AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Smoke: Nearly all of Montana south of the Hi-Line was under red flag warnings as hot, dry weather and ongoing Pacific Northwest fires kept smoke and fire risk in the mix. Climate & Water: Lake Powell is down to about 23% and nearing historic lows, forcing marina and ramp changes—another reminder of how drought and heat are reshaping the West. Bears & Wildlife Safety: FWP is urging “bear aware” habits as huckleberries run low and bear conflicts rise, with guidance on attractants and what to do during encounters. Grizzlies & Policy: A federal plan to loosen the Endangered Species Act “blanket rule” for threatened species is drawing pushback from groups that warn it could add more ways grizzlies get killed. Public Lands Grazing Fight: Environmental advocates are preparing legal action over Forest Service approval of cattle grazing in a grizzly conflict-prone area of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Invasive Species Watch: New invasive threats are spreading beyond Montana too, with Wilmington flagged as a place where invasives are now found—or soon will be. Aquatic Life: A paddlefish tagged in 2007 was recaptured 18 years later, offering rare long-term growth data. Local Stewardship: Hayden Lake residents raised concerns about shoreline erosion, algae blooms, and invasive mussels tied to wakes from motorized watercraft.

Wildfire & smoke: Nearly all of Montana south of the Hi-Line was under a red flag warning as hot, dry conditions and ongoing Pacific Northwest fires kept smoke and fire risk in the mix. Bear safety: FWP urged Montanans to reduce attractants as bear conflicts rise, with a focus on how extreme heat and dwindling natural foods can push bears closer to people. Climate & water outlook: The Montana Climate Office warned drought could intensify through late summer, while a separate report tied western snow droughts to warming—turning rare events into more frequent ones. Grizzly policy fights: Environmental groups are challenging Forest Service approval of cattle grazing in grizzly-heavy Greater Yellowstone habitat, and other groups are preparing for changes to the Endangered Species Act “harm” rule for threatened species. Energy & land use: A new $33M fuel facility opened at the Montana Air National Guard base in Great Falls, and Stillwater County renewable projects are pitching solar as a potential win for ranchers. Wildlife management & hunting: FWP’s tag auction plans include new pronghorn and swan options, while wolf-management controversy continues after criticism of Montana’s wolf population model. Community & training: SIM-MT brought hands-on healthcare simulation to rural students in Miles City, and a Bear Aware event in Miles City focused on food storage and safe responses.

Wildfire & Air Quality: Most of Montana south of the Hi-Line is under red flag warnings through Saturday night as hot, dry conditions raise fire risk, while smoke from major Pacific Northwest blazes continues to push air quality into unhealthy ranges in parts of the state. Northwest Fire Update: In eastern Washington, crews are still battling fast-moving blazes near Spokane that have burned over 10,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, with firefighters shifting to mopping up after gaining ground. Bear Safety: FWP is urging Montanans to reduce bear attractants as changing conditions and extreme weather push bears closer to towns, with a focus on food storage and safe responses. Invasive Species Watch: A new invasive-species roundup highlights threats spreading into new places, including Wilmington-area concerns. Local Water & Habitat: Hayden Lake residents are pushing back on shoreline erosion and algae-fueling nutrients, blaming big wakes from motorized watercraft and urging action to protect the lake. Energy & Land Use: Stillwater County is seeing new solar development, with supporters arguing renewable projects can create opportunities for ranchers. Climate Signals for Winter: NOAA says a very strong El Niño is likely this fall, pointing to warmer-than-average conditions but potentially lower snowfall for Montana. Grizzly Management Fight: Environmental groups are preparing legal challenges tied to changes in grizzly bear rules and grazing decisions in the Greater Yellowstone region. Wildlife Recreation Impacts: Record heat and low flows are driving fishing closures on rivers and streams across the West, including parts of Montana, to protect trout.

Climate Science: A new study led by Montana State University finds western snow droughts are now far more common—what used to hit about once every 30 years in preindustrial conditions now shows up roughly every seven years, with major implications for Montana winters and ski areas. Winter Outlook: NOAA’s “very strong” Super El Niño forecast points to warmer-than-average conditions for Montana, but also puts the state in a “suppressed precipitation” pattern that can mean less mountain snow. Wildlife & Water: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving ahead with another year of brook trout removal in the Upper Shields River drainage, with closures Aug. 10–18 to protect Yellowstone cutthroat habitat. Recreation & Heat: Fishing closures are becoming routine as record heat warms rivers; on the Yellowstone River near Livingston, anglers face daily cutoffs to protect trout during the hottest hours. Fire Updates: Flathead County is downgrading an evacuation order for Good Creek and Alder Creek to an evacuation warning, as crews continue work on the Skillet Fire. Public Input: Montana’s governor is seeking comments on five candidates for a temporary Public Service Commission seat, with applications open until Aug. 20.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued an emergency closure of the Silver Run Wildlife Management Area near Red Lodge due to grizzly bear activity, while biologists warn bear conflicts are rising as the huckleberry crop shrinks. Endangered Species Policy: A federal move to change the ESA definition of “harm” is drawing pushback from lawmakers seeking to reinstate habitat protections for endangered species. Energy & Land-Use Politics: A controversial $2B Bridger Pipeline expansion is facing a Montana Department of Environmental Quality setback after DEQ withdrew a waiver tied to baseline environmental data and financial info. Water & Fish: FWP confirmed non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake in the upper Flathead drainage and is asking anglers to report and turn in any caught fish to stop spread. Fire Risk: Stage 1 fire restrictions are set for Phillips and Hill counties as hot, dry conditions persist. Agriculture Relief: FEMA designated 28 Montana counties as natural disaster areas after December windstorms, opening USDA emergency loan options for producers. Community & Conservation: Volunteers are finishing a $1.5M Wheeler Cabin restoration at Glacier’s Lake McDonald for the Waterton Glacier International Peace Center. Wildlife Science: An elusive 117-pound paddlefish was caught in Montana after 22 years, offering a rare look at long-lived fish in the Missouri/Yellowstone system.

Wildlife & Fisheries: FWP confirmed non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake in the upper Flathead drainage and is asking anglers to report and turn in any upstream catches (no releasing), warning early detection is key to stopping spread. Angling Closures: Wyoming Game and Fish is issuing a “final warning” style voluntary pause on afternoon fishing on the Snake River and Flat Creek to protect trout during the hottest parts of the day. Invasive Species Watch: Billings feral rabbits tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease 2, prompting biosecurity warnings for domestic rabbit owners. Climate & Public Health Prep: Missoula County and partners are running a tabletop exercise to test extreme heat and smoke response, building on the county’s heat mapping work. Recreation Access: FWP is exploring two early-stage Yellowstone River access sites in Prairie County to expand public recreation while protecting habitat. Education & Tech: Montana State students will get access to major geologic modeling software via a $76M in-kind SLB donation, boosting training for energy and mineral research. Community & Safety: Educators gathered in Butte for the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit focused on prevention. Drought Aid: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, unlocking potential emergency farm loan help. Wildlife Conflict: With huckleberries down, FWP says bear conflicts are rising and urges secure garbage and safer backyard practices.

Wildfire & fire rules: Missoula moved to Stage II fire restrictions starting Aug. 7, and Montana FWP followed with Stage II on state land in Ravalli County, as dry conditions and new starts keep pressure on public safety. Bear safety in grizzly country: A coalition of 19 groups petitioned Montana FWP to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly habitat, arguing it’s a practical deterrent and a public-safety step. Non-native fish alert: FWP confirmed non-native brown trout in Ashley Lake in the upper Flathead drainage; anglers are asked not to release them and to report/turn in any caught fish to help prevent spread. Bison grazing fight: Conservation groups sued to block BLM’s revocation of American Prairie bison grazing permits on Montana public lands, pushing the dispute into federal court. Water & drought planning: The International Joint Commission held a public meeting in Havre on the St. Mary–Milk Rivers study, focusing on whether treaty water deliveries match what the agreement requires. Climate accountability in court: A Washington wrongful-death lawsuit against major oil companies argues fossil-fuel emissions helped drive the deadly 2021 heat wave—an effort to hold industry responsible for climate-linked harm.

Wildfire Safety & Restrictions: Missoula and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks moved to Stage II fire restrictions as conditions deteriorate, tightening rules on campfires, smoking, and off-road vehicle use. Power & Climate Planning: NorthWestern Energy’s resource plan drew criticism for barely addressing climate change and for not adequately accounting for data centers’ impacts on costs and demand. Bison on Trial: Conservation groups filed lawsuits to block a Trump administration move to cancel BLM bison grazing in Montana, arguing the agency is misreading the grazing law. Rabbits & Disease Watch: Feral rabbits in Billings tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2, a highly contagious, often fatal virus for rabbits and related species. Invasive Plants: A Montana noxious weed spotlight focused on spotted knapweed’s strengths and practical control options, including hand pulling when soil is wet. Drought & Access: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is forcing officials to consider using long-submerged boat ramps again. Public Health in Smoke: Southwest Montana residents faced wildfire haze and health guidance on reducing exposure during air quality alerts.

Wildlife & Habitat: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging people to secure attractants as a poor huckleberry crop pushes bears into neighborhoods and increases bear conflicts, with specialists warning garbage, bird feeders, and fruit trees can turn into easy meals. Road Safety for Wildlife: A new Montana Wildlife and Transportation Partnership tool maps animal-vehicle collision hotspots, aiming to guide long-term fixes on roads where Montana sees thousands of wildlife crashes each year. Invasive Species Prevention: Watercraft inspectors are being recognized for stopping aquatic invasive species spread; so far this year, more than 60,000 boats have been checked and dozens were found fouled with mussels. Bison on the Legal Front: American Prairie has moved a bison grazing dispute into federal court after BLM revoked permits, while Western Watersheds Project also plans to challenge the decision. Public Lands & Policy: A federal court refused to pause a Yellowstone bison lawsuit, keeping pressure on the government to use the best available science. Local Governance & Development: In Yellowstone County, a data center voter-approval petition deadline was changed, and Butte-Silver Bow data center initiative signature efforts continue as officials weigh possible legal challenges. Energy & Permitting: DEQ withdrew a waiver for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, adding friction to a major eastern Montana pipeline proposal. Community & Safety: Montana DOJ warns Spokane wildfire relief fundraising is being targeted by scams, urging people to verify charities before donating. Wildlife Management Debate: Montana’s wolf numbers and management remain in the spotlight as new estimates and hunting/trapping discussions draw attention.

Wildlife-Vehicle Safety: A new Montana Wildlife and Transportation Partnership tool maps animal-collision hotspots, aiming to target road fixes where they’ll help both wildlife and drivers. Bear Conflicts: FWP says berry crops are failing and bears are turning up near homes, urging Montanans to secure garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and chicken coops. AI Records Fight: Montana is among 15 Republican AGs demanding OpenAI preserve records tied to an AI model breach of Hugging Face, as litigation pressure grows. Wolf Management Backlash: Montana’s wolf count is reportedly revised downward to about 725, while critics say proposed kill quotas still amount to taking a large share of the population. Wildfire Smoke Health: DEQ reports smoke is easing in parts of Montana but staying heavy in the west; health guidance stresses limiting exposure to fine particles. Public Lands & ESA: A Montana-focused report says Interior’s “review” threatens protections for Yellowstone-area grizzlies and shifts management toward states. Weeds: Montana guidance breaks down the difference between noxious and invasive weeds, and why both can harm biodiversity. Mining Proposal: DEQ released a draft environmental assessment for a tungsten exploration project near Philipsburg, with public comments due Aug. 14. Mountain Lion Panel: FWP is taking applications for a southwest Montana mountain lion management panel. Hunting Enforcement: Two men from Harrison were convicted of multiple deer hunting violations across several counties.

Endangered Species Act fight: Wildlife advocates are suing over a Trump-era rollback of the ESA “harm” definition, arguing it would weaken protections for species and habitat across the country, including in Montana. Wildfire smoke health: Montana DEQ and local health officials report smoky conditions across parts of the state, with Bozeman and western Montana seeing impacts and guidance urging higher-risk residents to limit exposure and follow air-quality updates. Heat and wildfire risk: A major heat wave is pushing record temperatures across the northern Rockies, raising wildfire danger and stressing communities with less air conditioning. Bitterroot River fishing limits: FWP added “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions on sections of the Bitterroot drainage to reduce fish mortality during warm-water periods. Bears drawn to people: FWP says a poor berry season is driving bears toward lower elevations and human food sources, prompting calls for secure garbage and bird feeders. Conservation funding win: Big Sky’s Wildlands raised $625,000 for PERC and other conservation partners. Public lands management: Montana’s DNRC denied a long-delayed American Prairie request to graze bison on state land, after a court order.

Bison Grazing Decision: After a six-year delay, Montana DNRC rejected American Prairie’s request to graze bison on five Phillips County sections of state land, saying the environmental review was minimal despite a court order. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Smoke is easing in parts of Montana, but western areas remain in the thick of it; Billings hit unhealthy air levels, with DEQ and health officials urging people to limit outdoor exertion. Heat Wave Impacts: A ridge of high pressure pushed heat alerts to about 55 million people, with record temperatures falling from the Southwest into Montana—raising wildfire risk and stressing communities with less cooling. Fishing Closures for Warm Water: FWP added “hoot-owl” fishing limits on the Bitterroot drainage to reduce fish mortality as water temperatures run high. Bears Seeking Food: A poor berry season is driving more bear encounters, with specialists urging residents to secure garbage and remove easy attractants. Invasive Species Watch: Experts warn the Missouri River is vulnerable to Eurasian watermilfoil, which spreads via boats and trailers and can crowd out native plants. Drought Relief: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, unlocking emergency loan help for farmers. Power Planning Debate: NorthWestern Energy’s resource plan drew criticism for not adequately accounting for data centers and climate impacts. Conservation & Wildlife Management: FWP also moved to adjust wolf estimates and hunting/trapping quotas, while grizzly and other wildlife management decisions continue to spark debate.

Wildfire Emergency in the Inland Northwest: Eastern Washington’s fires near Spokane have destroyed at least 600 homes and businesses and driven about 60,000 people to evacuate, with officials warning the blaze is still uncontained and stretching firefighting resources. Heat Dome, Fire Risk: A record-challenging heat wave is baking the West, with Montana forecast highs near 104°F in Great Falls and dangerous overnight temperatures that don’t let people recover. Montana Drought Fallout: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas for drought, unlocking emergency farm loans for producers in Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Wibaux (plus contiguous counties). Bear Conflicts Rise as Berries Fail: FWP says a widespread berry crop failure is pushing black bears and grizzlies into neighborhoods for garbage and backyard livestock, urging residents to secure attractants. Fishing Closures on Hot, Low Rivers: Record heat and low flows are forcing more fishing restrictions across the West, including Montana stretches where trout need cooler water.

Wildfire & evacuation watch: The Skillet Fire in the Flathead National Forest has surged from about 150 acres to 1,318 acres with zero containment, triggering evacuation orders for parts of the Good Creek and Alder Creek corridors near Olney as crews try to build lines before another heat-and-wind push. Heat dome impacts: A dangerous heat wave is baking the West, with record-leaning temperatures stretching into Montana and raising wildfire risk across already dry areas; officials are urging people to stay indoors, hydrate, and watch for heat illness. Drought relief for farmers: USDA designated five Montana counties—Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Wibaux—as primary natural disaster areas, unlocking emergency FSA loan help for eligible farm operators, with additional contiguous counties also included. Fishing closures: Record heat is warming rivers enough that wildlife agencies are restricting angling during the hottest hours across Montana and Yellowstone, aiming to prevent lethal stress for trout. Renewables milestone: Montana First Nation celebrated the grand opening of the Killarney Lake Solar Farm, a 22.5-megawatt project marking Indigenous-led clean energy progress. Tourism dollars: A new UM report says nonresident visitors spent about $5.6 billion in Montana in 2025, supporting thousands of jobs and major local economic activity.

Wildfire & heat emergency across the Northwest: A fast-moving, wind-driven wildfire crisis in Washington’s Spokane area has triggered evacuations and a state of emergency, with thousands of structures threatened as multiple fires burn statewide. Western heat dome: A dangerous heat wave is pressing from the Southwest into Montana, with record-near temperatures and little overnight relief, raising heat illness risk and wildfire danger. Montana trout closures: Record heat and drought are warming rivers to levels that can kill trout, prompting fishing bans during the hottest hours across Montana and Yellowstone-area waters. Drought relief for Montana farmers: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, unlocking potential emergency loan help for eligible producers. Indigenous clean energy milestone: Montana First Nation celebrated the grand opening of the Killarney Lake Solar Farm, a 22.5-megawatt project aimed at expanding Indigenous-led renewable power and opportunities. Helium supply squeeze: Helium demand is rising as Middle East supply disruptions ripple outward, with Canada facing pressure to meet the moment. Wildlife conflict training: A look at ranching tactics to help cattle coexist with wolves, including predator-aware herd management approaches. Local sustainability spotlight: Billings held its inaugural paper fashion show, turning recycled materials and paper into wearable art while collecting community food donations.

Heat & Wildfire Risk: A heat dome is expected to push record or near-record temperatures across the West, with Montana bracing for extreme heat (Great Falls forecast near 104°F) and heightened wildfire danger as overnight lows stay unusually warm. Fishing Closures: With drought and record heat warming rivers, wildlife officials are restricting fishing hours on parts of the Yellowstone and other Western waters to protect temperature-stressed trout. Indigenous Clean Energy: Montana First Nation celebrated the grand opening of the Killarney Lake Solar Farm, a 22.5-megawatt project built through partnerships and framed as a new Indigenous-led clean energy milestone. Local Water & Land Tensions: Montana’s Land Board adopted major land-exchange policy changes after a process critics say lacked proper public notice, prompting a lawsuit from sportsmen and public access groups. Drought Impacts: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought, making farm operators eligible to seek emergency loan assistance. Wildlife Management & Data: A new wolf estimate is set to reshape Montana hunting seasons, adding pressure to how the state balances conservation and public use.