Grizzly Bear Protections Under Fire: The Trump administration and three Western governors propose loosening Endangered Species Act rules, making it easier for states to authorize grizzly killings in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, with public comments due Aug. 17. Livestock vs. Predators: Montana Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Adam Schiff unveiled the Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act, aiming to fund nonlethal tools like range riders, guard dogs, and electric fencing to prevent wolf and bear attacks. Wyoming Water & Heat Impacts: Wyoming Game and Fish urged anglers to voluntarily avoid fishing at Muddy Guard No. 1 and North Sayles ponds near Buffalo as water temperatures near 78°F can stress trout and reduce oxygen. Wildfire Weather Watch: A flash flood watch is in effect through at least midnight for southwest Montana burn scars, with more storm chances Friday across southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Local Infrastructure & Cleanup: WYDEQ issued a 218-page report on hazardous materials found at the historic Medicine Bow Airport (Site 32), tied to preservation and a Brownfields grant. Conservation on Working Lands: The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust named Maggie Miller (Grindstone Cattle Company) the 2026 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award for habitat and water-rights stewardship in the Upper Green River Basin. Air Quality & Weather Tech: NSF NCAR is working on better neighborhood-scale wind forecasts to help responders during wildfires and power disruptions. Wildlife Habitat Planning Spotlight: A National Association of Counties report highlighted Routt County’s wildlife connectivity updates, including changes to its master plan and development code.