AGP Executive Report

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.

Grizzlies & Safety: A 15-year-old near Frenchtown was charged after shooting and killing a grizzly that broke into his family’s chicken coop, with the teen saying it was self-defense. Forest Stewardship: Montana expanded a Shared Stewardship forest management deal, adding the Lolo National Forest and bringing nearly one million acres into shared stewardship aimed at improving forest health and wildfire resilience. Wildlife Habitat Rules: A major dispute is growing over federal “secure habitat” standards for grizzlies, with critics saying the Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife have effectively shrunk the definition to as little as one acre. Public Lands Access: A draft order would reopen millions of acres of national forest land to off-road vehicles, a move that could affect about 5 million acres in Idaho and Montana. Climate Court Fight: A federal appeals court refused to revive a youth climate lawsuit challenging Trump energy executive orders. Energy Policy: Trump’s nearly $700 million coal plan leaves Montana out, but coal leaders still see opportunity in the broader federal push. Local Governance: Dawson County voters approved limits on industrial wind and solar, including a 250-foot height cap and setbacks from water resources. PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin’s Tyco PFAS settlement requires a $10M trust fund and long-term clean drinking water obligations for affected residents. Wildfire Preparedness: Western Montana is urging residents to prepare for wildfire smoke during an early Wildfire Smoke Ready Week event.

Flathead Lake Development Watch: Montana DEQ held a public hearing on sanitary and water facilities for the first phase of the “Territory 1889” luxury resort near Lakeside, with residents and watchdogs urging deeper review of impacts on the region’s prized lake. Wildlife Health & Imports: Montana issued an emergency order restricting animal imports after New World Screwworm was confirmed in Texas, requiring permits, inspections, and treatment for animals from affected zones. Drought & Trout Futures: A new TroutCast forecasting tool is rolling out to help Montana managers anticipate drought impacts on blue-ribbon trout rivers and streams. Northern Lights in Montana: NOAA forecasts a possible aurora show Friday night, with Montana among areas that may see the lights depending on geomagnetic conditions. Public Lands & Wildlife Policy: A proposal to redesignate nearly 1,800 miles of U.S. Highway 287 as “Interstate 47” raises alarms for wildlife habitat and public lands in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Energy & Water Quality: EPA announced $27.5 million to reduce lead in drinking water in Colorado, underscoring the broader regional push for safer water systems. Border Wall Spending: Reporting says border wall spending has surged, with big contracts going to firms tied to GOP and White House figures.

Coal Push in the Spotlight: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority to back 13 plants, restart a Maryland facility, and support a long-delayed Oakland export terminal—moves that could affect regional air and water rules. Critical Minerals in Montana: Sibanye-Stillwater says it’s restarting full-scale platinum group metals production at its Stillwater West and returning East Boulder to pre-2024 capacity, aiming to restore U.S. supply as prices rebound. Snowpack Drop: Warm May temperatures accelerated snowmelt, leaving Montana snowpack mostly below 50% of median for June 1, with implications for summer water. Wildfire Risk Rising Early: Federal outlooks warn the high-risk wildfire period is arriving early across much of the West, including parts of Montana, driven by above-normal heat, low rain, and thin snowpack. Grizzly Habitat Fight: Advocates sued over changes to grizzly “secure habitat” standards on a Montana national forest, arguing the new definition shrinks protections without using the best science. Bigfork Marina Backlash: A proposed 97-slip marina in Bigfork Bay is drawing community pushback over public access and environmental impacts, with more engineering and environmental reviews requested. On-the-Ground Wildlife Management: BLM restricted camping at Carbella to hard-sided units due to frequent grizzly activity, aiming to reduce human-bear conflicts. Local Water & Septic Review: Flathead County’s environmental assessment process is underway for sanitary facilities tied to a large Lakeside luxury resort development.

Grizzly Habitat Fight: Three wildlife groups sued the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a shift in how “secure” grizzly habitat is defined, arguing it shrinks protection below science-backed acreage. Public Access Clash: Montana’s corner-crossing debate heated up as landowners threatened to withdraw from access programs, while a citizen council weighs pilot approaches to balance private property rights with public access. Drought Relief for Farmers: USDA designated 10 Montana counties, including Cascade, as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, opening emergency assistance options for producers. Conservation Planning Push: NRCS is urging Montana producers to start or update conservation plans this summer, offering free, voluntary, science-based help on soil, water, plant health, and wildlife habitat. Wildlife Management Updates: FWP is seeking volunteers for common nighthawk surveys as the species declines, and biologists report spring aerial surveys show generally increasing mule deer numbers in northeastern Montana. Wildfire Outlook: A new federal outlook warns the high-risk wildfire season could arrive early across much of the West, including parts of Montana. Wildlife Auction: Montana FWP will auction confiscated antlers, hides, and horns in Billings on June 27, with proceeds supporting conservation and restoration.

Climate Courts: A Ninth Circuit ruling upheld dismissal of a Montana youth climate case against Trump energy orders, saying the plaintiffs lacked legal standing—another setback for efforts to force fossil-fuel policy changes. Wildlife & Public Lands: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking conservation groups to run auctions or lotteries for 2027 hunting licenses, including new eligibility for antelope and swan. Habitat Protection: Environmental groups are challenging a Forest Service grizzly “secure habitat” shrink plan tied to a large logging and burning project in a key connectivity corridor. Water & Weather: A multi-day rain event brought relief to drought-stressed north-central Montana, with officials monitoring possible river rises near burn scars. Outdoor Access: A new Bitterroot River campground near Stevensville opens June 5, expanding public fishing access at the John and Nancy Owen site. Community Outdoors: Great Falls’ Family Fishing Day returns June 6 at Wadsworth Pond with free youth tackle for those who complete stations. Energy & Jobs: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus expected to create 1,000+ jobs in the first phase.

Montana Road Safety: Gov. Greg Gianforte urged drivers to slow down and follow pilot-car rules at a U.S. Highway 89 rebuild south of Choteau, where a new Teton River bridge and road-profile upgrades are underway. Public Lands & Recreation: The U.S. Forest Service rolled out a new “National Forests and Grasslands” mobile app with offline maps, safety alerts, and planning tools for summer trips. Land-Use Politics: Montana’s land exchange process is getting more political after Land Board changes that shift more authority to the five-member board, raising concerns about how state parcels are traded. Climate Court Setback: A federal appeals court upheld dismissal of a youth climate challenge targeting Trump fossil-fuel executive orders, saying courts shouldn’t supervise energy policy. Wildlife & Habitat: Groups sued the Forest Service over grizzly bear habitat changes tied to a large logging and burning project near Yellowstone, arguing it would break key secure-habitat connectivity. Solid Waste Costs: After East Helena raised tire disposal fees, Jefferson County saw a sharp jump in tire drop-offs at the Montana City landfill, with officials weighing limits if the surge continues. Big Montana Job News: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million manufacturing campus, aiming for 1,000+ jobs as construction begins in 2026. Air Quality Warning: A new report highlights how wildfire smoke exposure is driving deadly health impacts, with the 2026 season already off to a grim start.

Montana Conservation & Wildlife: Environmental groups sued the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service over changes to “secure habitat” for threatened grizzly bears, arguing the new definition lets logging and road-building proceed with less protection than science supports. Public Lands & Access: The Trump administration rescinded long-standing off-road vehicle limits on federal lands, drawing pushback from conservationists who warn it could degrade water, wildlife habitat, and recreation quality. Climate Court Fight: A Ninth Circuit panel again rejected a youth lawsuit challenging Trump climate-related executive orders, saying the link between the orders and alleged harms was too speculative. Local Land Use: Columbia Falls approved a 421-unit housing development on former aluminum company land, but residents raised concerns about wildlife impacts and health/safety risks near an EPA Superfund site. Wildlife Safety: Glacier National Park released details of a “surprise encounter” where a grizzly bear charged a hiker on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, fracturing his arm; no management actions were announced. Energy & Industry Pressure: A Broadview woman delivered petitions opposing a proposed 5,100-acre AI data center and related renewable energy plans, citing concerns about massive power demand and growth in the region. FWP & Outdoor Life: FWP is seeking proposals for auction or lottery licenses for several big game species, and Great Falls is set for a June 6 Family Fishing Day at Wadsworth Pond Park.

Wildlife Crime Case: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says Pondera County hunter Tony Zimbelman poached an out-of-season trophy white-tailed buck, admitting he used a rifle the day before archery season opened; he got 6 months in jail (suspended), $3,000 in fines and restitution, and lost hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for two years. Public Lands Access: A new Trump executive order rescinds older limits on off-road vehicle use on federal lands, aiming to expand access and “multiple use” recreation. Big Game Migration: USDA unveiled a framework for migratory big game conservation across 17 states, including Montana, to improve landscape connectivity for elk, pronghorn, and mule deer while keeping working lands working. EPA Lead Cleanup in Butte: EPA proposed lowering the residential soil and dust lead cleanup level in Butte and expanding the sampling/remediation boundary, a move Butte Watchdogs say still drags cleanup too slowly. Rail Merger Pause: The Surface Transportation Board paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and asked for more details, as Montana and other states’ attorneys general push back over competition and impacts. Local Economy: Janicki Industries selected Great Falls for an $800 million aerospace/defense manufacturing campus, targeting 1,000 jobs in five years and 2,000+ over the decade. Child Welfare: Montana joined the federal “A Home for Every Child” initiative to improve foster care placement capacity and outcomes.

Drought & Fisheries: Montana State University launched FishCast, a new online tool that forecasts drought risk for trout rivers by combining weather, streamflow, and historic trout data—plus a management view that can flag likely drought-related fishing restrictions. Wildlife Safety: The Bureau of Land Management is restricting camping at the Carbella Recreation Site in Park County to hard-sided units only after frequent grizzly bear activity. Public Lands & Logging: The U.S. Forest Service is moving ahead with an emergency-approval logging plan near Yellowstone (Bear Palmer Forest Health Project), drawing backlash over potential impacts to wildlife habitat and tourism. Land Conservation: The Greater Yellowstone Coalition added 161 acres north of Yellowstone to the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, transferring mineral rights and aiming to prevent future mining on Palmer and Crevice mountains. Water Quality Cleanup: Montana DEQ reached a consent decree with Zortman mine owner Luke Ployhar over decades of acid mine drainage into the Little Rocky Mountains watershed. State Parks Visitation: Montana state parks drew 3.38 million visitors in 2025, up nearly 5% year over year.

Land Protection Near Yellowstone: The Greater Yellowstone Coalition added 161 acres north of Yellowstone to block future mining, transferring mineral rights to the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and donating lode claims to protect Crevice Mountain. Wild & Scenic River Planning (Flathead): Federal managers finalized the Flathead Wild and Scenic “three forks” comprehensive river management plan, moving from draft review to a long-term framework after nearly 1,100 public comments. Off-Road Access on Federal Lands: A new Trump executive order rescinds Nixon- and Carter-era rules that guided off-road vehicle management, aiming to reduce restrictions and give agencies more flexibility. Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will auction confiscated antlers, horns, hides, mounts, skulls and frozen specimens on June 27 to support conservation; separate reporting highlights how wildlife crossings can cut animal-vehicle collisions. Energy Costs & Coal Reliability: A watchdog group warns Montana could see higher energy bills tied to extensions keeping a Michigan coal plant running longer than planned. Wildlife Auction & Enforcement: The FWP sale is framed as a way to turn poaching seizures into funding for restoration and conservation.

Mining & Permitting: Silver Bow Mining says Montana DEQ issued an Authorization to Proceed for Amendment 2 at the Rainbow Block project in Butte, clearing the company to advance the next phase of exploration, including a Rainbow Decline, expanded surface drilling, and bulk sampling. Wildlife Safety & Crossings: A new Associated Press report highlights how wildlife-vehicle collisions are common in Montana, and points to state laws funding wildlife crossings to protect both drivers and migrating animals. Sexual Harassment Fallout in Helena: A bipartisan supermajority of Montana senators is calling for Sen. Jonathan “Windy Boy” to resign after long-running allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. Water Quality Watch: A new analysis ranks Montana near the bottom for tap water cleanliness, citing EPA-reported violations. Health & PFAS Concerns: Montana reporting says PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in fish across major waterways, raising concerns for anglers and public health. Access to Care: Montana was selected for federal funding to expand behavioral health clinics statewide through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program. Insurance Shakeup: PacificSource is shutting down all Montana operations, leaving about 42,000 members to find new coverage options starting in 2027. Public Lands & Recreation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could be opened to hunting under proposed changes.