AGP Executive Report

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.

Mining & Water Quality: Idaho DEQ approved a cyanidation permit modification for Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, moving Phase II of the cyanide facility forward near the historic Stibnite Mining District. Public Lands & Accountability: Five people were ordered to pay $25,000 total in restitution after destroying a BLM pumphouse on grazing land in Payette County, disrupting water infrastructure for ranchers. Wildfire Trends: A Boise State–led study finds fewer wildfires in the West since 1992, but more acres burned, with climate-driven fire growth outweighing declines in small ignitions. Drought & Agriculture: With severe drought gripping parts of the Mountain West, experts say water savings may hinge more on changing farm water use than on homeowners cutting back alone. Idaho Water Planning: USDA designated four Idaho counties as primary natural disaster areas for severe drought, making producers in Blaine, Minidoka, Oneida and Power eligible for emergency FSA loans. Energy Demand Watch: Avista filed plans for a “large load” customer in Washington territory seeking up to 500 MW by 2032, raising questions about future power and transmission needs. Local Conservation Education: Clearwater County hosted its 63rd annual sixth-grade forestry tour, pairing hands-on forest learning with visits to active logging operations.

Snake River Salmon: Oregon closed the spring chinook fishery on the Snake River in Hells Canyon after returns lagged and the harvest quota was reached, ending the season June 3 (with Lookingglass Creek fishing continuing). Idaho Water Stress: East Idaho residents are debating lawn watering as near-record drought tightens supplies; agriculture still dominates Idaho withdrawals, but municipal conservation is increasingly in the spotlight. Public Lands Access vs Wildlife: Idaho conservation groups criticized Trump’s repeal of off-road vehicle rules on public land, warning it could weaken protections for water and wildlife. Invasive Species Funding: Blaine County delayed a vote on Idaho Fish and Game’s cheatgrass plan, leaving a proposed herbicide treatment on private lands in limbo while a scaled-back option is drafted. Local Water Infrastructure: Boise indefinitely paused construction of a southeast Boise recycled-water facility, citing sharply higher construction and labor costs and aiming to keep rates affordable. Wildlife-Friendly Migration: USDA expanded Farm Bill funding to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, including Idaho. Air-Show Cleanup: Highway 167 near Mountain Home is expected to reopen within weeks after a May 17 Navy jet crash, with Idaho DEQ approving repaving.

Water & Drought Resilience: Boise has indefinitely paused construction of its planned southeast recycled water treatment facility, blaming sharply higher construction and labor costs and aiming to keep utility rates affordable while protecting the Boise River and the aquifer that supplies most drinking water. Mining & National Defense: A federal court in Idaho rejected opponents’ bid to stop construction of Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite gold project, clearing the way for a major domestic antimony source tied to defense supply chains. Wildlife on Working Lands: USDA expanded a Farm Bill-funded program to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors across 17 states, including Idaho, using “wildlife-friendly practices” on private land. Public Lands Recreation: Conservation groups in Idaho and the West criticized Trump’s repeal of off-road vehicle and over-snow vehicle executive orders, warning it could weaken protections for water, wildlife, and habitat. Idaho Outdoors & Health: East Idaho is seeing more ticks after a mild winter, and officials urge careful checks and prevention as tick-borne diseases remain a concern. Wild Horses: BLM highlighted how it manages growing wild horse herds at the Bruneau off-range corrals, where more than 1,200 mustangs are housed and offered for adoption when populations exceed forage.

Big Game Habitat: USDA unveiled a new framework for migratory big game conservation across 17 states, aiming to improve landscape connectivity and forage for elk, pronghorn and mule deer by aligning federal, state, tribal and private efforts. Public Lands & Mining: The BLM is taking comments on DeLamar Mining’s plan to reopen and expand the DeLamar mine west of Silver City, with an Environmental Impact Statement expected in 2027. Outdoor Health: East Idaho residents are reporting more ticks after a mild winter; University of Idaho Extension urges careful checks and EPA-approved repellents. Wildlife Safety & Coexistence: A new roundup highlights how rare mountain lion attacks are, while reminding Idaho outdoor-goers to know how to respond in cougar country. Recreation Access: Idaho Fish and Game and partners are rolling out solar-powered digital kiosks at recreation sites to help hunters and anglers access maps, regulations and wildlife info without relying on cell service. Energy Costs: A DNC release argues gas prices have stayed high nationwide despite promises they’d fall under $3, underscoring pressure on households heading into summer.

Wildfire readiness: Agencies across the Northwest kicked off “Smoke Ready Week,” urging Idahoans to check air filters, set ventilation to recirculate, and track real-time air quality as an earlier, smokeier season is expected. Drought and trout: Montana State University launched FishCast, a real-time tool that forecasts drought risk for trout rivers and potential fishing restrictions based on streamflow and trout trends. Public lands access: Idaho Fish and Game and the BLM rolled out solar-powered digital kiosks that let visitors download maps, regulations, and wildlife and recreation info even where cell service is spotty. Mining and impacts: The BLM is taking comments through June 29 on DeLamar Mining’s plan to reopen and expand the DeLamar Mine west of Silver City, with an Environmental Impact Statement expected next. Wildlife recovery: A California condor (B9) made a historic free flight into Oregon for the first time in more than 120 years, part of a restoration effort that began in Boise. Outdoor health: East Idaho residents are reporting more ticks after a mild winter, with guidance to use repellent, wear protective clothing, and do thorough tick checks.

Wildfire Smoke Prep: Agencies kick off “Smoke Ready Week,” urging Idahoans to check filters and ventilation settings as an El Niño-linked, hotter/drier summer could bring earlier wildfire smoke. Climate Signals for Idaho: A Climate Central analysis finds Boise is now about 6.3 degrees warmer in summer than since 1970, with many more “hotter-than-normal” summer days. Public Lands & Wildlife: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says more than 95% of national refuge lands could allow additional hunting and sport fishing, including new options in Idaho. Yellowstone Drone Incident: An Idaho Falls resident captured a drone harassing a mother grizzly and cubs in Yellowstone; flying drones in parks is illegal. Idaho Recreation Update: Upper Mesa Falls near Ashton will close Aug. 10 for renovations, while Lower Mesa Falls and nearby trails remain open. Mining Watch: Bunker Hill Mining reports further high-grade silver-lead results from the Cate-8 vein near its Idaho-area mine. Water Infrastructure: Albeni Falls Dam gets a major spillway gate replacement contract aimed at flood control, hydropower, and fish and wildlife conservation.