AGP Executive Report

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.

Colorado River fight hits court: Nevada has become the first state to sue the Trump administration over a federal plan that would cut Colorado River water deliveries for Lower Basin states, while leaving Upper Basin states like Wyoming without mandatory cutbacks—raising fears for cities, farms, and long-term planning. Drought stress on ranchers: A new report highlights how prolonged drought is taking a mental-health toll on Colorado farmers and ranchers, with programs like AgrAbility stepping in with support. Wyoming water safety: Wyoming DEQ and the Wyoming Department of Health issued harmful cyanobacteria bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle Reservoir (West Central Ramp) and Viva Naughton Reservoir (Northwest Campground), urging people and pets to avoid contact with bloom areas and not drink the water. Wildlife & community: Jackson’s National Museum of Wildlife Art will unveil a new monument honoring grizzly 399 and her cubs on Sept. 9, tying Wyoming’s wildlife story to public art and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Weather watch: Forecasts point to returning storm chances across the region, with breezy conditions and increasing shower and thunderstorm odds later in the week.

Colorado River Fight in Court: Nevada became the first state to sue the Trump administration over a federal Colorado River plan, arguing Lower Basin cuts could be steep while upstream states like Wyoming face no mandatory reductions—raising fresh uncertainty for cities, farms, and water planning across the basin. Local Water Quality Fixes: In Wilson, the Fish Creek Watershed Plan lays out 38 projects for 2027–2032 to tackle high E. coli and nutrient pollution driving algae and harming trout habitat, including livestock fencing and potential sewer connections for septic homes. Cyanobacteria Warnings: Wyoming DEQ and Health issued harmful bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton Reservoirs, urging people to avoid contact and keep pets away. Wildlife & Climate Research: A new study of the ancient PETM finds Wyoming forests lost about 60% of canopy during rapid warming—an unsettling look at how ecosystems can respond when carbon spikes fast. Bear Conservation Spotlight: Jackson will unveil a new monument honoring Grizzly 399 and her cubs, a reminder of resilience and the risks of human-wildlife overlap.

Colorado River fight: Nevada became the first state to sue over the federal Colorado River management plan, arguing upstream states won’t face mandatory cuts while southern Nevada could absorb reductions up to 70%, leaving cities and farms scrambling. Wyoming water health: Wyoming DEQ and the Wyoming Department of Health issued harmful cyanobacteria bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton Reservoirs, urging people and pets to avoid contact and not ingest bloom water. Local infrastructure costs: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities approved water and sewer rate increases starting Oct. 1, with residential bills rising based on usage. Data center backlash (national, with Wyoming relevance): A growing cross-partisan coalition is pushing back on AI data centers over water, power costs, and impacts on small towns—an issue repeatedly tied to the West, including Wyoming. Wildlife & climate science: A new Yellowstone bison documentary highlights recovery and migration using camera collars, offering fresh insight into how the ecosystem rebounds. Weather watch: Storm chances and gusty winds are in the forecast across the region, including Wyoming and nearby areas.

Colorado River Uncertainty: A new federal Colorado River plan is raising alarm in the Phoenix area and across the West, with Cave Creek officials warning the cuts could be as hard to plan for as a “meteor strike,” while Nevada escalated the fight by suing Interior over potential 70% reductions. Public Health: Wyoming DEQ and the Wyoming Department of Health issued harmful cyanobacteria bloom recreational advisories for Fontenelle and Viva Naughton Reservoirs, urging people and pets to avoid contact and not drink bloom water. Wildlife & Recreation: Yellowstone’s new bison documentary highlights how the herd recovered and relearned migration, while bear-safety guidance from BearWise focuses on what to do if you encounter a bear. Cheyenne Water Costs: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities set Oct. 1 water and sewer rate increases, with residential bills rising based on usage. Sage-Grouse Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish reports 2026 sage-grouse lek attendance fell 13% from last year, pointing to habitat and climate pressures alongside natural population cycles. Local Growth Pressure: Cheyenne council updates continue on the Cox Ranch data center proposal, with residents raising concerns about water use and neighborhood character. Jackson Hole Macro: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signaled inflation remains too high and rate hikes may be needed, adding to economic uncertainty for the region.

Cheyenne Water Costs: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities approved October 1 water and sewer rate hikes, including a 3% monthly fee increase and tiered residential water increases that average about $2.55 more per month. Cox Ranch Data Center Push: Cheyenne council and residents heard updates on the proposed SkyBox Data Center tied to a potential annexation of the 1,200-acre Cox Ranch—neighbors raised worries about changing the area’s character and water use. Sage-Grouse Signals: Wyoming Game and Fish reports 2026 sage-grouse lek attendance down 13% versus last year, with officials pointing to habitat and weather pressures plus the species’ natural population cycle. Elk Refuge CWD Plan: The National Elk Refuge draft plan would keep feeding elk long-term while trying to reduce the Jackson Herd to 5,000 animals over 10 years, even as chronic wasting disease spreads. Severe Weather Watch: The Cheyenne National Weather Service is flagging damaging winds and large hail risk through the weekend. Winter Outlook: The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a mostly mild winter for much of the U.S., with wetter conditions in parts of the West and drier trends in the Plains and Southwest.

Utility Rates: Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities approved October 1, 2026 water and sewer hikes—3% on monthly service fees, plus residential water increases of 5% per thousand gallons up to 24,000 and 9% above that (about $2.55 more per month for a typical 3,000-gallon user). Public Lands & Forests: Environmental groups are asking for more time on the federal proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, arguing the current Sept. 21 comment window is too short for a decision affecting 45 million acres. Wildlife & Recreation: Yellowstone is easing fishing closures on the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon rivers, reopening angling sunrise to 2 p.m. as water temperatures cool. Health & Water Safety: Wyoming issued a bloom advisory for cyanobacteria at Fontenelle and Viva Naughton reservoirs, urging people to avoid contact near blooms. Wildlife Crossing: A Rocky Point wildlife crossing project in Idaho is nearing completion to cut deer-vehicle collisions along US-30. Weather Watch: Southeast Wyoming faces isolated showers and storms today, with gusty winds the main threat.

Fed in Jackson Hole: Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh heads to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole symposium Friday as investors hunt for clues on sticky inflation and jittery bond markets, with analysts warning that too little guidance could push rates higher. Public Lands & Wildlife: A federal judge denied a bid to stop grazing on controversial Bridger-Teton allotments near Bondurant, rejecting claims of an inadequate 1978 review while a nonprofit’s case continues. Wyoming Game & Fish shakeup: Former Game and Fish director Angi Bruce’s abrupt move to Gov. Mark Gordon’s office appears likely involuntary, and she’s now been hired by a major landowners nonprofit as chief programs and policy officer. Local Infrastructure: Cheyenne downtown on-street parking striping is set to start the first week of September, with lane and parking restrictions as crews paint Warren Avenue and move west. Wind Power Reality Check: A Casper-area Chevron wind farm is being dismantled after years of low output and no buyer, citing grid congestion and permitting timelines. Native Education: Wyoming DEQ and Central Wyoming College wrapped a 600+ attendee Native American Education Conference in Riverton focused on Indigenous knowledge and language revitalization.

Jackson Hole & Inflation Watch: Two Fed officials told CNBC they’re still worried inflation is “sticky,” with Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid saying policy may not be restrictive enough and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warning people should stay on edge. Wyoming Public Lands: A federal judge denied a request to stop fall cattle grazing on controversial Bridger-Teton allotments near the Gros Ventre, rejecting claims that a decades-old review process was inadequate. Game & Fish Update: Wyoming Game and Fish named Daniel Tisi as senior Game Warden for the Greybull district, covering parts of the Bighorn Mountains and surrounding areas. Energy & Industry: American Uranium says it completed a large-scale aquifer pumping test at its Lo Herma project in Wyoming to support in-situ recovery planning. Climate & Wildlife Debate: A lawsuit claims West Point fired its only climate scientist after he resisted orders to stop teaching human causes of climate change. Local Environment & Health: West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes in Ohio’s Hamilton County for the first time in 2026, prompting local surveillance and larvicide plans. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says auroras could be visible in up to 10 states Thursday night, with another chance Friday.

Climate Reality Check: Europe’s extreme heat is being tallied in deaths, farm losses, and economic damage, while far-right politicians keep calling it “normal” or “hype,” a reminder that Wyoming communities are already living with the impacts. Colorado River Water Stress: Lake Mead’s shrinking “bathtub ring” shows what drought and climate change are doing to the West’s water supply and power system. Wildfire Heat Link: New research finds heatwaves drive nearly half of wildfire burned area in the western U.S. over the past 25 years, strengthening the case for faster fossil-fuel cuts. Wyoming DEQ Permitting: DEQ held a public forum in Cheyenne on how environmental review works amid a Laramie County data center boom, as residents ask what oversight looks like. Roadless Rule Fight: Conservation groups and the public are pushing back as the Forest Service moves toward changing motorized-use rules and as the roadless rule rollback debate heats up. Wildlife Update: A yearling black bear was euthanized near Lander after repeated human-linked feeding behavior. Education & Tech: Laramie County School District 1 is expanding staff access to ChatGPT Edu with an emphasis on responsible use and privacy. Air Quality Records: UCAR says federal agencies missed deadlines and haven’t produced documents in a lawsuit over public records.

Wyoming Rare Earth Mine Watch: County commissioners met with state agencies as Rare Element Resources weighs a rare earth mine near Sundance, with DEQ divisions and other offices lining up on air, water, land, and grazing questions ahead of the comment deadline. Game & Fish Leadership: Gov. Gordon announced the retirement of DEQ director Todd Parfitt, and separate reporting says Wyoming Game and Fish director Angi Bruce’s departure was likely involuntary, raising questions about leadership stability. Public Lands Access: The Trump administration is pushing to revise the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, potentially shifting national forests toward “open unless designated closed,” a move conservation groups warn could mean more erosion, water impacts, and less solitude. Wildlife & Wolves: Montana commissioners reduced Yellowstone wolf harvest quotas, citing low puppy survival and concern about canine distemper, while Wyoming Game and Fish has detected the disease. Community Cleanup: The long-running Edmonds Family Adopt-A-Highway group retired after 31 years, and WYDOT is inviting new volunteers to keep roads cleaner. Weather: Cheyenne County faces another round of storms Wednesday night with hail and damaging wind possible.

Wyoming DEQ Strategy: Wyoming DEQ released its FY27–FY28 Strategic Plan, laying out goals for protecting air, land, and water through clearer rules, consistent enforcement, and stronger environmental data work. Wildlife & Habitat: Wyoming Game and Fish is moving forward with Interim Director Eric Wiltanger, setting priorities on habitat protection, invasive species, wildlife movement, and long-term funding. Fish Die-Off Watch: Game and Fish is investigating a widespread mountain whitefish die-off on the Salt River, with lab testing pending and low flows/warm water flagged as key stressors. Wildfire Season Update: A Wyoming wildfire update says 2026 has seen smaller fires so far, but drought and wind still drive risk—plus reminders to follow red flag warnings and restrictions. Weather: Southeast Wyoming faces warm, wet conditions with daily storm chances and a marginal severe risk, including damaging winds and large hail potential. Roadless Rule Fight: The USDA is proposing to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that could reshape wildfire, logging, and road-building decisions across millions of acres. Colorado River Legal Battle: Nevada sued the Interior Department over mandatory Lower Basin cuts tied to the new Colorado River operating plan, arguing the economic impacts weren’t fully considered.

Roadless Rule Fight: USDA filed a plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, opening debate over roadbuilding, logging and mining on millions of acres and warning that the change could worsen wildfire risk; the public comment period runs until Sept. 21. Colorado River Legal Clash: Nevada sued the Interior Department over the new Colorado River operating plan, arguing Lower Basin states face steep cuts while Upper Basin states like Wyoming face only voluntary conservation. Water Crisis Accountability: A new study uses climate modeling to name 122 fossil fuel and cement companies as major corporate contributors to West water losses, feeding into a looming Supreme Court climate-liability case. Wyoming Wildlife Watch: Wyoming Game and Fish is investigating a fish die-off on the Salt River after anglers reported dead mountain whitefish; lab tests will look for parasites and other causes. Habitat & Grazing Tech: Halter and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands expanded virtual fencing on BLM-managed lands, including a new Wyoming project, aiming to protect sensitive areas while supporting ranching. Local Water Snapshot: Wyoming reservoir levels remain stable-to-moderate, with some systems near 80% while others lag, according to the Wyoming Climate Office.

Colorado River Legal Fight: Nevada has filed the first federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s new Colorado River operations plan, arguing Interior’s cuts would slash southern Nevada’s already limited supply by up to 70% while upstream states including Wyoming face no mandatory reductions. Wyoming Drought Update: Southeast Wyoming saw marginal drought relief from August rain, but officials say it’s only a temporary fix and that a strong mountain snowpack this fall and winter is what will truly matter. Wildlife on the Roads: A black bear was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Teton Pass as bear activity ramps up for hyperphagia ahead of winter. Cheyenne Data Center Forum: Cheyenne residents can hear directly from state officials at a library-sponsored forum on industrial development, environmental reviews, and permitting tied to data centers. Wyoming Game & Fish Leadership: Records suggest the departure of Angi Bruce from Wyoming Game and Fish may have been involuntary, raising questions about how leadership changes are handled.