AGP Executive Report

River Restoration: Volunteers planted more than 3,000 trees and native plants along the Red River in Fargo’s “Reforest the Red” event, aiming to stabilize riverbanks, cut erosion, and support wildlife. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota set a youth pheasant hunting weekend for Oct. 3–4 for hunters age 15 and younger, with an unarmed adult required in the field. Climate Policy: The EPA repealed a rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, and also moved to block future administrations from regulating plant climate pollution. Water Quality Watch: The DEQ said Goose River red discoloration likely came from low water flow, high temperatures, groundwater inflow, and organic buildup that depleted oxygen—no direct link to a permitted wastewater facility was found. Agriculture & Health: A new report estimates nearly half of farmers worldwide experience pesticide poisoning each year and calls for banning the deadliest chemicals. Workforce Overhaul: Gov. Kelly Armstrong created a new Department of Workforce Development and named Katie Ralston Howe as the state’s first workforce commissioner. Energy & Crops: BASF and Bunge announced Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola, targeting commercialization in 2027. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a chance to see auroras in North Dakota and nearby states during the Sept. 23–24 night.

Prairie Pothole Wetlands: The Interior Department says it will expand a Prairie Pothole Wetland easement review after a pilot phase, with extra focus on older North Dakota easements where mapped wetlands don’t match what landowners were told at the time. Water Quality Watch: North Dakota DEQ reviewed the Goose River’s red discoloration and says low water flow, heat, groundwater inflow, and organic buildup likely depleted oxygen; the agency found no sign a permitted wastewater facility caused it, but urges people to avoid drinking or recreating in the affected stretch while monitoring continues. Endangered Species Rollback: A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife directive could allow endangered animals to be killed during development and logging as long as the activity’s purpose isn’t killing them, drawing sharp criticism from wildlife advocates. Local Land-Use Fight: Harmony Township in Mapleton is considering a two-year data center moratorium after residents raised concerns about noise, property values, water use, traffic, farming impacts, and wildlife impacts. Agriculture & Feed: NDSU Extension shared guidance on ammoniation of low-quality roughages to boost intake and digestibility when better hay is expensive. Energy & Crops: BASF and Bunge announced Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola, aiming for commercialization in 2027. Health Infrastructure: North Dakota marked a construction milestone for the new $300M, 140-bed State Hospital in Jamestown with the final structural beam placed, targeting completion in early 2028.

Water Quality Watch: North Dakota DEQ says Goose River red discoloration likely came from low water flow, high temperatures, groundwater inflow, and organic buildup that depleted oxygen—no direct link to a permitted wastewater facility was found, but the public is told to avoid drinking or recreating in the affected stretch while monitoring continues. Endangered Species Policy: A new Trump-era U.S. Fish and Wildlife directive would allow endangered animals to be killed during logging, development, and other activities if the activity’s purpose isn’t killing—sparking backlash from wildlife advocates who warn the Endangered Species Act could become toothless. Agriculture & Inputs: BASF and Bunge announced Bunge will process BASF’s InVigor Gold canola, with initial commercial availability planned for Montana, North Dakota, and Washington starting in 2027. Local Land-Use Tension: Harmony Township residents are pushing for a two-year data center moratorium as Geronimo Power advances plans that critics say are moving too fast and raise concerns about noise, water use, traffic, wildlife impacts, and farming impacts. Energy & Climate Context: A new state-by-state analysis finds electricity prices vary sharply, with North Dakota listed among the lowest rates, and researchers pointing to policy choices and climate/energy mandates as key drivers.

EPA Funding: The U.S. EPA awarded $1.54 million to North Dakota groups for environmental protection, brownfields cleanup, and incident response, including $621,407 to the Three Affiliated Tribes and $168,775 to the ND Department of Environmental Quality. Wetlands & Property Rights: Sen. Kevin Cramer says he’s blocking Trump nominees over a Biden-era wetlands rule, arguing it creates drain-tile setbacks that shift the goalposts for private landowners. Wildlife Protections: A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife directive would let developers and loggers kill endangered species during projects, as long as the activity’s purpose isn’t killing—sparking backlash from conservation groups. Water Contaminants Study: The EPA is launching a study to look for traces of abortion-related drugs in drinking water, screening for 1,400 chemicals and hormones. Prairie & Grazing: McKenzie County hosted a Range Plant Identification Day focused on grazing strategies and the threat of early C3 invasive grasses like smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass. Electricity Costs: A new state-by-state analysis links higher power prices to energy policy choices, with North Dakota listed at 8.20 cents/kWh for 2025. Local Infrastructure: ND DOT received $1M+ for a Minot Air Force Base traffic safety project, extending a left-turn lane on U.S. Highway 83. Drought Watch: State climatologist Daryl Ritchison calls 2026 “exceptionally dry,” with only partial relief from recent rain and a warmer-than-normal winter expected. Deer Disease Alert: Reports say epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is back in parts of southwestern North Dakota, with many deer deaths reported.

Minot Air Force Base gets a boost: North Dakota DOT won over $1 million for safety and traffic improvements on U.S. Highway 83, including extending a northbound left-turn lane to better serve base access. EPA funding for local cleanups: The U.S. EPA awarded $1.54 million to North Dakota groups for environmental protection, brownfields cleanup, and incident response, including support for the Three Affiliated Tribes and Turtle Mountain Band. Endangered species protections under pressure: A new Trump-era wildlife directive would allow endangered animals to be killed during logging and development activities if the goal isn’t killing species—sparking backlash from conservation groups. Drought and winter outlook: State climatologist Daryl Ritchison says eastern North Dakota’s summer was exceptionally dry, and a strong El Niño pattern points to a warmer-than-normal winter, with snowfall still the big question. Deer disease reports: Hunters and landowners report EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease) returning in parts of southwest North Dakota, with many deer deaths noted. Insurance resilience push: North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread urged residents to reduce long-term losses through stronger building and fire-prep practices, not just rely on insurance after disasters.

North Dakota Water Alert: The Goose River turned red after low water and low oxygen likely let organic material build up in stagnant stretches; ND Department of Environmental Quality crews have been sampling since Sept. 11, and officials warn the water isn’t safe for fish, wildlife, or people until conditions improve. State Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong named Jennifer Turnbow as the new director of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, starting Oct. 6, after Dave Glatt retired; Turnbow brings long experience in environmental services and infrastructure planning. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks across Minnesota and the Dakotas, with detections tied to turkey operations as fall migration begins. Farm-to-Fuel Spotlight: International visitors toured GEVO’s North Dakota carbon capture and biofuels plant, connecting local corn and ethanol production to underground storage. Outdoor Stewardship: North Dakota’s youth deer season opened Sept. 18, with rules emphasizing supervision and safety.

Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Jennifer Turnbow as the new head of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, starting Oct. 6, after Dave Glatt’s retirement—Turnbow brings decades of environmental and infrastructure experience. Water Quality Watch: The Goose River turned red in Caledonia-area waters; DEQ says low water and low oxygen likely boosted organic material and biological activity, with officials warning the conditions could still lead to fish kills and advising against recreation until results are finalized. Wildlife & Biosecurity: H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks across Minnesota and the Dakotas, with fall migration raising concerns about spillover to wild birds and backyard flocks. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded nearly $3 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the Mountain West, including North Dakota partners, to strengthen wetland protection, water quality, and flood resilience. Agriculture & Energy: A farm-to-fuel spotlight on Gevo’s North Dakota carbon capture and biofuels plant drew international visitors, linking local corn and ethanol production to underground storage. Outdoor Rules: North Dakota’s youth deer gun season opened Sept. 18 and runs through Sept. 27, with supervision and orange clothing requirements.

North Dakota Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Jennifer Turnbow to lead the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, starting Oct. 6, after Dave Glatt’s retirement—Turnbow brings decades of environmental and infrastructure experience. Water Quality Watch: The Goose River turned red in Caledonia, and DEQ says low water and low oxygen likely helped organic material build up; officials are still testing and warn conditions aren’t safe for fish, wildlife, or people. Wildlife & Disease Alert: USDA data shows highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks across Minnesota and the Dakotas, with fall migration raising the stakes for wild birds and farm crews. Outdoor & Community: North Dakota’s youth deer hunting season opens Sept. 18, with rules on supervision and hunting hours. Energy & Agriculture Link: A farm-to-fuel tour highlighted how GEVO’s North Dakota carbon capture and biofuels plant ties local grain production to underground storage. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded nearly $3 million in wetland program development grants across the region, including projects in North Dakota.

Clean Water & Wetlands Watch: The Goose River turned red in North Dakota, and the state says low water and low oxygen likely let organic material build up; officials are still testing and warn conditions aren’t safe for fish, wildlife, or people. State Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong named Jennifer Turnbow to lead the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, with a focus on protecting air, land, and water. Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota added more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom list, bringing the total to 20. Wildlife & Disease: Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks across Minnesota and the Dakotas, with fall migration raising concern for spillover risks. Outdoor Life & Hunting: North Dakota’s youth deer season opened Sept. 18, and hunters are reminded of supervision and safety rules. On the Ground in Energy: Visitors from Japan to Europe toured Gevo’s North Dakota farm-to-fuel and carbon capture operation near Richardton, linking local corn and ethanol to underground storage. Public Health Reminder: The FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states over possible bacterial contamination.

Wildlife & Water Quality: The Goose River in Caledonia turned red, and North Dakota DEQ says low water and low oxygen likely let organic material build up; officials are still testing and warn the water isn’t safe for fish, wildlife, or people. State Environmental Leadership: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Jennifer Turnbow to lead the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, with Beth Jacobson returning to accounting after Turnbow starts Oct. 6. Clean Water Policy: A proposed federal rule would narrow Clean Water Act protections for smaller streams and wetlands, raising alarms for North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole region and prairie potholes that support waterfowl and fishing. Agriculture & Biosecurity: H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks across Minnesota and the Dakotas, with fall migration underway and added concern for overlap between wild birds and farm operations. Outdoor & Community: North Dakota’s youth deer season opens Sept. 18 with strict supervision and orange-clothing rules, while a separate “report all poachers” reminder urges people to contact authorities promptly. Energy & Land Use: North Dakota’s data center debate continues as lawmakers face criticism for not pausing growth while questions about water and impacts remain unresolved. Dinosaur Discovery: A Colorado teacher’s find in North Dakota’s badlands led to excavation of a likely adult T. rex trackway.

Environmental Leadership Change: Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Jennifer Turnbow to lead the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, starting Oct. 6, after Dave Glatt’s retirement. Water Quality Alert: The Goose River turned red as low water and low oxygen likely fueled organic buildup; DEQ says don’t use the water for recreation and warns of possible fish kills. Harmful Algal Blooms: DEQ added Blacktail Dam, Horsehead Lake, and Larimore Dam to its blue-green algae advisory list, bringing active advisories/warnings to 20 statewide. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded nearly $3 million in Wetland Program Development Grants across the Mountain West, including $262,500 to ND DEQ to strengthen wetland protection and management. Farm-to-Fuel Spotlight: International visitors toured Gevo’s North Dakota carbon capture and biofuels plant near Richardton, connecting local corn farming and ethanol to underground storage. Wildlife & Outdoors: A column urges hunters and anglers to report poaching promptly through proper channels, not “just talk to them.”

Clean Water Act Watch: The Trump administration proposed narrowing federal protections for smaller streams and wetlands, a move that could leave parts of North Dakota’s prairie pothole region with less oversight. Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added Blacktail Dam, Horsehead Lake, and Larimore Dam to its harmful algal bloom advisory list, bringing the statewide total to 20 waterbodies under warnings. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded nearly $3 million for 11 wetlands projects across the mountains and plains, including $262,500 to North Dakota’s Department of Environmental Quality to strengthen wetland protection and monitoring. Local Water Policy: A Clean Water Act update also surfaced as “new changes may not protect some of North Dakota’s waters,” keeping pressure on regulators and lawmakers. Wildlife & Land Stewardship: A Standing Rock event marked a decade since Dakota Access Pipeline protests, with tribal leaders tying water impacts to ongoing renewable energy sovereignty. On the Ground in ND: Northern Plains UAS Test Site flew medical and agricultural BVLOS demos on Vantis at NASAO, showing how drone tech could support rural services.

Clean Water Act Watch: The Trump administration proposed narrowing federal protections for smaller streams and wetlands, a change that could reduce Clean Water Act oversight in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole region. Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added Blacktail Dam, Horsehead Lake, and Larimore Dam to its blue-green algae advisory/warning list, bringing the statewide total to 20 waterbodies. Wetlands Funding: EPA awarded a $434,249 grant to Colorado State University for wetlands research and management that includes North Dakota among other states. Wild Horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A bill introduced by Sen. John Hoeven would set a minimum herd size of 150 horses and require monitoring and reporting, aiming to protect genetic diversity while safeguarding park resources. Drones for Medicine and Farming: North Dakota’s Northern Plains UAS Test Site ran BVLOS demos on NASA’s Vantis system at Gorman Field, showing medical supply delivery and autonomous agricultural operations. Farm Bill Push: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a party-line vote, sending it to the full Senate. Wildlife & Science: A North Dakota fossil discovery is tied to new research on giant T. rex trackways, adding to what we know about how the dinosaur moved.

Freeze Forecast: A new map based on 1991–2020 climate data shows North Dakota and much of the Northern Plains typically see their first hard freeze as early as late August or early September, with elevation driving big within-state differences. Wild Horses (TRNP): A bill backed by Sen. John Hoeven would set a minimum genetically diverse herd of 150 wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with monitoring and a management plan requirement. Prairie Habitat Mitigation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the 310-acre Little Missouri Conservation Bank in Dunn County, creating Dakota skipper credits through native prairie protection and restoration. Data Centers & Local Concerns: Grand Forks County and the city of Grand Forks are drafting potential rules as AI-focused data centers are discussed, while Cass County residents press for answers on water and power impacts. Hand Soap Recall: FDA classified a multi-state Intercon Chemical hand soap recall as Class II for possible bacterial contamination, including products shipped to North Dakota. Paleontology: A high school teacher’s fossil discovery in southwestern North Dakota led to confirmation of a 23-foot T. rex trackway—four giant footprints likely made by an adult. Oilfield Automation: North Dakota colleges are expanding training for robotic and automation roles as oil operations become more computerized.

Wild Horses Protection: A House subcommittee heard support for Sen. John Hoeven’s bill to protect the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including a minimum genetically diverse herd of 150 and required monitoring and reporting. Prairie Habitat Mitigation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the Little Missouri Conservation Bank in Dunn County, a 310-acre project generating Dakota skipper credits by restoring and permanently protecting native prairie. North Dakota Data Centers: Grand Forks County and the city are preparing for possible future AI data centers, with officials discussing ordinances and site rules like buffers and wastewater outlets; Cass County residents also raised questions at a public forum. Oilfield Automation Jobs: North Dakota colleges are gearing up for more automation roles as oilfield equipment becomes computerized and robotic. Public Health Recall: FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II due to possible bacterial contamination, with products distributed in North Dakota and 14 other states. Wildlife Survey on the Lewis & Clark Trail: The Smithsonian’s nationwide resurvey is using trail cameras and AI, with North Dakota students helping document how mammal populations have changed over 200 years. Drones for State Agencies: North Dakota is nearing final procurement for its Drone Replacement Program to keep unmanned aircraft systems compliant for federal funding. Energy Policy Watch: EPA finalized repeal of a Biden-era power plant rule affecting North Dakota lignite, with local leaders calling it a win for the energy grid.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Cass County residents are pressing for answers on AI data center growth, including water and electricity use, after a public forum was moved to Casselton and featured presentations and a Q&A on impacts and community planning. Energy Policy: EPA finalized the repeal of Biden-era power plant greenhouse gas rules (“Clean Power Plan 2.0”), with North Dakota leaders calling it a win for reliable, affordable electricity—especially for lignite. Wildlife & Habitat Monitoring: The Smithsonian’s Lewis and Clark wildlife resurvey is using trail cameras and AI, with North Dakota tribal college students helping document how mammal populations have shifted over 200+ years. Outdoor & Fisheries: North Dakota Game and Fish reports another strong walleye stocking year, with nearly 12 million fingerlings statewide. Climate Signals: A new map shows the average first freeze arrives earliest across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, including parts of North Dakota. Drones in ND: North Dakota’s Drone Replacement Program is nearing final procurement as agencies transition to NDAA-compliant unmanned aircraft. Public Health: HHS awarded more than $2 million to North Dakota for behavioral health crisis services, alcohol research, and oral health workforce grants.