AGP Executive Report

River Restoration: Removal of Milltown Dam near Missoula is reconnecting the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers after nearly a century of mining-tainted sediment accumulated behind it. The reservoir held an estimated 6.6 million cubic yards, and arsenic had affected nearby wells. Wildlife Management: As Colorado reconsiders when to kill wolves after livestock attacks, a look across the West notes Montana handles such decisions case by case; state law also allows producers to kill wolves caught attacking livestock. Water Supply: Laurel is clearing debris from its Yellowstone River intake, clogged after river rock shifted during the 2022 flood. Further work will require permits from several agencies. Climate and Ice: A new review finds more than 300 glaciers have disappeared across the American West since the mid-20th century, while the survivors have lost about 35% of their area. Ranchland Stewardship: MSU researchers received $1.5 million to study adaptive grazing with ranchers statewide, with fieldwork planned for 2027 and 2028. Wildfire Response: During southwestern Montana’s Sand Creek Fire, drones helped crews locate heat on hazardous slopes; the Forest Service is also testing robots and AI for fire response.

Wildfire Response: Fire managers used drones at southwestern Montana’s Sand Creek Fire to spot lingering hotspots in steep, hazardous terrain. The Forest Service is also testing ground robots and exploring AI to improve fire prediction and response. Mining Cleanup: Montana DEQ won a regional award for a new Belt Creek treatment plant that removes pollution from century-old mine drainage, treating about 150 gallons a minute before it flows downstream. Pipeline Proposal: Bridger’s proposed 647-mile crude-oil line would cross about 435 miles of Montana, carrying up to 550,000 barrels a day; the route and its environmental review remain key concerns for eastern communities. Land and Wildlife: A 127-acre Paradise Valley preservation proposal and a nearly completed grizzly conservation strategy for the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak ecosystems highlight ongoing efforts to protect Montana habitat. Invasive freshwater jellyfish have also been found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Ranching: A Blackfoot Valley family is using regenerative grazing practices aimed at improving soil and ecosystem health.

Regenerative Ranching: A multigenerational Mannix family operation in the Blackfoot Valley is using grazing practices aimed at improving soil and ecosystem health. Mine Cleanup: Montana DEQ won a regional award for the Belt Creek treatment plant, which treats about 150 gallons of contaminated water per minute and keeps historic mine pollution from flowing downstream. Pipeline Proposal: Bridger’s proposed 647-mile crude oil line would cross 435 miles of eastern Montana and carry up to 550,000 barrels daily; its environmental review is underway. Wildlife: A draft strategy to guide grizzly bear conservation in the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak ecosystems could receive final approval in December. Land and Water: A proposed easement would protect 127 acres in Paradise Valley, while a lawsuit challenges EPA approval of wastewater injection into the Madison aquifer. Invasive freshwater jellyfish have also been found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Mining Cleanup: Montana DEQ won a regional award for a $13 million Belt Creek treatment plant, now removing iron and aluminum from water polluted by more than a century of mining. Ranching: The Mannix family’s Blackfoot Valley operation is applying regenerative grazing practices to improve soil and ecosystem health while producing beef. Pipeline Proposal: Bridger’s proposed 647-mile crude-oil line would cross 435 miles of Montana and carry up to 550,000 barrels a day; environmental review will weigh risks along its eastern route. Wildlife: A draft conservation strategy for grizzlies in the Selkirk-Cabinet-Yaak region is nearing approval, setting population goals and mortality limits for a population estimated at least 120 bears. Land and Water: A conservation easement could protect 127 acres in Paradise Valley, while Bozeman’s planned wastewater-facility upgrades aim to improve treatment capacity and reduce water-quality risks. Wildlife Safety: FWP says a woman suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries after a cow moose charged her near McAllister.

Oil Pipeline: Bridger’s proposed 647-mile crude oil line would cross 435 miles of eastern Montana and carry up to 550,000 barrels a day. The route and environmental review are key questions for communities along the corridor. Wildlife Protections: The Ninth Circuit will hear three cases involving federal wolf protections, including a Montana case challenging the denial of protections in the Northern Rockies. Grizzly Conservation: A draft strategy for the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak grizzlies is nearing final approval, with population goals and mortality limits for an estimated 120 bears. Land Conservation: Park County planners will consider a proposed easement protecting 127 acres in Paradise Valley from development. Water Infrastructure: Montana DEQ cleared Bozeman’s planned wastewater-treatment upgrades for a categorical exclusion; the work is intended to improve capacity and reduce risks to water-quality compliance.

Wolf Protections: The 9th Circuit will hear arguments Tuesday in three cases over federal wolf protections, including a Montana case that ordered wildlife officials to reconsider denying protections to northern Rockies wolves. Land Conservation: A Park County board will consider a proposed easement covering 127 acres in Paradise Valley, protecting open space and views near the Yellowstone River. Grizzly Bears: Wildlife managers are nearing a conservation strategy for the Selkirk-Cabinet-Yaak population, estimated at at least 120 bears; final approval is expected in December. Water and Invasive Species: Montana officials say freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir pose little apparent risk, but are an introduced species. Statewide noxious-weed grants are also open as Montana tracks harmful plants. Lolo Infrastructure: Missoula County is advancing a $5.5 million water and wastewater project to address aging pipes, limited capacity and years of DEQ noncompliance. Wildlife Safety: A woman suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries after a cow moose charged her near McAllister while she walked her dogs.

Invasive Species: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir pose little apparent environmental risk, but are nonnative and difficult to remove. Water Infrastructure: Missoula County is advancing a proposed Lolo water and sewer district, with more than $5.5 million in upgrades planned to address aging pipes and limited system capacity. Wildlife: A woman was injured in a moose encounter near McAllister; FWP advises giving moose space and keeping dogs under control. Separately, a tribal eagle aviary is urging hunters to use non-lead ammunition after a released eagle likely died of lead poisoning. Weather: Northwest Montana is forecast to get strong winds, mountain snow and a hard freeze early next week. Invasive Weeds: The state is offering grants of up to $75,000 for noxious-weed research, management and education; applications are due Jan. 7. Wildlife Crossings: Construction on US 93’s Post Creek Hill project is now slated for spring 2027, including a bridge designed to help wildlife move through the corridor.

Weather Shift: After a stretch of unusual warmth, a cold front is expected to bring strong winds, snow to mountain passes and a hard freeze to western Montana by Monday. Invasive Species: Montana is offering noxious-weed grants of up to $75,000 for research, management and education; applications are due Jan. 7. A freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir is nonnative but appears to pose little environmental harm. Forest Management: The Forest Service approved logging and fuels work across 4,930 acres along U.S. 2 south of Glacier National Park, including new roads; the project will proceed without a full environmental impact statement. Wildlife Protections: A federal change to Endangered Species Act rules could weaken safeguards against damage to listed species’ habitat, putting at-risk wildlife—including Montana species—at greater risk. Water Quality: Pondera County is challenging EPA approval of wastewater injection into the Madison Aquifer, raising concerns over protection of an important groundwater source.

Weather: Montana is bracing for a sharp shift from warm, windy conditions to rain and cold this weekend, with more than two feet of snow possible in some mountain ranges and red-flag fire warnings ahead of the front. Forest Management: The Flathead National Forest approved logging and fuels work across 4,930 acres along U.S. Highway 2, saying the project needs no full environmental impact statement. Montana Stockgrowers, meanwhile, backed repealing the Roadless Rule to allow more forest access and fuels reduction. Water Infrastructure: Missoula County is proposing a $7.3 million special district to bring Lolo’s aging, out-of-compliance water and sewer systems up to standards; the plan could mean about $4,000 for an average parcel. Wildlife and Waters: FWP says nonnative freshwater jellyfish found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir pose little apparent environmental harm, but are not desirable and cannot easily be removed. Climate and Courts: Attorney General Austin Knudsen joined 25 states urging federal officials to investigate and cancel grants to the National Academies, accusing it of producing biased climate research for court cases.

Bear Conflicts: Red Lodge is seeing bolder bears and more encounters: 34 grizzly conflicts were recorded in the area this year. A poor natural food season is pushing bears toward garbage, livestock and other human food sources. Aquifer Fight: Pondera County is challenging EPA approval of wastewater injection into the Madison aquifer, amid fears that waste from a biofuel operation could threaten nearby springs and drinking water. Wildlife Crossings: MDT is seeking $28 million for a crossing on U.S. 191 near Gallatin Canyon, where wildlife collisions account for nearly a quarter of reported crashes. Work on Highway 93 at Post Creek Hill, including a bridge designed to improve wildlife movement, is now expected to start next spring. Clean Air: Montana Health and Climate held workshops in several communities to help residents build low-cost air cleaners for smoke, pollen and other pollutants. Data Center Concerns: Montana lawmakers heard testimony about data centers’ potential water demands, as residents raised concerns about local impacts.

Bear Conflicts: A black bear was relocated in Dillon after getting too close to residents. Statewide, failed berry crops are driving hungry bears toward garbage, pet food and livestock feed; securing attractants can help prevent dangerous encounters. Aquifer Protection: Pondera County and conservation groups are challenging EPA approval of industrial wastewater injections into the Madison Aquifer, arguing the agency did not adequately assess the risk of contamination spreading beyond the approved area. Wildlife Crossings: MDT is seeking a $28 million federal grant for a crossing on U.S. 191 at Gallatin Canyon, where wildlife collisions account for nearly a quarter of reported crashes. Public Lands: Pursuit has revived its proposal for a sightseeing tram on Columbia Mountain near Glacier National Park. The earlier plan was rejected over conflicts with protections for inventoried roadless land. Water Outlook: Montana’s low- and mid-elevation snow drought limited groundwater recharge this year; despite wet spring weather, river flows peaked at about 60% of normal before a dry summer.

Flathead Fishing: A Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioner wants to cut the daily lake trout limit on Flathead Lake from 100 to 20 and change rules for several area waters. Elk: Visitors report fewer elk at Slippery Ann viewing area; refuge staff say elk numbers shift with habitat and weather, while some worry about deteriorating habitat and invasive weeds. Roadless Lands: Critics of the proposed River Runs Through It Act say it would allow logging, roads and motorized recreation in parts of the Blackfoot-Clearwater region, threatening wildlife habitat and streams. Aquifer Appeal: Pondera County and conservation groups are challenging the EPA’s approval of industrial wastewater injection into the Madison Aquifer, arguing contamination risks to a potential drinking-water source weren’t adequately assessed. Prescribed Burns: DNRC is preparing planned burns on state and private lands over the coming months to reduce hazardous fuels; smoke may linger or settle in valleys. Columbia Mountain Tram: Pursuit has submitted a new proposal for a sightseeing tram near Glacier National Park; the Forest Service will screen it before deciding whether to begin environmental review and public involvement.

Madison Aquifer Fight: Pondera County and conservation groups have appealed an EPA decision that would expand industrial wastewater injection into the Madison Aquifer near Valier, arguing it could jeopardize a future drinking-water source and that the agency didn’t fully assess contamination spread. Glacier Tram Proposal: The Flathead National Forest has received a special-use proposal for a year-round sightseeing tram up Columbia Mountain, kicking off screening and possible environmental review—while critics urge the Forest Service to reject it over habitat fragmentation and view impacts. Wildlife Management: FWP will host a public meeting for a new Southwest mountain lion panel in Whitehall (Oct. 19-20) to shape harvest and management recommendations, with input from hunters, livestock producers, and wildlife advocates. Water & Habitat: Volunteers and students helped rescue fish trapped in Missoula irrigation ditches after headgates closed, returning trout and other species to the Clark Fork ecosystem. Local Land-Use Politics: Park County scheduled listening sessions on a proposed citizen-initiated zoning district process, requiring early neighbor outreach and a 60% property-owner petition threshold. Pollution & Cleanup: Montana’s Natural Resource Damage Program is seeking proposals for early restoration tied to the Libby Asbestos Superfund OU3, with a public meeting in late October.

Grizzly Bear Deaths: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says 32 grizzlies have died this year, including a recent Trego-area killing after a close encounter; the dashboard tracks causes like illegal taking, conflict euthanasia, vehicle strikes, and mistaken ID. Wildlife Conservation: In the Centennial Valley, UM researchers and Ducks Unlimited volunteers continued a long-running lesser scaup duck banding effort, adding to a major dataset on breeding ducks. Local Water Protection: Kalispell is recruiting volunteers for an Adopt-A-Drain program to keep storm drains clear and reduce litter and pollutants heading toward Flathead Lake. Public Lands Access: A proposal to build a tram up Columbia Mountain is entering a screening process with public engagement promised by Pursuit and review by the Flathead National Forest. Permitting & Public Lands: A federal “project certainty” permitting bill is drawing fire from environmental nonprofits over limits on agencies’ ability to revisit permits and faster legal paths for applicants. Energy & Farmland: National protests against data centers highlight concerns about higher energy costs, pollution, and loss of agricultural land. State Court Fight: Montana is trying to lift a court-ordered pause on a Laurel-area forensic mental health facility after a redone environmental assessment. Student Climate Tech: A Montana seventh grader compared banana and plantain starch to build stronger bioplastic.

Public Lands & Recreation: Pursuit Attractions and the Flathead National Forest are discussing a proposed tram up Columbia Mountain near Hungry Horse, with a screening process now underway to assess public need and the company’s ability to operate it year-round. Wildfire Planning: Whitefish is moving toward a draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan, identifying 14 high-risk areas and focusing on steep, fuel-heavy zones near the lake and Haskill Creek. Wildlife & Human Conflict: Montana wildlife officials report rising bear conflicts, and recent local coverage includes grizzly killings tied to close encounters in the Trego area. Water Quality & Pollution: A study finds microplastics can surge in western rivers during spring runoff, as higher flows mobilize particles that build up during low-flow periods. Drought Impacts: USDA designated multiple Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, unlocking emergency credit for affected farmers and ranchers. Energy & Agriculture Innovation: Idaho National Laboratory’s FieldSim software is being tested with Montana farmers to optimize tractor drive paths and reduce input waste in irregular fields. Policy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court begins a new term with cases that include environmental issues, alongside religious liberty and gun rights.

Wildlife Management in Montana: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks euthanized 14 bears in the Bozeman area after unsafe, food-conditioned behavior, with officials pointing to a healthy bear population plus weak berry crops pushing bears into neighborhoods. Local Planning & Fire Risk: Whitefish’s draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan is headed to City Council, mapping 14 high-concern areas and focusing on steep, fuel-heavy zones near the Whitefish Lake region and Haskill Creek. Public Access & Land Use: A Miles City-area effort is working to understand why recreation access at Fort Keogh has tightened since around 2024, using documents and FOIA requests to explore whether public walking access can return. Conservation Research: UM researchers are launching a long-term study of western painted turtles in Missoula to track how warming conditions may shift sex ratios over decades. Community Action: Billings high school students joined a “Ride for Their Lives” bike event to advocate for a cleaner environment. Wildfire Tech: Inside Climate News reports federal agencies are increasingly using drones and testing robots and AI to improve wildfire detection and response, including during Montana’s Sand Creek Fire. Climate Accountability Fight: A U.S. Supreme Court term kicks off with a major climate litigation case tied to emissions lawsuits, with potential ripple effects for how climate claims are handled in court.