AGP Executive Report

Idaho Wolf Management: Idaho Fish and Game reported documented wolf mortalities from July 1, 2025, through June 9 totaled 315—up 11.3% from the prior year but still well below the pre-injunction average—driven mostly by hunting and trapping on public land. Roadless Rule Fight: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden warned that repealing the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule could spur more development and raise wildfire risk in Oregon, arguing roads boost ignition rates. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Idaho’s agriculture department added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, urging immediate reporting if suspected. Cleanup Costs at Mountain Home: The U.S. Navy says it has spent about $2 million so far cleaning up a May 17 air show jet crash near Mountain Home, including removing wreckage and restoring a reopened road. Community & Conservation Culture: The “Idaho Lorax” advocate Carta Reale Sierra died June 9, with a community gathering planned in Pocatello and calls to honor him by planting trees or speaking out for cleaner environments. Outdoor Access for Seniors: More than 150 seniors joined the ninth annual “Take Me Fishing” event at Hagerman, with Idaho Fish and Game stocking hundreds of trout. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasted a possible aurora showing Thursday night into Friday, with Idaho’s northern tip included for a chance to see the lights.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Idaho’s Department of Agriculture added new animal entry requirements after new world screwworm detections, aiming to protect livestock, pets, and wildlife from a pest that causes severe tissue damage. Local Water & Habitat: Ketchum’s planning debate over a Big Wood River riverfront setback shows how flood damage and stream stabilization plans collide with local rules meant to protect waterways. Public Health & Environment: A new interactive “Refinery Risk Map” estimates health impacts from fine particle pollution near oil refineries across the Mountain West, highlighting nearby schools and hospitals. Energy & Materials: Aqua Metals was selected as an industrial partner on an Idaho National Laboratory program to advance battery recycling methods for nickel and cobalt separation. Community Conservation: Idaho Free Fishing Day returns Saturday with statewide license-free fishing and regional trailer events, including youth-focused help from Fish and Game staff and volunteers. Idaho Environmental Loss: Carta Sierra, a longtime “Idaho Lorax” environmental advocate in Pocatello, died at 74.

Idaho Animal Health: Idaho’s agriculture department tightened animal entry rules after New World screwworm was detected in Texas and New Mexico, requiring recent veterinary inspections and movement permits for warm-blooded animals headed into the state. Water & Health: A new Refinery Risk Map from PSE Healthy Energy estimates air-pollution health impacts from oil refineries across the Mountain West, flagging nearby schools and hospitals. Local Governance: Panhandle Health District faces another budget fight after five northern counties rejected its FY 2027 plan; a revised proposal goes to a public hearing. Wildlife & Habitat: The Center for Biological Diversity sued to force action on whether Western ridged mussels deserve Endangered Species Act protections, citing delayed safeguards. Outdoor Access: Idaho Free Fishing Day returns Saturday with statewide license-free fishing and free trailer events, including a Magic Valley stop at Riley Pond. Community Nature: Pollinator Week events in Pocatello set up a June 27 Pollinator Celebration Day with education, monarch activities, and a proclamation. Energy & Grid Resilience: Idaho National Laboratory published public results from wildfire and extreme-condition testing of next-gen power line materials.

Idaho Animal Health: Idaho set new entry requirements for animals after New World screwworm was detected in Texas and New Mexico, including certificate and travel documentation rules for animals coming from infested zones. River Protection in Idaho: A new look at the Middle Fork of the Salmon River highlights how long-term protection can keep a major Idaho waterway healthier even as rivers nationwide face pollution, drought, and development pressure. Endangered Species: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over delays in deciding whether native Western ridged mussels need Endangered Species Act safeguards, warning the mussels are declining across the Snake and Columbia basins and beyond. Grid Resilience: Idaho National Laboratory published results from more than 50 tests of next-generation power line materials, including extreme heat and cold performance, aimed at reducing wildfire and weather-related grid failures. Wildlife & Courts: Western conservation groups won a partial federal case over road and vehicle access impacts on grizzly bears and bull trout in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest, though the judge said more arguments are needed on next steps. Local Fire Update: The Scottpit Fire near Parma reached about 75% containment as crews worked to secure lines and mop up hotspots. Critical Infrastructure Mapping: INL is mapping dependencies for water, hospitals, and other systems tied to the FIFA World Cup to help cities plan for disasters and attacks. Wildlife Crime: A North Idaho poaching trial involving a family accused of illegal kills and concealment continued, with testimony ruled inadmissible.

Extreme Weather & Water: Coldest Junes in Idaho since 1895 and record-low snowpack are adding pressure to already-tight water supplies, with western basins facing summer restrictions and higher wildfire danger. Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups are pushing back after Trump repealed off-road vehicle rules on public land, warning it could worsen impacts to water quality and wildlife habitat. Idaho Habitat & Species: A Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit seeks protections for the western ridged mussel, a species tied to healthier rivers across Oregon, California, Idaho, and Nevada. Local Land Use: Gem County approved a controversial private airstrip permit for Flying Thunderbolt Ranch after a heated hearing, with opponents citing noise, safety, livestock, traffic, and fuel-related environmental concerns. Big Wood River Floodplain: A levee maintenance project on the Big Wood River included cottonwood removal, but separate unpermitted grading work on private Trout Lane property triggered a stop-work order. Wildfire Response: The Scottpit Fire near Parma reached about 75% containment as storms and rain helped crews. Animal Welfare: Latah County seized 66 horses in an ongoing neglect investigation, with neighbors reporting malnourishment and poor care for years. Energy Infrastructure: Avista confirmed talks with a company seeking a large data center drawing 125 MW starting in 2029, raising questions about regional power demand.

Idaho Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups are warning that Trump’s repeal of off-road vehicle and over-snow vehicle rules on public land could weaken protections for wildlife, habitat, and water quality, arguing the old orders provided consistent guardrails. Gem County Air Access: After a heated public hearing, Gem County’s planning and zoning commission approved a special use permit for the Flying Thunderbolt Ranch private grass airstrip tied to a proposed 19-lot subdivision near Brill Road, with neighbors citing noise, safety, livestock impacts, traffic, and aviation-fuel environmental concerns. Animal Cruelty Case: Latah County authorities seized 66 horses from a property near Kendrick as part of an animal neglect investigation, with reports of severe underfeeding, poor hoof care, and long-running neighbor complaints. Local Fire Governance: Nampa’s fire board signed off on the next step toward merging with Kuna Fire, aiming for long-term sustainability, shared resources, and better staffing as growth continues. Water & Habitat Restoration: The Kingston-Cataldo Sewer District is building a land-application wastewater treatment system supported by DEQ, ARPA, and Leading Idaho grants, with added conservation partnerships to seed native wildflowers and irrigate restored habitat. Wildlife Stewardship Recognition: Mark and Wendy Pratt of Blackfoot received a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies award for balancing private ranch stewardship with wildlife conservation and continued public access through Idaho Fish and Game’s Access Yes! program. Agriculture Adaptation Research: A new study highlights how less snowpack and altered snowmelt threaten western water supplies and agriculture, and surveys adaptation options from managed aquifer recharge to demand-side land repurposing.

Animal Welfare & Public Safety: Latah County deputies seized 66 horses from a property near Kendrick after a long-running neglect complaint, with investigators citing underfeeding, poor hoof care, and inadequate facilities; rescue groups say they were previously blocked from helping. Wildfire Watch: The Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near Parma is estimated at 50 acres with no containment yet, prompting localized evacuations and structure protection. Idaho Wildlife & Land Access: Blackfoot ranchers Mark and Wendy Pratt received a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies award for balancing private stewardship with public hunting and angling access, including enrollment of 27,000 acres in Idaho Fish and Game’s Access Yes! program. Clean Energy in Idaho: Clean Energy Fuels began producing renewable natural gas at East Valley Cattle in Jerome, capturing methane from manure and injecting pipeline-quality RNG for lower-carbon transport fuel. Extreme Heat & Power Reliability: A new look at the U.S. grid says extreme heat is shifting from a rare risk to a design baseline as drought and demand growth strain aging infrastructure. Space Weather: NOAA forecasts a possible geomagnetic storm from an incoming CME, with aurora activity most likely around midday and later evening. Policy & Environment: Idaho lawmakers approved ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would block voters from legalizing marijuana by initiative.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): Crews are responding to the Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near the Boise-Snake River confluence west/northwest of Parma. The Idaho Department of Lands estimates it at about 50 acres with no containment yet; localized evacuations are underway near Martin’s Landing, and structures may be threatened while the cause remains under investigation. Wildlife & Habitat (Idaho): Payette National Forest shared trail-camera photos of wolverines captured in deep snow, part of ongoing monitoring of a localized population under the Endangered Species Act. Water & Climate (West): Researchers are improving Colorado River forecasts by using satellite data on snow and soil moisture to better predict drought impacts—aimed at helping cities and farms plan shortages. Extreme Weather (Idaho region): A strong incoming solar storm could boost northern lights visibility into mid-latitudes, with NOAA watching for geomagnetic storm conditions. Policy & Public Lands (U.S.): The Trump administration is moving to bring back cyanide “M-44” predator devices on public lands on a case-by-case basis after a prior ban was lifted. Rural Health (Idaho context): A new report says hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with Idaho providers warning that reimbursement delays can be devastating.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): The Scottpit Fire is burning about 50 acres south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area near Parma, with localized evacuations reported and 0% containment as crews from Idaho Department of Lands, Parma Fire, and a U.S. Forest Service wildland team respond; officials say the cause is under investigation and urge people to avoid the area. Wildlife Research (Idaho): Payette National Forest shared new trail-camera photos of wolverines, using bait-and-scent stations to study a localized population and better understand how to limit impacts to the threatened species. Climate & Heat (West): A new analysis finds summer temperatures have risen fastest in western cities, with Boise among the top movers, underscoring how warming is intensifying across the Northwest. Northern Lights (Region-wide): NOAA forecasts a strong geomagnetic storm that could bring auroras visible across much of the northern U.S. Wildlife Management (Yellowstone): Yellowstone’s wolf count dropped to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with low pup survival and possible disease and wider hunting/trapping pressures cited.

Wildfire Watch (Idaho): The Scottpit Fire burning south of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management area near Parma has triggered evacuations in parts of Canyon County, with “structures may be threatened” and no containment reported as crews from Idaho Department of Lands, Parma Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service respond; officials say the cause is under investigation and urge people to avoid the area. Wildlife & Ecosystems (Yellowstone): Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, down from 108 in nine packs the year before, with low pup survival and possible disease impacts cited, plus added pressure from hunting and trapping outside the park. Water Quality & Infrastructure (Burley): Burley secured $20 million in federal funding to overhaul its aging industrial wastewater treatment plant, aiming to cut environmental risks to the Snake River after prior alleged violations and legal action. Public Safety & Planning (Idaho Flooding): FEMA released updated floodplain maps for Blaine County, with appeals and public comments due Aug. 25 before the maps are adopted. Climate & Fire Preparedness (Canada): Canada is investing $47.8 million over five years to strengthen Parks Canada wildfire readiness, including equipment and risk-reduction work like prescribed burns. Science & Energy (Idaho National Lab): INL researchers studied plutonium hexaboride’s electronic behavior, advancing understanding of heavy-element physics with potential implications for future nuclear research.

Off-Road Access on Public Lands: A draft order would push the U.S. Forest Service to reopen more areas for ATVs and other off-road vehicles, affecting about 5 million acres and hitting Idaho hard. Wildfire Risk & Preparedness: Montana officials warn 2026 could bring above-normal wildfire danger tied to drought, wind, and warmer conditions, with staffing and coordination still the big challenge. Idaho Flood Maps: FEMA released updated floodplain maps for Blaine County, with residents able to appeal or comment through Aug. 25 before the maps take effect. Idaho Mine Fight: A federal judge denied a bid to halt early construction on Idaho’s Stibnite gold project, saying opponents didn’t show likely irreparable harm. Wastewater Upgrade in Burley: Burley secured $20 million in federal funding to overhaul an aging industrial wastewater plant after prior Snake River pollution allegations. Heat in the West: A new analysis flags Boise among the fastest-warming U.S. cities, underscoring rising summer temperatures. Local Conservation Work: Eastern Idaho landowners are hiring goats for prescribed grazing to cut wildfire fuels and invasive weeds. Wildlife & Recreation: Idaho Fish and Game is hosting bird walks at the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello, highlighting nearly 100 bird species there.

Climate Heat in the West: A new Climate Central analysis finds summer temperatures rising fastest in western cities, with Reno (+11.3°F since 1970) far ahead and Boise (+6.3°F) among the top movers—another sign Idaho’s summers are getting hotter. Wildfire Readiness: Montana officials warn 2026 could bring above-normal wildfire risk tied to drought, wind, and warmer winters, with staffing and coordination challenges for local fire services. Public Lands Access: A draft U.S. Forest Service order would expand off-road vehicle access on millions of acres, including about 5 million acres in Idaho and Montana, by reopening routes and potentially allowing ATV use in areas eyed for wilderness protections. Idaho Water & Flood Planning: FEMA released updated floodplain maps for Blaine County, with residents able to appeal or comment through Aug. 25 before the maps take effect. Wastewater Upgrade in Burley: Burley secured $20 million in federal funding to overhaul its industrial wastewater plant after past alleged violations tied to releases into the Snake River. Idaho Mine Fight: A federal judge denied environmental groups’ bid to halt initial construction on Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite gold project, saying plaintiffs hadn’t shown irreparable harm. Local Conservation & Recreation: Idaho Fish and Game is hosting birding walks at the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello, and prescribed-burn training continues as wildfire season approaches.

AI Data Center Fight in Pocatello: Lex Developments has appealed Pocatello’s denial of its conditional-use permit for an AI data center, setting up a City Council decision after a packed hearing. Water Quality & Wastewater: Burley secured $20 million in federal funding to overhaul its aging industrial wastewater plant, after past alleged releases into the Snake River and ongoing legal proceedings. Wildfire Readiness: Southwest Idaho Fire Training is putting crews through prescribed burn exercises and hands-on suppression practice ahead of the season. Mining Oversight: A federal judge denied a bid to halt early construction tied to Idaho’s Stibnite gold mine, though the court signaled some arguments may still succeed. Flood Risk Updates: FEMA is rolling out revised floodplain maps for Blaine County, with a comment and appeal period running through Aug. 25. Public Lands Off-Road Access: A draft order would expand where off-road vehicles could be allowed on national forest land, with major acreage impacts in Idaho and Montana. Idaho Heat Record: A new look at the hottest Junes since 1895 highlights how extreme temperatures are stacking up. Local Nature Events: Birding walks are scheduled at the Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello, with adult-only and family options.

Idaho Water Watch: Even with Idaho’s wettest April on record, hydrologists warn the state still faces a tough irrigation outlook because the winter snowpack was the driest since 1934, meaning reservoirs may start releasing storage earlier than usual. Wildlife & Public Lands: Environmental groups sued to stop federal predator control in wilderness areas, arguing the Wilderness Act bars killing predators even when the goal is protecting livestock. NEPA in Practice: A new review finds courts are largely embracing the Supreme Court’s “course correction” for NEPA, pushing more deference to agency decisions—though agencies can still lose if they miss specific requirements or fail to explain choices in the record. Energy & Climate Tension: A Pew survey finds most Americans say extreme weather is both more frequent and more severe, but views on whether humans drive it remain sharply split. Idaho Policy & Land Use: Idaho’s trans public-bathroom ban takes effect July 1, and attorneys say businesses and employers are still sorting out how complaints and enforcement could play out. Local Energy/Industry: At Idaho National Laboratory, Antares Nuclear completed a key microreactor criticality milestone, advancing next-generation nuclear testing with DOE and Army support.

Idaho Water & Infrastructure: DEQ approved a $2 million low-interest drinking water construction loan for Camp Fire Inland Northwest in Kootenai County, funding a pump station, backup generator, water system upgrades, and reservoir rehabilitation. Wildfire Risk: Federal outlooks warn the high-risk wildfire period is arriving early across much of the West, including the Inland Northwest and northern Idaho panhandle, driven by above-normal temperatures, low rainfall, and weak snowpack. Mining & Public Lands: A federal court cleared the path for Idaho’s Stibnite gold project to move forward after climate groups sought an injunction, a major win tied to antimony supply for national defense. Critical Minerals & Economy: Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining closed a $270 million IPO aimed at restarting the historic Sunshine Mine in Idaho’s Silver Valley, targeting large-scale silver production and expansion into critical minerals. Climate Policy Fight: A Pew survey finds most Americans say extreme weather is both more frequent and more severe, with sharp partisan splits over whether human activity is the cause. Rights of Nature Backlash: A new report says the rights of nature movement is facing bans and pushback, including state-level restrictions that include Idaho. Dark Skies: Colorado is expanding dark-sky tourism links, noting Idaho’s large dark-sky reserve as a regional draw.

Wildfire Outlook: The National Interagency Fire Center says the high-risk period for big Western wildfires is arriving early, with above-normal significant fire potential forecast for June across the inland Northwest and northern Idaho panhandle, and then spreading in July and August. Mining & Federal Courts: A U.S. District Court in Idaho cleared the way for construction to proceed on the Stibnite Gold Project after climate groups sought an injunction, a major win for Perpetua Resources and the Pentagon’s interest in antimony. Radioactive Waste: A judge permanently barred a Michigan landfill from accepting multiple categories of radioactive waste, while Colorado moved ahead with landfill-grant funding to meet air-emissions rules. Water & Public Safety: BLM announced five people will pay $25,000 in restitution after shooting and heavily damaging a pumphouse on BLM-managed land in Payette County, disrupting critical water infrastructure for ranchers. Idaho Recreation & Fishing: Idaho hunter permit applications for fall controlled hunts are due June 5, and a tip highlights how mountain streams can offer quieter trout fishing. Northern Lights: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for parts of the northern U.S., including northern Idaho, with a stronger display possible Thursday night into Friday.