AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species & Prairie Habitat: UND and NDSU students joined agency and conservation partners for a Woody Encroachment Workshop near Grand Forks, learning hands-on ways to curb invasive trees and brush that choke prairie wildlife habitat. Wetlands Rule Pressure: Sen. Kevin Cramer says talks with the Interior Department and North Dakota farmers may loosen a wetlands setback rule that’s been tightening limits for landowners—an issue that also affects hunting access. Youth Hunting Weekend: North Dakota’s youth pheasant weekend runs Oct. 3-4, with licensed hunters 15 and younger able to hunt statewide under specific rules and supervision. Local Economy & Jobs: Rugby leaders say population decline is reshaping the workforce, and the Job Development Authority is focusing on employer support plus housing and daycare to help people stay and work. Outdoor Recreation: A guide highlights North Dakota lakes with beaches, boating, and swimming—timed for fall travel. Missouri River Protection: Governors including North Dakota’s Kelly Armstrong urged Congress to remove a Missouri River diversion/export provision that would require unanimous state approval. Energy & Infrastructure: Applied Digital says it added 75 MW of AI data-center power in North Dakota, bringing Polaris Forge 1 to 250 MW operational critical IT load. Transportation Upgrade: Oriska Rest Area reopened on I-94 after a $10 million rebuild with expanded truck parking and accessibility features.

Fuel Costs & Policy: Ohio and other states are moving to blunt high gas and diesel prices tied to the war in Iran, using 90-day gas tax holidays, temporary fuel tax cuts, and targeted relief for farmers and loggers. Prairie Water & Soil Health: USDA is investing $30 million in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region to tackle salinity, support soil health, protect water quality, and strengthen wildlife habitat through the PRAIRIE effort. Wetlands Rule Update: The Interior Department is overhauling wetland rules affecting North Dakota farmland, drawing pushback from lawmakers concerned about impacts on landowners. Data Centers & Power Demand: Applied Digital says it added 75 MW of AI infrastructure online at its Polaris Forge 1 campus in North Dakota, bringing operational critical IT load to 250 MW. Road Relief for Harvest: Governors including North Dakota’s are temporarily raising weight limits for farm and logging vehicles to ease “fuel-flation” pressure during harvest. Local Infrastructure: Oriska Rest Area on I-94 reopened after a $10 million rebuild with expanded truck parking and accessibility features. Wildlife Notes: Moose sightings popped up around Williston and Bismarck-area reports, with Game and Fish pointing to seasonal movement.

USDA Conservation Funding: USDA is investing $30 million in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region to tackle salinity, protect water quality, and strengthen soil and wildlife habitat through the PRAIRIE effort. Wetlands Rule Fight: A GOP senator is blocking Trump nominees over outrage tied to a wetlands easement rule, keeping pressure on how federal rules affect North Dakota farmland. Data Centers & Power Demand: Applied Digital says it has brought an additional 75 MW of AI data center load online at Polaris Forge 1, underscoring the growing electricity pull behind new tech builds. Biofuels Land-Use Concerns: A new report warns that boosting global biofuel production could drive deforestation and habitat loss as more crops are diverted to fuel. Wildlife & Roads: State Farm reports fewer animal-collision claims nationwide, while North Dakota residents also continue to spot moose in town areas. Local Infrastructure: North Dakota’s new Oriska Rest Area on I-94 is now open, adding amenities and prairie pothole-themed design with input from Game and Fish and tourism partners. Weather Outlook: North Dakota is bracing for warmer fall and winter conditions tied to a Super El Niño, with precipitation chances near average.

Prairie Pothole Conservation: USDA’s NRCS is investing $30 million to tackle salinity in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region, aiming to protect soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Wetlands & Federal Appointments: A GOP senator is blocking Trump nominees over outrage tied to a wetlands rule affecting North Dakota farmland and wetland easements. Wildlife on the Move: Moose sightings popped up in Bismarck and Williston, with Game and Fish noting these “moose-on-the-loose” incidents can happen as animals follow food corridors. Energy & Farming Tech: Aigen says its solar-powered crop robots can manage fields without diesel or herbicides, as fuel costs stay high. Local Infrastructure: The new $10 million Oriska Rest Area on I-94 is now open, adding accessibility upgrades, a prairie pothole-themed design, and more truck parking. Animal-Collision Safety: State Farm reports fewer animal-related collision claims nationwide, highlighting deer as the top cause. Health Care Transition Funding: HHS awarded North Dakota $12.4M to help move eligible patients from institutions into community-based care.

Weather & Drought: North Dakota is getting some needed moisture after a dry stretch, but the National Weather Service is still calling for well-above-normal temperatures across October through December under a Super El Niño, with precipitation chances roughly even. El Niño & Storm Impacts: A rapidly intensifying El Niño has helped fuel major Pacific hurricanes, with moisture spilling into the Desert Southwest and easing parts of drought in the region. Water & Land Use: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council are taking a Wahpeton water sale to court, arguing the state water agency dismissed their challenge without an evidentiary hearing and that private wells could be affected. Wetlands Rules: The Interior Department updated wetland rules for North Dakota farmland, a move that could reshape how landowners handle easements and development. Bird Flu Watch: Avian influenza is ticking back up with confirmed cases in Minnesota turkey flocks; North Dakota reported one affected flock, underscoring the need for vigilance during fall migration. Clean Energy & Community Health: North Dakota’s rural electric co-ops are sending volunteers to Guatemala to bring electricity and support cleaner cooking, while federal health funding continues to flow to ND for rural care transitions and university programs.

Water & Wetlands Policy: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul wetland rules affecting North Dakota farmland, a move aimed at easing long-running disputes over wetland easements and how farmers handle excess field water. Missouri River Governance: Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined western governors in pushing back on a federal proposal that would restrict Missouri River water diversions and exports without unanimous approval from basin-state governors. Wildlife & Habitat: North Dakota Game and Fish reports duck brood numbers up 55% from 2025, with improved nesting habitat tied to timely late-spring and summer rains. Rural Health Funding: HHS awarded North Dakota more than $12.4 million for Money Follows the Person, supporting transitions from institutional care to community settings. Veterans’ Mental Health: The VA awarded nearly $700,000 to expand veteran suicide prevention services across North Dakota. Community & Health Promotion: North Dakota 4-H clubs from 19 counties earned Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club recognition by building nutrition and fitness activities into regular meetings. Food Safety Tech: SafetySpect CEO Kenneth Barton is set to speak at a Wharton DC innovation summit on using optical sensing and AI to detect invisible contamination.

Missouri River Water Fight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and fellow western governors pushed back against a 2026 federal measure that would require unanimous basin-state approval to divert or export Missouri River water and would block Army Corps feasibility studies without that consent. Wetlands Rule Overhaul: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul wetland rules affecting North Dakota farmland, aiming to let producers redraw old wetland easement maps and manage excess field water without penalty while protecting duck habitat. Wahpeton Water Lawsuit: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council sued after North Dakota’s Department of Water Resources dismissed their challenge to a proposed Wahpeton water sale tied to a large Abercrombie dairy. Avian Flu Update: Minnesota reported a new spike of highly pathogenic avian influenza in turkey flocks as fall migration ramps up; North Dakota had one affected flock. Duck Numbers Rising: North Dakota Game and Fish says duck brood numbers are up 55% from 2025, with improved nesting habitat driven by timely rains. Veterans Mental Health Funding: The VA awarded nearly $700,000 to expand veteran suicide prevention services across North Dakota.

Missouri River Water Fight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other western governors are pushing back on a 2026 federal proposal that would require unanimous basin-state approval before Missouri River water can be diverted or studied for projects outside the basin, arguing it threatens North Dakota’s control over drinking water, irrigation, and drought supplies. Wetlands Rule Overhaul: The U.S. Interior Department agreed to overhaul how it enforces wetland easements on North Dakota farmland, letting producers redraw old easement maps and manage excess field water without penalty as long as duck habitat stays protected under a “no net loss” approach. Wahpeton Water Sale in Court: Rural landowners and the Dakota Resource Council are suing the state Department of Water Resources over a proposed Wahpeton water sale tied to a large Abercrombie dairy, saying the process skipped a full evidentiary hearing and could affect shared groundwater. Duck Forecast Update: North Dakota Game and Fish reports duck brood numbers up 55% from 2025, with a stronger fall flight expected after late May–June rains boosted nesting habitat. Veterans Mental Health Funding: The VA awarded nearly $700,000 to North Dakota to expand veteran suicide prevention and mental health services statewide. Rural Health Grants: HHS also sent more than $1.3 million to UND, Mayville State, and NDSU for rural health policy work, Head Start projects, and FDA-related research. ESG Ratings Pushback: 22 state attorneys general warned the SEC that major credit rating agencies are still promoting ESG priorities, including downgrades affecting fossil-fuel sectors. Education Pressure: Grand Forks parents and teachers say special education staffing cuts are already unsustainable, while district leaders work on longer-term fixes.

Wetlands & Farmland Rules: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul how it enforces wetland easements on North Dakota farmland, letting producers redraw old easement maps and manage excess field water without penalty as long as duck habitat stays protected. Missouri River Water Fight: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other basin-state governors urged Congress to reject a 2026 law that would restrict Missouri River diversions/exports unless all basin governors agree, arguing ND’s water rights shouldn’t be overridden. Water Dispute in Wahpeton: A landowner group and the Dakota Resource Council sued the North Dakota Department of Water Resources over a 500,000-gallon-per-day water sale tied to a large dairy project, saying it threatens the Wahpeton aquifer. Prairie Pothole Bird Update: North Dakota’s Game and Fish reports duck brood numbers up 55% from 2025, with timely rains boosting nesting and fall flight expectations. Standing Rock Anniversary: Water protectors returned to the Fort Yates area for a 10-year reunion tied to the DAPL uprising, reflecting on trauma and resilience. Farm Policy & Livestock Support: Sen. John Hoeven outlined Farm Bill 2.0 moves for livestock disaster programs and prairie dog management. Local Infrastructure: Fargo-Moorhead Diversion officials say a Highway 81 road failure won’t stop the project from operating as designed.

Wetlands & Farm Water Rules: The Interior Department agreed to overhaul how it reviews prairie pothole wetland easements on North Dakota farmland, aiming to let producers redraw old maps and manage excess field water without penalty while keeping duck habitat protected under a “no net loss” standard. Missouri River Water Authority: Gov. Kelly Armstrong and other basin-state governors urged Congress to reject a 2026 provision that would restrict diversions or exports from the Missouri River unless all basin governors agree, arguing states must control how the river is used. Local Water Fight: Wahpeton-area residents and the Dakota Resource Council sued over a state-approved sale of 500,000 gallons per day from the Wahpeton aquifer to support a large dairy, saying there’s no backup water supply for the city and surrounding farms. Weather Watch: North Dakota climatologists say the ongoing Super El Niño favors a warmer-than-average winter, but timing and other ocean and snow factors still leave uncertainty. Agriculture on the Ground: USDA/Pro Farmer crop ratings show corn and soybeans holding steady at “good to excellent” nationally, while North Dakota’s drought-driven hay shortages are pushing late-season forage decisions. Wildlife & Habitat: North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marked 40 years of wetland and wildlife habitat work, highlighting conservation through partnerships. Outdoor Learning: North Dakota youth pheasant weekend is set for Oct. 3–4, with youth hunting rules and season details from Game and Fish.

Wetlands & farmland rights: North Dakota officials met with local farmers in Valley City over U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland easements, with landowners saying easements were acquired without clear maps and that “regulatory creep” is hurting soil and productivity. Flood protection update: Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion officials say a Highway 81 road failure won’t stop the project from operating as designed, with repairs aimed before winter. Prairie conservation & ranch policy: Sen. John Hoeven outlined Farm Bill 2.0 moves for livestock producers, including prairie dog habitat limits and updates to livestock disaster programs. Wildlife & habitat: The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marked 40 years of wetland and wildlife habitat work, highlighting conservation through partnerships. Outdoor news: North Dakota announced a youth pheasant weekend (Oct. 3-4) and reminded hunters about licensing and supervision rules. Agriculture management: NDSU Extension urged late-season alfalfa planning during dry conditions, warning that “no cut September” helps stands store nutrients for winter survival. Climate outlook: North Dakota’s state climatologist says a warmer-than-average winter is likely under a “super El Niño,” but timing and other ocean and snow factors still matter. Science in ND: New Hell Creek Tyrannosaurus rex trackway findings add detail on adult T. rex movement, based on nearly one-meter footprints.

Wetlands & property rights: In Valley City, North Dakota landowners and farmers pushed back hard on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland easements, saying “regulatory creep” expanded control without clear maps or added compensation, hurting soil and farm productivity; Sen. Kevin Cramer joined Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for a closed roundtable, then lawmakers held a press conference calling for accountability and clearer rules. Flood protection update: Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion officials say a Highway 81 embankment failure won’t stop the diversion from operating as designed, with repairs aimed to reopen before winter. Farm policy & drought support: Sen. John Hoeven outlined Farm Bill 2.0 priorities for livestock producers, including prairie dog limits, updates to the Livestock Indemnity Program, and drought-related transportation help under ELAP. Conservation milestone: The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marked 40 years, highlighting conservation partnerships that have improved and protected hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat. Weather outlook: State climatologist Daryl Ritchison says a “super El Niño” may tilt toward a warmer-than-average winter, but other factors could swing temperatures. Wildlife & science: A first adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway was reported from North Dakota’s Hell Creek, based on nearly one-meter footprints. Biosecurity warning: Minnesota health officials reported Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 hitting two nearby rabbit colonies in Lake of the Woods County, urging strict precautions. Agriculture & markets: Taiwanese flour millers toured North Dakota wheat labs and elevators as they assess U.S. wheat quality and export systems. Energy & climate litigation: A report estimates climate lawsuits could raise household energy costs, with North Dakota’s oil boom cited as a key backdrop.

Red River Flood Resilience: Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion officials say a Highway 81 embankment failure won’t stop the project from operating as designed, with repairs aimed to reopen before winter. Farm Bill for Ranchers: Sen. John Hoeven outlined Farm Bill 2.0 moves for livestock producers, including prairie dog limits, updates to the Livestock Indemnity Program, and drought help that covers hauling feed and water. Prairie Pothole Wetlands Fight: Sen. Kevin Cramer and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with North Dakota landowners over long-running frustrations with U.S. Fish and Wildlife wetland easements and “setback” rules, pushing for clearer, more accountable enforcement. Climate Outlook: State climatologist Daryl Ritchison says a “super El Niño” tilts odds toward a warmer-than-average North Dakota winter, but timing and other ocean factors still matter. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Minnesota warned rabbit owners after Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 hit two nearby Lake of the Woods County colonies, with North Dakota’s NDSU lab involved in confirmation. Conservation Milestone: North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marked 40 years, highlighting conservation partnerships that have improved habitat across more than half a million acres. Energy & Refining Politics: Sen. Kevin Cramer renewed calls for more U.S. refining capacity, arguing refinery shortfalls can drive price shocks when global disruptions hit. Local Environmental Complaints: Hillsboro asked the state DEQ to investigate complaints tied to Anchor Ingredients processing plants along Highway 81. Agriculture Practice: NDSU Extension urged late-season alfalfa management planning, warning that “no cut September” helps stands store nutrients for winter survival. Data Centers Pressure: An Alaska independent candidate joined calls for Congress to return and set national guardrails for data centers, citing energy-cost impacts on households. Wildlife Science Spotlight: A first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota’s Hell Creek region adds new clues to how the predator moved.

Dinosaur Discovery: Paleontologists report the first known multi-step trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex in North Dakota’s Hell Creek, with nearly one-meter footprints found near Marmarth—new clues to how the predator walked about 66.5 million years ago. USDA Staffing Crisis: A new viewpoint says North Dakota farmers are getting hit by USDA staff cuts, with longer waits and fewer local supports as county-level Farm Service Agency staffing shrinks. Winter Weather Outlook: North Dakota climatologist Daryl Ritchison says a “super El Niño” points to a better-than-average chance of a warmer winter, but snow timing could swing temperatures sharply. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Minnesota’s animal health board warns rabbit owners after Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 struck two nearby domestic rabbit colonies in Lake of the Woods County, with North Dakota State University labs involved in confirmation. Conservation Milestone: The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marks 40 years, highlighting conservation through partnerships that has helped protect and restore wetlands and wildlife habitat across more than half a million acres. Farming Guidance: With dry weather shrinking hay supplies, NDSU Extension urges late-season alfalfa planning—especially the “no cut September” rule to protect winter survival. Energy & Land Use Debate: Independent candidate Bill Hill calls on Congress to rein in data centers, warning ratepayer costs and demanding local guardrails. Community & Habitat Tech: NDSU opens an interactive campus arboretum with QR-coded tree labels, tying education to urban forestry stewardship. Local Environment Oversight: Hillsboro officials ask North Dakota DEQ to investigate complaints about Anchor Ingredients processing plants after residents submitted letters and photos. Agriculture Trade: Taiwanese flour millers tour North Dakota wheat labs and elevators to assess U.S. wheat quality and export systems.

Climate & Energy Costs: A new report warns that climate “superfund” style lawsuits could raise average U.S. household energy costs by about $1,465 a year, as courts weigh anti-energy claims against oil and gas. Agriculture & Drought Impacts: With dry weather cutting hay yields to around half of normal in parts of North Dakota, NDSU Extension urges late-season alfalfa planning—especially the “no cut September” rule—to protect winter survival. Oil Patch Update: Phoenix Energy is ramping up Bakken drilling fast, positioning itself as a “rising from the ashes” operator as it scales from early production toward 25 million barrels. Wildlife & Habitat: The North Dakota Natural Resources Trust marks 40 years of wetland and wildlife habitat work, citing partnerships that have helped improve more than half a million acres. Outdoor & Youth Hunting: North Dakota sets a youth pheasant weekend for Oct. 3-4, with rules for licensed youth hunters and required supervision. Public Health & Animals: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 has been found in two nearby rabbit colonies in the region, prompting biosecurity warnings for owners. Community Science: A citizen science tick study is expanding into North Dakota, asking residents to submit ticks for testing and location tracking. Education & Environment Tech: NDSU will open an interactive campus arboretum Sept. 30, using QR codes to help visitors identify trees and shrubs. Local Environment Oversight: Hillsboro officials asked the state DEQ to investigate complaints about Anchor Ingredients processing plants and potential impacts near Highway 81.

Workforce Overhaul: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is aligning North Dakota’s workforce programs into a single agency structure and naming Katie Ralston Howe as the state’s first workforce commissioner, aiming to reduce fragmentation and cut costs. Rabbit Disease Watch: Minnesota’s Board of Animal Health reports deadly Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus type 2 hitting two rabbit colonies in Lake of the Woods County, urging stronger biosecurity as the second site is treated as presumptive positive. Local Environmental Enforcement: Hillsboro city leaders asked the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality to investigate complaints about Anchor Ingredients operations near Highway 81. Wildlife & Habitat Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $13.3 million in grants across the West, including North Dakota, to conserve winter ranges and migration corridors for big game species. Public Health Citizen Science: Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic are expanding a tick surveillance citizen study into North Dakota, with kits for testing tick-borne pathogens and tracking where ticks are found. Science in the Badlands: A Colorado teacher helped document a newly described adult T. rex trackway in southwestern North Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation. Community & Education: UND hit a new fall enrollment record (15,908 students), and NDSU is set to open an interactive campus arboretum with QR-coded tree and shrub learning. Business & Agriculture: BASF and Bunge announced processing plans for BASF’s InVigor Gold canola hybrid, targeting commercialization starting in 2027.