AGP Executive Report

Odor Watch in Kemmerer: Residents say a persistent rotten-egg, sulfur-like smell near PacifiCorp’s Naughton Power Plant has lingered for more than a year and is disrupting daily life, with calls for transparency after repeated complaints to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Wildlife Funding in Cheyenne: The Legislature’s TRW committee discussed options to close Game and Fish’s inflation-driven budget gap, including a proposal to reimburse free and reduced license fees. Fire Risk Across SE Wyoming: A Red Flag Fire Warning is in effect through Thursday evening, with low humidity and gusty winds raising near-critical concerns around Cheyenne and nearby areas. Cow Camp Fire Update: The human-caused blaze near the Washakie/Johnson county line is 56% contained after burning nearly 300 acres, with crews working to strengthen firelines and protect threatened structures. Casper Mountain Gravel Pit in Court: Wyoming’s high court heard arguments over a years-long dispute tied to state land gravel mining leases, leaving the project in legal limbo. Livestock Emergency Planning: Weston County is building a livestock emergency response team with UW Extension to help move cattle and coordinate resources during wildfires and disasters. Roadless Rule Pushback: Conservation groups are urging public comments and postcard campaigns to defend the Roadless Rule, warning of development threats to Greater Yellowstone forests. Colorado River Legal Pressure: Experts warn the basin could face a major Supreme Court fight if flows drop below a key threshold at Lee’s Ferry. Brownfields Cleanup in Rawlins: Rawlins officials advanced rezoning for the former Lawrence Salvage Yard after DEQ found barium and arsenic below cleanup thresholds, clearing the way for redevelopment.

Water & Utilities: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities won a Friends of RMWEA award for its role in the “Value of Water” documentary, highlighting how water and wastewater staff keep services reliable. Wildlife & Habitat: Wyoming Game and Fish named the 2026 Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees, including leaders tied to wolf recovery and aquatic habitat work, and lawmakers discussed ways to close Game and Fish funding gaps driven by inflation. Conservation Storytelling: “What Bison See” debuted at Yellowstone, using research on bison migration to explain ecological benefits and ongoing restoration efforts tied to tribal buffalo initiatives. Public Lands & Oil/Gas: Two conservation groups sued the Bureau of Land Management over Colorado and Wyoming oil and gas lease sales, arguing the agency ignored impacts to big game migration corridors and other sensitive areas. Local Planning & Data Centers: Cheyenne planning commissioners denied rezoning requests for two proposed data center projects, citing concerns about fit for surrounding areas and proximity to residences. Weather & Fire Risk: Southeast Wyoming is forecast to stay warm and dry through the workweek, with rain chances returning this weekend; windy conditions could raise fire-weather concerns. Public Lands Volunteerism: Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources is gearing up for National Public Lands Day with fee waivers and volunteer projects statewide.

Data Center Water Pollution: Wyoming regulators say Meta had to halt wastewater discharges to Cheyenne sewers after a rare bacterium was found in treatment testing, raising fresh concerns about how data centers handle wastewater and local water safety. Hot Springs Oversight: Wyoming State Parks says inspectors found gas leaks, sagging beams, and “significant problems” at the Star Plunge site in Thermopolis, complicating plans for new pools and slides after a settlement with the former owner. Clean Water Act Fight: The EPA and U.S. Army opened a public comment period on a proposed rule that would narrow Clean Water Act coverage to “perennial” streams based on whether water stands or flows daily—an approach that could reshape protections for intermittent waters. Wolf Protections: A new Trump order starts another push to remove gray wolves from federal Endangered Species Act protections, directing Interior to assess delisting or downlisting within 90 days. Public Lands Roadless Rule: A federal proposal would scrap the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected millions of acres in Montana and Wyoming from new road building—raising stakes for drinking water, wildlife, and wildfire risk. Pipeline Review Deadline: FERC opened scoping for the Green River West Expansion Project in Sweetwater County; Wyoming residents have until Oct. 1 (5 p.m. ET) to shape what the environmental review must consider. Elk Refuge Plan: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft plan for the National Elk Refuge would reduce winter feeding but not end it, with comments due Oct. 13. Climate Records: NOAA reports the U.S. just logged its warmest August, warmest summer, and warmest year-to-date on record—showing the West, including Wyoming, is in the hottest stretch.

Federal Wildlife Management: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened comments on a draft plan for the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole that would cut winter feeding and reduce elk wintering numbers over 10 years, with public input due Oct. 13. Local Weather Reliability: Cheyenne’s National Weather Service office suffered a roughly three-day communications outage in early September, relying on nearby offices to get forecasts out. Energy + Wildlife Impacts: A new report highlights how wind turbines can be made safer for birds, including lessons from Altamont Pass where turbine changes helped reduce raptor deaths. Data Centers vs. Communities: Cheyenne’s council committee advanced annexation and rezoning steps tied to a proposed data center, while a separate Nevada case saw a temporary halt after challenges over environmental review and public input. Climate + Education Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit alleges UW President Shane Reeves suppressed climate education at West Point, tying the dispute to broader fights over mainstream climate science. Agriculture + Economics: UW Extension’s John Hewlett is helping organize a Kansas City Fed agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne on Sept. 24. Winter Outlook: A new forecast suggests the 2026-27 ski season could be snowier than usual in parts of the Intermountain West, including Wyoming, as El Niño strengthens.

Wyoming Water & Data Centers: Cheyenne officials say a rare bacterium was found in wastewater discharged during construction of Meta’s AI datacenter, prompting them to stop taking the contractor’s wastewater—an action now being appealed. Wildlife & Drought: Rocky Mountain drought is driving hungry bears into cars and homes; Colorado reports about twice the usual bear conflicts, with similar record patterns in New Mexico and Utah. Federal Oversight & Energy Permitting: Wyoming lawmakers criticized FERC’s environmental review for the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, arguing the NEPA analysis doesn’t adequately address impacts to the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd. Colorado River Pressure: A new analysis warns proposed Colorado River demand cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada would be “unprecedented,” as the federal plan sets up major operational changes and states keep litigating and renegotiating. Climate Policy Fight: A coalition of state attorneys general urged defunding the National Academies over its role in climate-related court materials, escalating the legal and political battle over climate science in lawsuits.

Wildlife & Weather: Wyoming Game and Fish is urging residents to clear yards ahead of the fall rut to prevent moose, elk, and deer entanglements in fencing, ropes, and yard gear, while nearby forecasts keep fire weather on the radar with gusty winds and dry fuels. Federal Wildlife Policy: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ended the annual federal duck-season rulemaking cycle, shifting migratory bird season details into a memorandum while leaving state agencies to set seasons within federal limits. Public Lands Access: Grand Teton National Park is closing Moose-Wilson Road to vehicles and bikes through Nov. 15 as part of construction, with Death Canyon access already shut through next summer. Conservation Staffing: A new report says Fish and Wildlife staffing has dropped sharply nationwide, including major cuts in the West and in Wyoming’s home region. Uranium & Water Use: Peninsula Energy’s Wyoming uranium project is ramping after switching leach chemistry, but flow-rate constraints are still delaying production buildout. Human Impacts on Wildlife: A drought-driven surge in hungry bear conflicts across the Rockies is sending more animals into cars and neighborhoods, raising safety concerns for both people and bears.

Wild Horses Management: An advocacy group flagged seven Western sites it says could see federal wild horse roundups this September, including Wyoming’s Fifteenmile Herd area (on/after Sept. 15), as well as Nut Mountain, Bitner, Massacre Lakes, Challis, Sand Wash Basin, and Jackson Mountains. Road Closures at Grand Teton: Moose-Wilson Road between Moose and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is set to close to vehicles and bikes through Nov. 15, while Death Canyon Road/Trailhead remains closed through June 2027 as Phase II construction continues. Fire Weather & Storm Risk: Labor Day brings a Red Flag Warning for parts of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, with dangerous fire conditions Monday afternoon, while Cheyenne-area forecasts call for scattered storms and possible hail/flooding later today. Wildfire Response in Wyoming: State forestry reports a high-tempo season with many new starts and heavy use of aircraft and crews, emphasizing “all hands, all lands” coordination. Wildlife Conservation in Jackson Hole: Wyoming Wildlife Federation highlights mounting pressures on habitat and wildlife, from fragmentation and drought to disease and recreation, and points to recent policy wins like pronghorn migration protections. Ancient DNA Update: New research says the “American cheetah” wasn’t a true cheetah—genetics place it closer to pumas and suggest a more flexible, possibly fish-based diet.

Wildfire Readiness in Wyoming: Wyoming reported a complex fire season with nearly double the number of new starts versus this point in 2024, relying on an “all hands, all lands” approach and expanded air support that has delivered hundreds of thousands of gallons of water since early June. Severe Weather Watch (SE Wyoming): The Cheyenne National Weather Service warned storms could hit after 6 p.m., with hail up to 1.5 inches, torrential rain, gusts near 60 mph, and localized flooding risk. Pronghorn Protection: Gov. Gordon designated eight segments of the Sublette Antelope Migration Corridor, a major step for keeping pronghorn moving between the Red Desert and Grand Teton amid fences, highways, and development pressure. Wildlife-Friendly Land Stewardship: UnStrung Fences is continuing a legacy of removing abandoned fencing on National Forest lands to reduce barriers to migrations and movement. Data Center Water Pressure (Wyoming context): A national look at the data center boom highlights water and contamination disputes in towns including Wyoming, underscoring the growing strain on local water supplies. Wolf Policy Shift: A Trump-ordered federal review could lead to delisting or downlisting gray and Mexican wolves, with Wyoming listed among states holding smaller estimated populations. Public Lands & Safety: Grand Canyon officials shut off portable water along parts of the Bright Angel Trail after deadly flash flooding, urging visitors to carry and treat their own water.

Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne office of the National Weather Service warns southeast Wyoming could see storms after 6 p.m., with up to 1.5-inch hail, 60 mph gusts, torrential rain, and localized flooding. Wildfire Reality Check: Wyoming’s summer wildfire season is seeing more starts than at this point in 2024, but the state says it isn’t spending as much to fight fires as neighboring regions. Data Centers vs. Water: A small data center proposal in Fremont County has commissioners weighing whether local zoning should rein in electricity and water impacts, as residents raise concerns about noise and development. Wildlife Policy: A federal review ordered by President Trump could change gray wolf protections, with possible delisting or downlisting steps. Public Lands Volunteering: Wyoming State Parks is gearing up for National Public Lands Day with September projects like trail work, invasive species removal, and habitat improvements. Fire Season Response: Wyoming highlights its “all hands, all lands” approach, citing major use of helitack and air tankers delivering hundreds of thousands of gallons of water since early June.

Wildlife & Climate Policy: Trump’s order kicks off a federal review of gray wolf and Mexican wolf protections, setting up possible delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act. Federal Capacity: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has shed about 3,600 staff during Trump’s second term, with steep drops across the West—raising concerns for species monitoring and enforcement. Wyoming Public Lands & Fisheries: Yellowstone is closing part of Buffalo Creek and using fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout to protect native cutthroat trout. Data Centers vs. Water & Air: Fremont County is weighing how much authority it should have over a Lost Cabin data center, as residents raise water, noise, and development concerns; in New Mexico, Grant County residents are organizing against a proposed data center air-quality permit. Weather & Hazards: After deadly Grand Canyon flash floods, the park is shutting off portable water along the Bright Angel Trail to conserve limited supplies; meanwhile, upstate New York tornado counts keep climbing as the NWS confirms additional EF1 tornadoes. Community & Stewardship: Wyoming State Parks is gearing up for National Public Lands Day with volunteer projects across September.

Gray 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 a three-month decision timeline and changes aimed at making lethal removal easier. Wildlife Management Staffing Cuts: A report says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffing has fallen by about 3,600 during Trump’s second term, with steep drops in Western states including Wyoming, raising concerns about capacity for conservation work. Yellowstone Fisheries Action: Yellowstone National Park is closing part of Buffalo Creek and using rotenone to remove invasive rainbow trout, aiming to protect Yellowstone cutthroat trout and prevent spread into connected waters. Wyoming Energy & Public Lands Scrutiny: A BLM oil-and-gas lease sale in Wyoming is drawing backlash after a reported mistake in federal documents, with critics questioning whether agencies are prepared for an “energy dominance” push. Public Lands Volunteering: Wyoming State Parks is gearing up for National Public Lands Day with September volunteer projects like invasive species removal, trail work, and habitat improvements. Local Wildlife & Community: Wyoming Game and Fish identified a parasite-linked PKD outbreak behind a Salt River fish die-off, while the Food Bank of Wyoming highlights farm partnerships to support local produce.

Wildlife Management: Yellowstone National Park will close Buffalo Creek (Aug. 31–Sept. 6) and use rotenone to wipe out invasive rainbow trout so native Yellowstone cutthroat trout can recover, reopening Sept. 7. Gray Wolves Policy: A new Trump executive order directs Interior to consider stripping Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves (and Mexican gray wolves) within 90 days, setting up fresh legal and management fights. Fish Health: Wyoming Game and Fish confirmed a Salt River fish die-off was caused by a parasite linked to Proliferative Kidney Disease, with mountain whitefish hit hardest and mortality likely in the thousands. Water & Drought: Upper Colorado River Basin states say they’re not required to make federal mandatory cuts, but drought pressure is still reshaping planning across Wyoming and neighbors. Public Lands & Energy: Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind permit after a long hearing process, clearing the way for the project. Community & Food Systems: The Food Bank of Wyoming is partnering with local farms through Fresh Express to get Wyoming-grown produce to pantries. Local Weather/Fire: Red Flag conditions and active wildfires in parts of Wyoming are keeping fire danger high heading into the holiday weekend. Data Centers & Power: Google will hold a community open house in Cheyenne for Project Tembo, a large data center plan tied to on-site power infrastructure.

Chronic Wasting Disease Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking hunters to get deer and elk tested for CWD as the 2026 hunt season ramps up, with samples accepted from any hunt area and results posted online within weeks. Wildfire Risk: State Forestry officials say drought, dry fuels, and wind keep wildfire danger high, urging people to secure trailer chains, avoid sparks, and follow local burn restrictions as Red Flag conditions expand. Sage Grouse Update: Wyoming Game and Fish reports a 13% drop in sage grouse visiting known leks, with warm winter and dry summer conditions likely adding pressure. Teton Pass Safety: WYDOT plans upgraded roadside signage on Teton Pass starting Sept. 21, including “Must Stop Brake Check” and “No Parking” warnings, with daytime lane closures. Water & Drought Courts: Lawsuits tied to Colorado River cutbacks are raising questions about irrigation impacts in Wyoming and the feasibility of a proposed dam and reservoir in Carbon County. Invasive Threat: Spotted lanternflies are resurging across the region, threatening grapes and many tree species. Wildlife Science: New DNA research says the “American cheetah” from Yukon fossils was actually a puma relative that adapted to eating fish. Energy Demand: Black Hills Corp. points to rising Wyoming power peaks driven by data centers, including major load growth in the Cheyenne area. Local Governance: Natrona County is weighing a 940-acre data center proposal, with debate centered on regulation and water/safety concerns.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed West Publishing’s C-Track case-management files in a June 30 incident, with affected court systems listed in Wyoming and other states—raising concerns about personal data exposure. Wildfire & Drought: Wyoming remains under drought with red-flag fire conditions, and officials warn that dry fuels and wind can make grass fires spread fast. Aquatic Health: WGFD identified Proliferative Kidney Disease as the cause of a fish die-off in the Salt River; the river stays open for now, but emergency closures are possible if mortality continues. Public Lands & Wildlife: Yellowstone lifted remaining fishing restrictions on the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers after heat-driven closures; anglers are urged to handle fish gently. Local Governance: Cheyenne announced Labor Day sanitation and facility schedule changes, and Wyoming mayors Patrick Collins and Matt Murdock were named to EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee. Recreation Access: Laramie County approved limited operations for Bit-O-Wyo Ranch while BLM access remains pending. Weather Extremes (Regional): Severe storms and tornado warnings hit Western New York, with cleanup and renewed flooding concerns following heavy rain.

Wind Energy Watch: Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind Project after nearly 18 hours of hearings, clearing a path for 139 turbines on about 41,220 acres near Cheyenne despite earlier county commissioners’ denial over route, water-well, and wildlife concerns. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case-management system, later detected in June, affecting courts in at least 11 U.S. states including Wyoming plus Ontario and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some records potentially containing sensitive personal data. Public Lands Policy: The Trump administration proposed fully rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, a move critics say could raise erosion and drinking-water treatment costs for about 25 million Americans who rely on watersheds fed by roadless national forest areas. Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming reported a complex 2026 fire season with nearly double the number of starts versus this point in 2024, highlighting expanded air and firefighting resources and ongoing interagency coordination. Education & Heat: A new American Psychological Association report urges schools to treat extreme heat like other disruption events, citing slower learning and higher absenteeism when classrooms run hot. Local Conservation: A Wyoming rancher’s family land protection deal through the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust permanently barred development of 2,506 acres, preserving a working legacy. Wyoming Tech in Higher Ed: UW selected BoodleBox as a secure enterprise AI platform for faculty, staff, and students, aiming for responsible AI use across campus.

Wildfire Response: Wyoming is seeing a tougher 2026 fire season than 2024, with more daily starts and expanded state air support—Helitack and helicopters have delivered more than 246,000 gallons of water since early June. Data Center Fight in Natrona County: Prometheus Hyperscale pitched a 940-acre, 1.5-gigawatt data center and asked for an industrial park zoning path that could bypass state industrial siting review, drawing packed public comment. Wind Power Funding: Cheyenne and Laramie County are seeking nearly $2 million combined in impact assistance as the Laramie Range Wind Project moves forward after Industrial Siting Council approval. CWD and Hunting Updates: Game and Fish released the 2026 fall hunt forecast and is pushing hunters to complete education requirements and submit samples for chronic wasting disease testing. Public Lands Pressure: Greater Yellowstone Coalition launched a campaign to protect 45 million acres tied to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule as federal changes loom. Cybersecurity Spillover: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court system backup files, with some Wyoming court records potentially containing personal information. Wildlife Coexistence: The National Elk Refuge draft plan would continue feeding elk long-term while trying to reduce overwintering numbers, even as CWD spreads. Weather Watch: Tornado warnings were issued for parts of southeastern Wyoming into the evening.