AGP Executive Report

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.

Wildlife & Public Health: The National Elk Refuge released a long-range draft plan that would keep feeding Jackson-area elk for years, even as chronic wasting disease spreads—paired with proposed herd-reduction targets and hunting-focused strategies. Energy & Land Use: Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind Project after a prior county denial, clearing the way for a 139-turbine build on private and state lands. Water & Climate Extremes: After catastrophic Grand Canyon flash flooding, search efforts continue for a missing Wyoming hiker while officials report major damage to the park’s water pipeline and emergency restrictions. Fire & Recreation: Yellowstone and Grand Teton lifted some fire restrictions for early September, but parks warn conditions can change fast—so fall visitors get a short, service-heavy window. Community & Environment: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center finished renovations to expand behavioral health services, while Wyoming State Parks kicks off National Public Lands Day volunteer projects across the month. Wyoming Weather & Risk: A forecast warns of hot, dry conditions and breezy winds that could raise fire danger across parts of Wyoming and the region.

Wyoming Energy & Land Use: The Wyoming DEQ’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Laramie Range Wind Project permit after nearly 18 hours of hearings, overturning an earlier Laramie County denial and clearing the way for a 139-turbine project. Public Lands & Wildlife: Hunters and conservationists packed a MeatEater store event in Bozeman to urge comments against a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with the USDA accepting public input through Sept. 21. Water Stress: Arizona officials say they can absorb an initial 31% Colorado River cut for now, but are already planning recycling, groundwater, and desalination for deeper future reductions. Community Health: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center finished renovations expanding Behavioral Health Services, adding high-acuity rooms and outpatient capacity. Wyoming Outdoors: Wyoming State Parks is gearing up for National Public Lands Day with volunteer projects and fee waivers on Sept. 26. Extreme Weather: Grand Canyon flash flooding killed two and left one Wyoming hiker missing after damage to the park’s only water pipeline and emergency water restrictions.

Flash Flood Tragedy: Grand Canyon National Park reported 2 deaths and 1 missing after weekend flash flooding; at least 80 people were rescued, and damage to the park’s water pipeline triggered water restrictions. Drought & Water Cuts: Wyoming towns including Hudson are tightening outdoor watering rules as aquifers drop; Hudson’s emergency schedule runs through Oct. 1 (or longer). Roadless Rule Fight: Conservation groups are urging Wyoming residents to submit comments and write postcards as the USDA moves to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with public input due Sept. 21. Wildlife & Invasives: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking people not to release pet goldfish after reports of invasive fish in waterways, warning about disease and impacts to native species. Recycling Update: Teton County’s recycling center in Jackson will build a new truck scale starting Sept. 2, with temporary disruptions and guidance on using other recycling sites. Upper Snake River Low Water: Record-dry conditions are pushing Jackson Lake and other Upper Snake reservoirs toward very low levels, complicating power, irrigation, and wildlife needs into fall.

Grand Canyon Flood Response: Flash flooding in Grand Canyon National Park killed at least 2 and left more than 20 unaccounted for, with about 80 people rescued; officials say heavy rain hit a burn-scarred watershed and damaged trails and the Transcanyon Waterline. Cheyenne Water & History: Cheyenne’s High Plains Arboretum is undergoing renovations to preserve historic buildings while removing lead paint and asbestos, improving ADA access, and upgrading an aging irrigation system. Weather Watch (Wyoming): Jackson reports a warmer-than-average, wetter-than-average August, with September expected to bring above-average precipitation and near-average temperatures. Wildlife Management (Wyoming): The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends continuing feeding on the National Elk Refuge while reducing wintering elk numbers toward 5,000 over the next decade. Public Lands (Roadless Rule): Greater Yellowstone Coalition is hosting postcard-writing events urging the USDA to keep the Roadless Rule after a proposed rescission move. Game & Fish Leadership: Wyoming Game and Fish outlined priorities under interim leadership, including habitat restoration, mule deer conservation, disease and invasive species work, and public access. Air Quality Court Fight: Republican AGs asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse soot pollution limits upheld from the Biden era. BLM Oil & Gas Comment Rule: A new analysis says nearly 16,000 public comments on proposed BLM changes to oil and gas lease input periods were overwhelmingly opposed. Cheyenne Annexation Tension: Tempers flared during Cheyenne’s Cox Ranch annexation work session over a council member-made document tied to community benefits and environmental restrictions.

Roadless Rule Fight: The USDA has opened public comment on a proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would lift road and timber limits on 44 million acres of national forest land; comments are due Sept. 21. Wildlife & Climate: A new study says human-caused warming made Greater Yellowstone’s snow drought far more likely, with researchers estimating it’s over four times as likely (and up to 14 times in parts of the Upper Colorado River Basin). Water Safety in Wyoming: Wyoming DEQ and Wyoming Health issued harmful cyanobacteria bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton reservoirs, urging people and pets to avoid contact with bloom areas and not ingest water. Solar & Birds: Argonne researchers used AI cameras at solar farms for 17,000+ hours and reported no detected bird collisions, while documenting birds foraging and nesting around panels. Wyoming Energy: The DOE says a nuclear “renaissance” is underway, pointing to NRC approvals including TerraPower’s Natrium project in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Local Weather Watch: A flash-flood setup has a Moderate risk for excessive rainfall across parts of the interior West, with canyon terrain raising the danger.