wind turbines, plus additional conservation rules for wind and solar siting. Accountability & Governance: Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission faces a lawsuit alleging open-meeting law violations tied to black bear quota changes. Jobs & Industry: Great Falls landed an $800M Janicki Industries manufacturing facility, promising major job growth. Community & Preparedness: SIM-MT and partners delivered burn training in Red Lodge to help rural EMS and clinicians respond to high-acuity emergencies. Wildlife Crossings Funding: Montana’s new license plate aims to support safer wildlife crossings.

Wildlife & Habitat Legal Fight: A lawsuit says the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission violated open-meeting rules when it changed black bear hunting quotas without proper public notice and comment. Public Lands & Forests: Conservation groups say the Forest Service backed off a deforestation and logging plan tied to the Cooke City Fuels Project, a win for whitebark pine and Inventoried Roadless Areas near Yellowstone. Water Quality: Montana DEQ is moving toward an impairment designation for the Big Hole River, citing algae and nutrient problems. Energy & Land-Use: Dawson County voters approved a 250-foot height limit that effectively blocks large industrial wind turbines, plus a second measure adding setbacks for renewable projects near water resources. Outdoor Access & Connectivity: Montana’s new specialty license plate aims to fund wildlife highway crossing and accommodation projects to reduce collisions. Community Resilience: Town Pump Charitable Foundation is awarding $750,000 in grants to volunteer fire departments statewide for training and equipment. Health & Aging: Glendive Medical Center launched an outpatient mental health program for older adults through Senior Life Solutions. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches were issued for parts of southern Saskatchewan, with risks of strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Wildlife & Water Protection: Montana’s new specialty license plate starts July 1, sending $20 per plate to wildlife crossing projects aimed at cutting highway animal crashes by 90% or more. Public Health & Clean Water: The EPA announced $1.6 million in drinking-water grants for Montana and other states, targeting PFAS, lead, and local infrastructure upgrades. Climate & Land Use: Montana Gov. Gianforte signed HB 932 to expand how recreational marijuana tax revenue supports habitat work, including private-land projects and a new wildlife crossings account. Wildfire Policy: Trump’s administration is pushing to merge wildland firefighting into a single federal agency, a move critics say could raise the risk of catastrophic fires. Conservation Funding Fight: Conservation groups say Montana’s marijuana conservation funding is at risk of being reduced or redirected. Research from Yellowstone: Montana State scientists published new findings on how ancient microbes adapted in Yellowstone hot springs. Wildlife Crime: Officials warn golden eagles are being targeted in a black market for feathers, with a Montana-linked case leading to a conviction. Local Community Support: Town Pump Charitable Foundation is offering $750,000 in grants for volunteer fire departments statewide.

Big Hole River Gets Impairment Label: Montana DEQ has determined the Big Hole River is impaired, citing nutrient-driven algae blooms and low oxygen that are harming aquatic life and fishing and recreation. The finding will feed into the next Water Quality Integrated Report, with public comment and EPA approval that could unlock restoration funding. Data Center Power Crunch: In Missoula, environmental groups warned that NorthWestern Energy’s data-center plans could drive electricity demand up to 850–1,400 megawatts by 2030—potentially straining Montana’s grid and raising costs. Gray Wolf Protections Stripped: The U.S. House voted to remove gray wolves in the lower 48 from Endangered Species Act protections, a move that would shift management to states and limit court challenges. Public Lands Weapon Fight: Idaho’s Mansfield family renewed efforts to ban M-44 “cyanide bombs” after a past tragedy, urging Interior to reverse a decision that would expand M-44 use across BLM lands. Water Funding: EPA announced $1.6 million for drinking-water upgrades across several states, including Montana, targeting PFAS and lead. Land Exchange Lawsuit: Outdoor groups sued Montana’s Land Board over updated land exchange rules, arguing the changes moved too fast with insufficient public notice.