AGP Executive Report

Nuclear & Water Policy: Idaho’s “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus” plan would make the state accept and store a large share of radioactive waste from other states, raising fears of becoming a “dumping ground” while supporters tout jobs. Public Health: IDEQ issued a cyanobacteria health advisory for Ririe Reservoir, warning people to avoid contact and not drink or cook with the water. Clean Water & River Access: IDEQ held a public meeting on Felt Dam relicensing, with conservation and recreation groups pushing for updated studies on fish passage, dissolved oxygen/temperature impacts, and effects on paddlers. Wildlife & Tribes: The new Shoshone-Bannock Fish and Wildlife Building opened at Fort Hall, expanding space for wildlife biologists and hatchery operations. Wildlife Management: A federal judge allowed Idaho’s wild horse roundup to proceed after rejecting a restraining order, with critics arguing the agency relied on outdated environmental analysis. Invasive Species: Utah inspected 9,418 watercraft over Labor Day weekend to slow invasive spread, including quagga mussel prevention at Lake Powell. Fire Risk Outlook: A new Northwest fire outlook flags above-normal wildfire potential into fall and early winter, with drought expected to ease in parts of the West but persist in the Northwest.

Water Quality Alert: Idaho DEQ issued a cyanobacteria health advisory for Ririe Reservoir, warning people to avoid contact, not drink or cook with the water, and watch for symptoms after exposure. River & Habitat Management: IDEQ held a public meeting on Felt Dam relicensing, as conservation and recreation groups press for updated studies on the dam’s fish passage impacts and water quality under Clean Water Act certification. Wildlife & Public Lands: A federal judge let Idaho’s wild horse roundup proceed after denying an injunction, with critics arguing the agency relied on outdated environmental analysis despite new drought and riparian conditions. Wildfire Risk Outlook: A Northwest fire outlook flags above-normal large wildfire potential this month, including central and southern Idaho, with drought lingering and fall temperatures leaning warmer. Development vs. Wildland Safety: Valley County is set to review the Red Ridge Village plan near McCall, where residents and the Idaho Conservation League raise concerns about wildfire risk, traffic, water supply, and evacuation capacity. El Niño & Climate Signals: NOAA says El Niño is likely to become very strong this winter, with knock-on effects for regional weather and drought patterns.

Weather & Drought Relief: After a record-dry summer, Coeur d’Alene saw 1.12 inches of rain Monday, ending the drought for now and easing fire danger as El Niño nudges Idaho toward a warmer, less disruptive winter. Water Safety: Idaho health officials issued a cyanobacteria advisory for Ririe Reservoir, warning people and pets to avoid contact and not drink or cook with reservoir water. Conservation & Fisheries: A new conservation deal permanently protects 700 acres and nearly 9,000 feet of Lake Creek, safeguarding wetlands and stream corridors vital for native cutthroat trout. Wildlife & Habitat Stewardship: Zoo Boise says its endangered spider monkey is likely among the oldest in the world under human care, highlighting ongoing conservation work. Federal Capacity for Wildlife: A report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen sharply, including a 35% drop in Idaho since Trump 2.0—raising concerns for species protection. Local Land Use: Idaho’s new land-use law aims to increase starter-home supply by limiting lot-size mandates, a move intended to help lower housing costs. Nuclear in Idaho: Lightbridge says DOE’s Launch Pad program at Idaho National Laboratory could speed commercialization of its nuclear fuel pathway.

Land & Wildlife Conservation: A 72-year-old Washington man donated 885 acres along the Little Spokane River to the Kalispel Tribe, after decades restoring forests, waterways, and habitat for moose, elk, wolves, bears, and cougars—an Indigenous stewardship win for Idaho-area wildlife corridors. Public Health & Water Quality: Idaho health officials issued a cyanobacteria advisory for Ririe Reservoir, warning people and pets to avoid contact and not drink or cook with the water. Drought & Wildfire Pressure: A Northwest drought report ties low streamflows and depleted reservoirs to worsening wildfire conditions across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, with major impacts on water supplies and ecosystems. Federal Wildlife Staffing Cuts: Center for Biological Diversity data shows U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing down sharply, including Idaho losses, raising concerns for species protection capacity. Local Land-Use Housing: Idaho’s new law limits city lot-size mandates for starter-home subdivisions, aiming to increase buildable land and ease housing costs. Community Stewardship: Carson City’s Greenhouse Project launches an online silent auction to fund school-based growing and composting programs.

Wildfire & small-business fallout: Idaho’s ongoing wildfire season is driving evacuations and major costs, and a new look at the insurance market argues many small businesses are getting less coverage or higher premiums as risks outpace what insurers can handle. Staffing strain at Fish & Wildlife: A federal staffing drop is hitting conservation capacity in the West, with Idaho down about 35% since Trump 2.0—raising concerns for wildlife work and enforcement. Wolf protections review: A Trump order starts a process that could lead to delisting or downlisting gray and Mexican wolves, with Idaho listed among states with sizable gray wolf populations. Water & algae health alerts: Idaho health officials issued a cyanobacteria advisory for Ririe Reservoir in Bonneville County, underscoring ongoing water-quality risks. Aquatic invasives lesson for Idaho: California’s golden mussel response is a warning that prevention is far cheaper than trying to control invasive mussels after they spread. Energy & dams: Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge researchers estimate retrofitting non-powered dams could generate up to 15.2 TWh annually—enough for 1.4 million homes—adding fuel to the debate over water infrastructure upgrades.

Idaho Water & Health: Idaho health officials are warning about rabid bats after testing showed a sharp rise in rabies-positive bats and potential human exposures, with Ririe Reservoir also under a harmful cyanobacteria advisory. Aquatic Invasives: A new report highlights California’s golden mussel discovery as a costly Idaho lesson: preventing aquatic invaders is far cheaper than trying to control them after they spread. Wildlife Policy: A Trump order starts a review that could weaken Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves and Mexican wolves, with Idaho listed among states with sizable gray wolf populations. Federal Capacity: U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing is down sharply across the West, including Idaho, raising concerns about enforcement and conservation workload. Energy & Water Infrastructure: Research using Idaho National Laboratory tools suggests retrofitting non-powered dams could generate major electricity, while a separate look at the data center boom flags mounting water stress in small towns. Local Spotlight: Riders completed the Idaho Smoke and Fire bikepacking route after extreme weather and wildlife encounters.

Wolf Protections Under Review: President Trump signed an order launching a federal review that could lead to delisting or downlisting gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act, with Interior given a 90-day clock and a push to streamline lethal removal when needed—an issue with direct stakes for Idaho’s wolf management. Water Quality Warnings: Idaho DEQ issued a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom advisory for Ririe Reservoir, urging residents and pet owners to keep out due to toxin risks. Sewage Pollution Concerns: A new Idaho Conservation League report says more than half of Idaho’s sewage treatment plants violated the Clean Water Act last year, with repeated problems concentrated in a handful of facilities. Aquatic Invasives Lesson for Idaho: California’s rapid response to golden mussels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta highlights how prevention is far cheaper than trying to control invasive mussels after they spread—an urgent takeaway for Idaho water managers. Federal Staffing Cuts: A report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffing dropped sharply during Trump’s second term, including losses in Idaho, raising concerns about capacity for wildlife and habitat work. Public Health & Food Safety: Washington health officials linked a salmonella outbreak to broccoli sprouts from Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, advising people to discard the product. Local Community Notes: Ketchum’s Wagon Days wrapped up after a week of mining-themed history and family events.

Wolf Protections Under Review: President Trump signed an order launching a federal review that could lead to delisting or downlisting gray wolves and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act, with Interior given 90 days to decide and to streamline lethal removal when needed—Idaho is cited among states with major gray wolf populations. Wildlife Agency Cuts: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing has fallen by 3,600 during Trump’s second term, including a 35% drop in Idaho (down 61 workers), raising concerns about capacity for conservation work. Water Quality Alerts in Idaho: Idaho DEQ and health officials issued a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom advisory for Ririe Reservoir in Bonneville County, warning people and pets to avoid contact and not drink or cook with the water. Sewage Pollution Scrutiny: An Idaho Conservation League report says more than half of the state’s sewage treatment plants violated the Clean Water Act last year, with repeated problems at a handful of facilities. Public Health & Recreation: A salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts produced by Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts has sickened people in Washington and also shows cases in Idaho, while officials also warned about drownings and urged water-safety steps.

Clean Water Fight: The EPA is asking for more public comment on a “supplemental” rule that would narrow what counts as protected wetlands under the Clean Water Act, a move tied to the Sackett v. EPA decision and Idaho’s long-running water-law battles. Idaho Water Safety: DEQ and health officials issued a cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom advisory for Ririe Reservoir, warning people and pets to stay out and not drink or cook with the water. Sewage Pollution Watch: A new Idaho Conservation League report says more than half of the state’s sewage treatment plants violated the Clean Water Act last year, with repeat problems concentrated in a handful of facilities. Wildlife Policy: Trump signed an order directing Interior to consider stripping gray wolf protections under the Endangered Species Act, with a 90-day review clock. Fish & Ecosystems: Yellowstone closed Buffalo Creek and used rotenone to remove invasive rainbow trout and protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Staffing Cuts: Federal data show U.S. Fish and Wildlife staffing down sharply across the West, including Idaho.

Cyanobacteria Alert: Idaho’s DHW issued a health advisory for Ririe Reservoir near Idaho Falls after samples found high levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria, warning people not to swim or drink/cook with the water and to keep pets and livestock out. Wildlife & Water Health: Wyoming linked a major Salt River fish die-off to Proliferative Kidney Disease, triggered by a microscopic parasite, with mountain whitefish most affected. Federal Wildlife Staffing Cuts: A new report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffing dropped about 35% in Idaho and 36% nationwide in key states, raising concerns for refuges and endangered-species work. Clean Water Rule Process: EPA reopened public comment as it works to redefine “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act, a move that could reshape wetland protections. Idaho Data Center Water Use: Meta flipped the switch on its Kuna data center, touting a closed-loop cooling design meant to cut water use compared with typical large facilities. Wild Horse Policy Push: Bipartisan legislation targets a loophole that can lead to wild horses being sold for commercial slaughter, including operations in Idaho. Rabies Warnings: Health officials issued alerts after a rise in rabid bats in Idaho, urging caution around wildlife and possible exposures.

Extreme Heat & Schools: A new American Psychological Association report says classroom temperatures above about 73°F slow kids’ thinking and learning, raise absenteeism, and widen inequities—urging schools to plan for heat disruptions like they do for snow days. El Niño Winter Outlook: Forecasters say a very strong El Niño could bring a “tale of two halves” for the Mountain West—more chances for wetter conditions in parts of the south while the Northern Rockies may stay drier. Idaho Water & Agriculture: Idaho’s Grower-Shippers Convention put water scarcity front and center as drought strains the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer; farmers are shifting crops and relying on recharge and pumping reductions. Wildlife Crossings: Idaho wrapped up a major U.S. 30 wildlife underpass project near Montpelier to cut deer-vehicle crashes, using fencing and federal funding. Public Health & Rabid Bats: Idaho health officials report a sharp rise in rabid bats and possible exposures, urging people to avoid contact. Panhandle Health District Shakeup: Three top officials resigned from the Panhandle Health District as the agency reorganizes. Habitat & Conservation in Idaho: Ada County is planting nearly a million native plant units at the new Park at Expo Idaho, aiming for a fall opening.

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.