AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Crossings: Idaho wrapped up a major wildlife underpass project on U.S. 30 near Montpelier, using three new crossings and fencing to cut deadly mule deer collisions on a stretch where about 100 deer die each year. Public Lands Policy: A postcard-writing push is underway to defend the Roadless Rule, warning that proposed changes could open millions of acres of undeveloped national forest to roads and logging. Water & Health: Idaho health officials urged caution after testing showed a sharp rise in rabid bats and possible exposures, while Lake Elmo in Montana also flagged harmful algal bloom toxins—both reminders that outdoor risks are changing fast. Energy & Environment: Meta’s closed-loop data center in Kuna is now operating, aiming to reuse cooling water and address local concerns about water use. Federal Staffing: A report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply nationwide, including in Idaho, raising questions about capacity for wildlife protection. Conservation Education: Idaho Falls Zoo opened its new “Islands” exhibit, pairing animal viewing with conservation learning.

Roadless Rule Fight: A new campaign is pushing back on proposed rollbacks to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning Idaho’s public forests could lose wildlife habitat and protection for migration routes. Climate & Health: Doctors in Boise tied wildfire smoke, extreme heat and drought to rising health risks, urging health systems and communities to prepare for more severe conditions. Wildlife & Public Safety: Idaho health officials report 24 rabid bats so far this year and more bat-related calls, reminding people not to handle bats and to seek prompt help after any exposure. New Species in Idaho: Researchers announced a new spider species, “Hexura vandal,” found in Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and appearing endemic. Mining Update: Perpetua Resources shared construction progress at the Stibnite Gold Project, including long-lead equipment fabrication and workforce housing work. Local Land-Use Debate: In the Panhandle, critics say the Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative would protect too little wilderness and could expand motorized recreation impacts. Wildlife Crossing: Idaho continues building a wildlife highway crossing to help migrating deer move safely under a busy road.

Climate & Health: Doctors in Boise at the Regional Climate and Health Symposium warned that wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and drought can hit nearly every organ system, with local patients seeing more smoke-related respiratory cases. Winter & Snowpack: Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area says it won’t open this winter for the first time in 40 years, blaming “difficult snow years” and changing conditions. Public Health & Wildlife: Idaho reported a rise in rabid bat detections and potential human exposures, urging people not to handle bats and to seek prompt guidance after any contact. Local Governance & AI: Bannock County is forming a work group to draft a template ordinance for regulating AI data center proposals, with other cities and counties able to adopt it. Idaho Biodiversity: University of Idaho researchers discovered a new state-endemic spider, Hexura vandal, found near Kooskia. Wildlife Management: Idaho Fish and Game finished a two-phase elk removal near Emmett to curb sustained agricultural damage. Roadless Rule Fight: Public lands advocates pushed back on a proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, urging more public comment before Sept. 21.

Idaho Conservation & Water Courts: The Idaho Supreme Court reaffirmed that land-division applications tied to a proposed 35-lot development in the Coolin Wetlands must go through judicial review, sending the Priest Lake-area case back to district court and underscoring the wetlands’ role in protecting water, shoreline, and wildlife. Wildlife & Biodiversity: University of Idaho researchers described a new spider species, Hexura vandal, extending the known range of its group deep into northern Idaho and highlighting how local habitats still hold surprises. Wildfire Fuel Management: A new push for targeted grazing is gaining attention as a tool to reduce wildfire risk by having livestock clear hard-to-reach shrubs and grasses—though scientists warn it’s not a one-size fix. Public Lands Policy: Hunters and conservationists gathered to urge public comments on a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would loosen limits on roads and timber activity across millions of acres. Local Environment & Health: A Treasure Valley climate-and-health symposium is spotlighting how doctors can better connect climate impacts to public health, honoring a physician who died in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Wastewater Funding Crunch in Teton Valley: Teton County is convening municipalities as local wastewater problems mount, with officials pointing to a statewide shortfall in Idaho’s SRF infrastructure loans and a growing regional treatment-plant price tag that won’t finish until 2028. Roadless Rule Fight: The USDA is seeking public comment on a proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with environmental groups urging more time and warning it could reshape wildfire-risk work and habitat protections across national forests. Idaho Wildlife in Town: Idaho Fish and Game captured and relocated a young black bear found in a Pocatello backyard, citing drought-stressed food scarcity and safety concerns near roads and homes. Hydropower Permitting Push: DOE’s H2O office awarded $5.5 million to lab projects aimed at speeding hydropower licensing and relicensing, including work tied to fish passage and environmental monitoring. Climate + Health Link: A Treasure Valley symposium is honoring an avalanche-death physician and spotlighting how climate change is affecting human health, with Idaho clinicians and researchers discussing the overlap. Labor Day Gas Spike: AAA reports record-high gas prices heading into the holiday, with Oregon and Washington seeing sharper increases tied to fuel-switch timing and supply issues.

Roadless Rule Fight in Idaho: With less than 30 days left before the Sept. 21 deadline, Earthjustice and partner groups are asking the Forest Service and USDA to extend public comment on the plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, arguing the rollback would affect about 45 million acres and needs more public hearings nationwide. Wildlife Safety on Idaho Roads: Idaho’s Rocky Point Wildlife Underpass near Montpelier is nearing completion, adding three underpasses and fencing on US-30 to help deer and other wildlife cross safely; officials say collisions have killed at least 100 deer a year in the area. Idaho Bear Relocations: Idaho Fish and Game captured and relocated a young black bear from a Pocatello backyard after it climbed a fence and foraged on berries, citing drought-stressed food supplies and the need to keep bears away from homes and busy roadways. New Idaho Biodiversity Find: Scientists named a newly identified northern Idaho spider, Hexura vandal, warning that its tiny known range could be threatened by logging and wildfires. Air Quality Court Push: Idaho AG Raúl Labrador joined other Republican attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn tighter soot pollution limits, a move that could shape future air protections.

Wildfire resilience in the West: A new study on giant sequoias finds prescribed thinning and burns can cut sequoia deaths after major fires by more than half, offering a practical “burn ahead of the blaze” strategy for long-lived forests. Idaho wildlife safety: Crews are nearing completion of the Rocky Point wildlife underpass on U.S. 30 in Bear Lake County, built to reduce deadly deer collisions and guide animals with fencing. Roadless Rule fight: Conservation groups are urging public comment and postcard outreach as the USDA moves toward rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with events planned in Idaho and across the region. Aquatic invasive crackdown: Idaho officials have started a multi-phase quagga mussel treatment in the Snake River near Twin Falls using EPA-approved copper products, with monitoring through Sept. 13. Air pollution in court: Idaho AG Raúl Labrador joined a coalition challenging climate-related conflicts at Big Four accounting firms, while other GOP AGs push the U.S. Supreme Court to roll back stricter soot pollution limits. Energy planning: A draft Northwest power plan calls for major renewable buildout plus storage and some natural gas to meet rising demand through 2032. Rural health funding: Idaho rural providers can apply for Healthcare Infrastructure Support funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program, with a Sept. 13 deadline.

Wildlife Safety in Idaho: Crews are nearing completion of the Rocky Point Wildlife Underpass on U.S. 30 south of Montpelier, with three underpasses and fencing aimed at stopping deer-vehicle crashes that officials say have killed at least 100 deer a year. Forest Policy Watch: Environmentalists are pushing for more public comment on federal plans to rescind Idaho’s Roadless Rule, warning the change could reshape how national forests are managed. Mining & Water Impacts: Conservation groups filed an appeal to reverse approval of Idaho’s Stibnite Gold Project, seeking to halt Perpetua Resources’ work and construction tied to Valley County. Boise Urban Greening: Boise is offering a free tree giveaway for 400 households through Trees Idaho’s Elaine Clegg City of Trees Challenge, with delivery planned for late October. Climate & Water Pressure (Regional): A new study links decades of carbon emissions to worsening western U.S. water stress, including reduced snowpack and higher irrigation demand. Energy & INL: Lightbridge was selected for a DOE/INL launch pad program to speed development of metallic nuclear fuel manufacturing at Idaho National Laboratory.

Western Water Crisis: A new study links decades of carbon emissions to worsening drought impacts across the West, including reduced mountain snowpack and lower warm-season river flows—raising pressure on places like the Spokane River, where a mile-long stretch has gone dry earlier and faster than last year. Idaho Conservation & Public Lands: Conservation groups have appealed the U.S. Forest Service approval of the Stibnite Gold Project, seeking to halt construction by Perpetua Resources while they argue risks to air, water, and public health. Wildlife & Habitat: Idaho Fish and Game received a $1.65 million federal grant to expand its Access Yes hunting and fishing program, aiming to keep more land open and improve habitat. Community Nature: Boise is giving away 400 trees for free to households as part of its City of Trees challenge, supporting shade, cooling, and wildlife habitat. Idaho Fire Update: The Silver Fire in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has surged past 2,300 acres, with crews shifting to safer containment-focused suppression. Local Events: Edson Fichter Nature Area is bringing back its Nature Talks series in September with family-friendly talks on wildlife and ecosystems.

Wildfire Watch: A lightning-sparked Silver Fire in Idaho’s Panhandle has surged past 2,300 acres, with crews shifting to containment where success is most likely as spotting and rough terrain drive fire behavior. Public Lands Policy: Environmental groups are asking for more time to comment as federal action moves to rescind the Roadless Rule, while Idaho’s own roadless protections are described as separate and potentially still vulnerable to future changes. Mining & Water Quality: Conservation groups have appealed approval of the Stibnite Gold Project, arguing the mine could harm air quality and clean water despite Perpetua’s planned restoration steps. Elk Management: Idaho Fish and Game finished a Big Willow Creek depredation reduction, relocating 34 elk and removing 75 to curb year-round agricultural damage. Urban Trees: Boise is offering free trees to 400 households through its City of Trees challenge, aiming to boost shade and habitat. Drinking Water: A study ranks Columbia, a college town, mid-tier for lead and finds widespread lead above EPA’s goal, while PFAS results came back clean in that dataset. Wildlife Safety: BearWise guidance is highlighted as drought pushes bears into towns, with advice on how to respond to defensive vs. aggressive bears. Nuclear in Idaho: The Air Force says an Eielson microreactor demonstration is targeted for 2029, with Idaho National Laboratory and Oklo involved.

Stibnite Gold Project Fight: Conservation groups filed an appeal to reverse U.S. Forest Service approval of Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project and seek to halt construction, arguing the mine threatens public health, air quality, and clean water even as the company points to restoration plans. Roadless Rule Pressure: Environmental groups are asking for more time for public comment on a federal proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, saying the decision affects tens of millions of acres and lacks enough public hearings. Wildfire Response Scrutiny: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and others are demanding an investigation into allegations that a senior Trump administration official diverted firefighting aircraft and resources to a small Idaho wildfire near his private ranch. Idaho Water Watch: A new study ranks college-town drinking water quality, finding widespread lead issues nationally; it also reports Columbia’s system scored poorly on lead while showing no PFAS detections in the measured categories. INL Nuclear Progress: Idaho National Laboratory is part of new work to advance nuclear tech, including full-power testing for a deployable nuclear battery and expanded lab partnerships aimed at strengthening domestic nuclear supply chains. Local Nature & Habitat: Idaho Fish and Game wrapped up an elk depredation reduction effort in the Big Willow Creek drainage, using relocation and culling to protect private agriculture. Community Trees: Boise is giving away free trees to 400 households through a citywide urban forestry challenge, aiming to boost shade and wildlife habitat.

Wildlife & Public Safety: A western U.S. drought is driving more bear encounters, and BearWise urges people to stand their ground with defensive bears, use bear spray and fight back if a bear is predatory. Idaho Wildlife Management: Idaho Fish and Game finished an elk depredation reduction in the Big Willow Creek drainage, using translocation and lethal removal to curb damage on private land. Hunting Access: A $1.65M federal grant expands Idaho Fish and Game’s Access Yes program, aiming to enroll more landowners and improve habitat and accessibility. Roadless Rule Fight: Conservation groups are asking for more time for public comment on a proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it affects tens of millions of acres. Wildfire Politics: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and others demand an investigation into allegations that a Trump USDA official diverted firefighting resources to a small Idaho fire near his ranch. Idaho Fire Update: The Silver Fire in the Idaho Panhandle has grown past 2,300 acres, shifting strategy toward confining it within control features. Nature Education: Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello is restarting its Nature Talks series in September with weekly family-friendly speakers. Nuclear & Energy: Deployable Energy was selected for full-power testing at Idaho National Laboratory and a maritime demo with Hornbeck Offshore.

Roadless Rule Watch: The Forest Service’s proposed repeal of the 2001 national Roadless Area Conservation Rule won’t directly touch Idaho’s own 2008 roadless rule, but advocates warn the Idaho rule could still face future political action through Congress or the state legislature. Public Comment Fight: Environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, are asking for a longer public comment period on the federal rescission plan, arguing the current Sept. 21 deadline and lack of hearings limits meaningful input. Wildfire Response Integrity: U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and other Democrats are pressing for an investigation into allegations that USDA official Michael Boren diverted firefighting resources to a small Idaho fire near his ranch. Wildlife Management in Practice: Idaho Fish and Game finished a Big Willow elk depredation reduction, using relocation and lethal removal to curb year-round agricultural damage. Working Lands Conservation: New funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports conservation easements on Idaho ranchland, helping permanently protect thousands of acres while keeping ranching viable. Outdoor Recreation & Safety: Rocky Point’s wildlife underpasses near completion on US-30, aiming to cut frequent mule deer vehicle collisions. Health & Environment: Warmer, wetter conditions could extend mosquito season and West Nile risk later into fall, with Idaho reporting cases.

Wildfire & Heat Connection: New research finds heatwaves drove nearly half of the western U.S. wildfire burned area over the past 25 years, with Idaho-Oregon-Nevada grass and shrublands seeing about two-thirds of burned area linked to heatwaves—highlighting the compounding danger of repeated hot days. Wildlife Safety on Idaho Roads: Rocky Point wildlife underpasses near completion on US-30 south of Montpelier, aiming to cut wildlife-vehicle collisions while protecting migrating deer and other animals. Invasive Grass Control: Idaho Fish and Game plans helicopter spraying of pre-emergent herbicide to target cheatgrass and other invasive annual grasses across about 8,000 acres in south-central Idaho, to reduce wildfire risk and support native habitat. Idaho CWD Response: Idaho Fish and Game culled more than 65 wild deer that entered a fenced domestic elk facility near Rexburg under a chronic wasting disease quarantine, underscoring ongoing disease-management pressure on high-fence operations. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA forecasts aurora visibility in parts of northern Idaho and other northern-tier states, with a possible G2-class geomagnetic storm. Local Grants & Community: St. Vincent de Paul in Pocatello received a $30,800 grant for renovations to its Social Services area, improving conditions for clients.

Rabies Alert: Eastern Idaho Public Health says two unvaccinated pets in Idaho Falls and Rigby were euthanized after rabid bat encounters, with owners starting emergency post-exposure care—officials urge anyone who may have touched a bat to seek help fast because bites can go unnoticed. Invasive-Grass Control: Idaho Fish and Game plans helicopter spraying of pre-emergent herbicide on about 8,000 acres starting the week of Sept. 1 through Sept. 12 in south-central drainages to curb cheatgrass and lower wildfire risk. Wildlife Disease Response: Idaho Fish and Game shot and killed more than 65 wild deer that entered a fenced domestic elk hunting facility near Rexburg under chronic wasting disease quarantine, after earlier similar culls. Weather & Fire Risk: A cooling trend is underway with breezy winds and a Red Flag Warning Thursday for parts of the Inland Northwest, plus a drier fall forecast that raises wildfire smoke risk for Idaho. Idaho Energy & Mining: Perpetua Resources reports new high-grade drilling at its Stibnite gold project, while Freeman Gold begins baseline water and air studies for the Lemhi Gold Project. Boise Clean Transit: Boise School District will add eight electric school buses for the 2026-27 year to cut student exposure to vehicle air pollution.

Roadless Rule fight hits Idaho’s backyard: The Trump administration is moving to repeal the Roadless Rule, opening public comment until Sept. 21 and arguing more road access will help wildfire response—while critics warn it could worsen fire risk by increasing roads and disturbance across millions of acres. Wildfire planning in Idaho: The U.S. Forest Service is also in early stages on a fuels-reduction plan for about 25,000 acres near Island Park, with environmental review and public input before any thinning or fuel breaks. Climate impacts on water: A new study finds heatwaves drive nearly half of wildfire burned area in the western U.S. over the past 25 years, with Idaho-Oregon-Nevada seeing even stronger heatwave links. Local air-quality step: Boise School District unveiled eight electric school buses, funded through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, aiming to cut tailpipe emissions for students. Wildlife and safety: A Yellowstone hiker reported being trailed by a wolf for about 10 minutes before using bear spray to keep distance.