AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & Smoke Watch: Richland County is now under Stage 1 fire restrictions, and Montana FWP is matching the rules at multiple sites, banning campfires and limiting smoking to safer areas. Fishing Closures: Rising water temperatures and low flows have triggered new bull trout protections, with full closures near key creeks and “hoot-owl” fishing limits on several rivers starting July 29. Grizzly Conflict Update: FWP euthanized a food-conditioned grizzly in the Whitefish area, citing a clear uptick in bear activity as berry harvests fall and bears seek human food. Lead Cleanup in East Helena: EPA and DEQ are beginning yard removals tied to the old Asarco smelter contamination, with stricter residential soil lead standards guiding which properties get priority. Wolf Management: FWP is moving to limit the wolf hunt after recent estimates and past overcounting concerns. Conservation & Access: Montana opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, expanding public access for anglers and floaters. Grants for Recycling: Crow Creek Sioux Tribe received a $1.4M EPA grant to build recycling and composting programs. Energy & Environment: A BLM policy shift would replace formal food storage orders with more education and outreach across Montana public lands.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Air quality advisories and evacuation orders are hitting multiple states as wildfire smoke blankets the West, with Montana among the affected areas and health warnings urging people to limit time outdoors. Montana Water & Fish: Rising water temperatures and low flows are driving new Yellowstone-area fishing restrictions and closures, including hoot-owl limits meant to protect bull trout. Conservation Policy: The federal government cut Canada lynx critical habitat in Montana by 43%, removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the designated refuge. Mining & Pollution: A proposed Elk Valley Resources coal mine expansion in Canada is moving through assessment despite concerns about selenium pollution affecting Montana and Idaho waterways. FWP Enforcement: A tip led to a multiyear illegal deer hunting case; two Montana men were convicted and will lose hunting privileges across the U.S. Tribal Recycling: The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe received a $1.4M EPA grant to build recycling and composting programs. Agriculture Research: Montana State opened the Combined State Labs to expand livestock and agricultural testing and diagnostics. Wildfire Response: Montana Army National Guard crews trained on a new hoist rescue system to improve helicopter medical evacuations statewide. Wolf Management: Montana’s wolf population estimate dropped sharply, prompting a proposed reduction in this fall’s hunting and trapping quota.

PFAS Watch in Flathead Lake: Flathead Lake Biological Station testing found “forever chemicals” in the lake and tributaries, with detections low and below drinking-water benchmarks—but researchers say it points to a wider problem and are urging more Montana-wide sampling. Invasive Mussels Funding Snag: Montana’s effort to stop invasive mussels is stalled because a key U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant for boater education hasn’t arrived, threatening outreach that helps prevent spread between waterways. Mining Review Near Bitterroot Headwaters: The Bitterroot National Forest is starting an environmental review of the Sheep Creek Project, an exploratory rare-earth mining proposal near the West Fork of the Bitterroot River; public comment is expected in August. Lead Cleanup in East Helena: The EPA says yard excavations will begin this week to remove lead-contaminated soil at properties within the East Helena Superfund area. Grizzly Management Shift: A federal proposal would let Idaho, Montana and Wyoming manage grizzlies with more state authority, potentially changing how and when bears can be captured or killed. Wetlands Under Threat: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking quick public input on wetland easement policies in the Prairie Potholes region, raising alarms among waterfowl groups. Local Water Access Update: Repairs are underway at Placid Lake State Park after erosion and piping issues prompted removal of a public boat dock, with possible temporary fish barriers under consideration.

Invasive Species: Mission Valley wetlands are under attack from an invasive American bullfrog, with tribal and state partners issuing a “wanted” call to spot and report the voracious amphibian that eats native frogs and other wildlife. Water Safety & Recreation: At Placid Lake State Park, erosion and piping at Owl Creek Dam are lowering lake levels and forcing removal of the six-slip boat dock; repairs and possible temporary fish barriers are being considered. Toxic Pollution Cleanup: EPA crews are excavating lead-contaminated soil at properties within the East Helena Superfund area, with about 200 homes targeted this summer. PFAS Watch: Flathead Lake Biological Station scientists report “forever chemical” PFAS detections in preliminary tests of surface water around Flathead Lake and its inflow streams. Climate Court Fight: Youth plaintiffs in a climate lawsuit are asking the full Ninth Circuit to rehear their case after a panel rejected it. Wildlife Management: A judge denied Yellowstone’s request to pause bison lawsuits, keeping legal challenges moving. Energy & Heat Resilience: The DOE authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including Montana, amid an extreme heat wave and blackout risk. Local Conservation: Missoula County and partners are moving ahead with restoring Marshall Creek by removing a barrier culvert to help westslope cutthroat trout.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Montana is under another Air Quality Alert as wildfire haze lingers and more smoke is expected, with many western counties near or above 100 AQI and officials warning unhealthy conditions could last through the week. Energy Transition: Missoula and Bozeman have moved forward on a green power agreement with Northwestern Energy, now headed to the Montana Public Service Commission for approval. Public Power Planning: Residents urged the PSC to reject NorthWestern Energy’s plan that leans heavily on gas generation, arguing it locks in fossil fuel infrastructure while costs and environmental impacts rise. Wildlife Safety: A coalition is petitioning Montana FWP to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly habitat, citing deterrence and public safety. Conservation & Access: FWP is hosting a Trapper Education Field Day in Havre (Aug. 22) and is also making repairs at the Cyr Bridge fishing access site with temporary evening closures. Water Quality Research: MSU Billings researchers are sampling the Yellowstone River for DNA and microbes to track how microscopic pollution and nutrients are shifting river health. Mining & Cleanup: Montana Tunnels Mining filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after court rulings tied to state DEQ cleanup costs and back property taxes.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Montana is seeing unhealthy air and an Air Quality Alert across 21 counties as smoke from major Pacific Northwest fires lingers, with DEQ warning conditions may stay bad for days; Public Health & Work Safety: Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson is urging heat precautions on the job after decades of heat illness claims likely undercount the problem; Energy & Fossil Fuel Debate: Residents urged the Public Service Commission to reject NorthWestern Energy’s plan that leans heavily on new gas and nuclear, arguing it locks in fossil infrastructure; Grizzly Policy Uncertainty: A proposed shift in U.S. grizzly management could move more control to states, but conservation groups warn habitat recovery is still too weak; Aquatic Pollution Tracking: MSU Billings researchers are sampling Yellowstone River DNA to spot microscopic pollution and nutrient-driven ecological stress before it shows up in standard measures; Invasive Fish Alert: FWP says non-native brown trout were found in Ashley Lake and Church Slough and is asking anglers to kill and report any catches; Local Access & Recreation: Cyr Bridge Fishing Access boat slide work brings temporary evening closures, and FWP is also running a Trapper Education Field Day in Havre; Fire Restrictions: Richland County is under Stage 1 fire restrictions, and FWP sites there follow suit with campfire and smoking limits.

Grizzly Bear Management: The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled a revised plan to give more grizzly bear management flexibility to Western states after recovery benchmarks were met or exceeded, with Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and other governors backing the shift. Wildlife Safety & Encounters: Yellowstone National Park saw another tense bison incident go viral after a bull bison rammed an SUV and punctured a tire; it follows a recent Yellowstone bison charge that injured a visitor. Water Quality Alerts: Montana health officials warned of harmful algal blooms at multiple waters, including Hebgen Reservoir (Corey Springs area), with toxins that can sicken people, pets, and livestock—advice: stay out when in doubt. Invasive Fish Watch: Montana FWP is investigating suspected nonnative brown trout in the Flathead River drainage after detections in Ashley Lake and Church Slough, raising concerns for native fish. Climate Extremes: A heat dome is driving dangerous heat across the central U.S., with forecasts including Montana, increasing heat-stress risks. Public Lands Access: FWP is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement near the Big Snowy Mountains that would expand hunting access. Local Wildfire Planning: Whitefish released a draft 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan and is taking comments through Aug. 2.

Extreme Heat & Health: A heat dome is pushing dangerous, humid conditions across the central U.S., with forecasts calling for temperatures above 100°F and overnight lows that don’t cool off—Montana included—raising heat-stroke risk for kids, older adults, and people with medical conditions. Air Quality: Wildfire smoke and ozone are driving widespread air quality alerts, with officials urging Montanans to stay indoors and limit exertion when PM2.5 levels spike. Grizzly Bear Management: The Interior Department says it’s returning more grizzly bear management authority to Western states, and Montana is urging public comment on the federal proposal before Aug. 17. Harmful Algal Blooms: Montana health officials report new harmful algal blooms at multiple waters, warning “when in doubt, stay out” due to toxin risks to people, pets, and livestock. Invasive Fish: Montana FWP says nonnative brown trout may have spread into the Flathead drainage, with detections in Ashley Lake and Church Slough prompting concern for native fish. Wildfire Preparedness (Local): Whitefish released a draft 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan for public review through Aug. 2.

Extreme Heat Watch: A dangerous “heat dome” is keeping tens of millions in the central U.S. under advisories, with high humidity and warm nights raising the risk of heat illness; Montana is also seeing record-breaking warmth, including Billings hitting 100+ degrees again and a spike in heat-related hospital visits. Wildlife Safety at Campgrounds: A Montana family says unsecured food and trash at a Red Lodge-area campground helped lead to a black bear’s death, underscoring how quickly bears can become food-conditioned. Harmful Algal Blooms: Montana health officials report toxin-producing algae at multiple waters, including Hebgen Reservoir (Corey Springs), warning people and pets to stay out. Invasive Fish Alert: Montana FWP is investigating suspected nonnative brown trout in the Flathead drainage, including Ashley Lake and Church Slough, warning of impacts to native fish. Grizzly Bear Management: Montana is urging public comment on a federal proposal that would shift grizzly management toward states, with stakeholders weighing in ahead of an Aug. 17 deadline. Wolf Numbers Update: FWP says its latest model suggests Montana’s wolf population was overestimated, recommending a reduced hunting and trapping quota. Wildfire Preparedness Planning: Whitefish released a draft 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan for public review through Aug. 2.

Extreme Heat: A new “heat dome” is expanding across the central U.S., with about 70 million people facing dangerous temperatures and high humidity—conditions that can build heat stress fast. Harmful Algal Blooms: Montana health officials report toxin-producing algal blooms at multiple waters, including Canyon Ferry Lake, Hebgen Reservoir, Tongue River Reservoir, Hauser Reservoir and others—warning people and pets to stay out when in doubt. Invasive Fish: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says nonnative brown trout have been detected in Ashley Lake and Church Slough, raising concerns for the Flathead River drainage. Wolves: FWP says its wolf estimate was likely too high, recommending a major cut to the next hunting and trapping quota. Grizzlies: Montanans are urged to comment on a federal proposal that would shift grizzly bear management more to states, with debate over whether protections would weaken. Wildfire Prep: Whitefish released a draft 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan for public comment through Aug. 2. Public Access: FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, expanding float-in public access. Wildlife Safety: A petition asks Montana to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly country.

Wildlife & Water Safety: Montana health officials warn of harmful algal blooms at several waters, including Canyon Ferry Lake, Cooney Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Tongue River Reservoir, Hauser Reservoir and Elk Grove Pond, urging people to “stay out” when in doubt. Invasive Species Watch: Montana FWP says nonnative brown trout may have reached the Flathead River drainage after detections in Ashley Lake and Church Slough, raising concerns for native fish and the connected river system. Predators & Public Input: A new petition asks Montana FWP to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly country, with the agency confirming it’s under legal review. Grizzly Management Shift: Montanans are urged to comment on a federal proposal that would give states greater authority over grizzly bear management, with a deadline of Aug. 17. Local Wildfire Planning: Whitefish released a draft 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan for public review through Aug. 2, aiming to reduce risk in a city ranked highly for wildfire vulnerability. Aquatic Recreation Access: Montana FWP officially accepted the float-in Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, expanding public access while protecting riparian habitat. Climate & Energy (Local): Missoula and Missoula County moved closer to a statewide green power program, with a green tariff plan headed to the Montana Public Service Commission.

Grizzly Bear Management: Montanans have a 30-day window to comment on a federal proposal that would shift more grizzly bear authority to states, with an Aug. 17 deadline drawing ranchers and conservation groups into a high-stakes debate. Bear Safety Push: A new Montana petition asks FWP to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray in grizzly country, arguing it could reduce grizzly deaths and improve public safety; FWP says it’s under legal review. Glacier Fatality Details: A final report on Anthony Pollio’s May 3 Glacier National Park grizzly attack says darkness and deadfall likely limited visibility, and it notes his bear spray canister was found fully discharged at the scene. Water Quality Alert: Dangerous algae was detected at Hebgen Reservoir near Corey Springs, with toxin anatoxin-A posing risks to people, pets, and livestock during recreation. Extreme Heat & Fire Risk: Billings-area residents face an extreme heat warning and a Yellowstone County fire weather watch, underscoring how fast conditions can turn dangerous. Public Access Win: Montana FWP accepted the 82-acre Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, expanding float-in public access and protecting riparian habitat. Data Centers & Rights: A Yellowstone County initiative fight includes Montana’s Right to Compute Act, a 2025 law aimed at limiting government restrictions on lawful use of computational resources. Coal Under Federal Lands: A new USGS report estimates massive coal reserves beneath federal land, potentially setting the stage for more mining pressure in the West. Wildfire Resilience: California’s seed bank story highlights how climate-driven wildfire severity is outpacing reforestation capacity—an issue Montana communities watch closely.

Extreme Heat & Fire Risk: The National Weather Service issued extreme heat warnings and red-flag fire alerts across much of Montana this weekend, with triple-digit heat and low humidity raising wildfire danger. Wildlife & Fisheries: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed non-native brown trout in Flathead County (Ashley Lake and Church Slough), urging anglers to kill and report catches; the agency also continues bear-safety warnings after multiple conflict incidents in the Red Lodge area. Grizzlies & Legal Battles: A federal judge denied the U.S. request to pause a Yellowstone bison management lawsuit, while Montana’s bid to add Yellowstone superintendent text messages to the case record faces opposition. Conservation Access: Montana opened the 82-acre Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River, expanding public access while preserving the island through a partnership. Energy & Public Lands: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake to reduce methane leaks, and environmental groups sued the Army Corps over a renewed nationwide permit that could speed pipeline impacts on waterways and wildlife. Policy Watch: Montana’s wolf estimate and hunting quotas are under review as state management shifts.

Conservation Funding Debate: Montana is weighing a $3.56 million, 99-year conservation easement for Hannah Ranch in Fergus County instead of a perpetual deal—an approach critics say risks “bad conservation policy” built around political uncertainty. Aquatic Invasives: Montana FWP confirmed non-native brown trout in Flathead County at Ashley Lake and Church Slough, urging anglers to kill any caught brown trout and report them. Grizzly Management Push: Senators praised a new Interior move to return more grizzly bear management flexibility to western states after federal recovery benchmarks are met. Public Access on the Yellowstone: FWP opened the 82-acre Siskin Island Fishing Access Site near Livingston, expanding float-in public access while preserving habitat. Wildlife Policy Watch: Montana proposed cutting this fall’s wolf hunting and trapping quota after a new model estimates about 725 wolves—far below earlier figures. Climate & Health: Research highlights how extreme heat and wildfire impacts are worsening mental health risks in the Northern Rockies and Plains. Glacier Cleanup: Glacier National Park will plug a leaking oil well near Kintla Lake starting July 27, with construction affecting nearby access.

Wildlife & Water: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the Bitterroot River is now under hoot owl restrictions, with fishing banned from 2 p.m. to midnight as heat pushes water temperatures high enough to stress trout. Wolf Policy: Montana’s annual wolf report shows wolf numbers falling again, estimating 725 wolves statewide (down from about 800 in 2024), as the state weighs lower hunt quotas and management changes. Grizzly Management: The U.S. is moving toward more state flexibility for grizzly bear management, renewing debate over Endangered Species Act protections and what “recovery” should mean on the ground. Public Access: Gov. Greg Gianforte and FWP opened the Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the upper Yellowstone River, expanding public fishing access on an 82-acre island complex donated for habitat and recreation. Community Conservation: FWP’s Kids to Fish program is back, with 350 loaner rods and tackle at about 40 Hi-Line sites to get more kids fishing. Weather & Fire Risk: A flood watch lingers for southern Montana while excessive heat and fire weather watches are set for later this week, with smoke possible as conditions dry out.

River & Wildlife Hot-Weather Rules: The Bitterroot River is now under FWP “hoot owl” fishing limits after sustained high temperatures, with anglers barred from fishing 2 p.m. to midnight. Grizzly Management Shake-Up: USFWS and Interior propose a rule that would give Montana more flexibility to manage grizzlies under a tiered 4(d) approach while they remain protected. Public Access on the Yellowstone: Gov. Gianforte and FWP opened the new Siskin Island Fishing Access Site on the upper Yellowstone, expanding public access to the river. Flood & Fire-Weather Watch: A flood threat lingers Wednesday into early Thursday near mountains, foothills, and burn scars, then a hotter, drier stretch ramps up fire risk. Bear Safety Warning: A new Glacier National Park review of a fatal bear attack says hikers should avoid low-light travel—bear spray is a last line of defense, not a substitute for prevention. Invasive Species Outreach Funding: A Livingston nonprofit says a seven-month federal funding delay is threatening its aquatic invasive species education work. Kids Fishing Program: FWP’s “Kids to Fish” loaner-rod program is back across northeast Montana, with free gear and tackle at set sites. Local Labor Snapshot: Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3% in June, with Missoula at 2.9%.