AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Watch: North Dakota Game and Fish says roadside counts show pheasants are up for fall hunting, with 80 pheasants per 100 miles (+3.8% vs. last year) and statewide numbers 57% above the 10-year average, plus regional gains in the northwest and northeast. Water Quality: The ND Department of Environmental Quality added four more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom list—Epping-Springbrook Dam (advisory), Blacktail Dam (advisory), Lake Darling (warning), and Buffalo Lodge Lake (warning)—and urges people and pets to avoid suspected blue-green algae. Mining & Processing: Talon Metals is backing away from a planned nickel processing plant in Mercer County, ND, and shifting processing of its Tamarack project to the Humboldt Mill in Michigan, citing existing infrastructure and workforce; the move leaves related U.S. Department of Energy funding tied to the ND plan unresolved. Local Land Impact: A Durbin Township homeowner near a possible Geronimo Power land sale says he wasn’t informed until reading about it, raising questions about how affected neighbors are notified. Energy & Environment Policy: EPA is proposed to reverse its North Dakota haze decision, a move that could reshape how air pollution is regulated.

Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added four more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom advisories and warnings, including Epping-Springbrook Dam (advisory), Blacktail Dam (advisory), Lake Darling (warning), and Buffalo Lodge Lake (warning), urging people and pets to avoid suspected blue-green algae and to report blooms to the agency. Critical Minerals & Processing Shift: Talon Metals scrapped plans for a $365M nickel processing plant in Mercer County, North Dakota, and will instead process Tamarack project ore at its Humboldt Mill in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, leaving the future of a DOE funding deal tied to the ND facility unresolved. Local Impact & Communication: In Mapleton-area coverage, a Durbin Township neighbor of a possible data-center-related land sale says he wasn’t informed until he read about it, raising questions about how developers communicate with directly affected landowners. Wildlife & Habitat Monitoring: North Dakota Game and Fish highlighted awards tied to conservation work, including its PLOTS private land program and outreach efforts, as the state tracks waterfowl and upland game trends. Science & Land: A new study reports the first known adult T. rex trackway found in the North Dakota badlands, adding fresh detail to how the landscape has preserved deep-time wildlife history.

Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added four more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom list—Epping-Springbrook Dam (advisory), Blacktail Dam (advisory), Lake Darling (warning), and Buffalo Lodge Lake (warning)—and urged people and pets to avoid suspected blue-green algae. Mining & Water Risks: Talon Metals says it will process nickel-copper-cobalt from Minnesota’s Tamarack project at its existing Humboldt Mill in Michigan instead of building a $365M processing facility in Mercer County, North Dakota, citing an operating site and workforce. Wildlife & Disease: North Dakota reported its first West Nile virus death of the year. Outdoor Conservation: Game and Fish leaders highlighted awards, the PLOTS private-land program, and current water levels. Community Nature Education: A “Field To Table” ag-learning event brought hundreds of students to hands-on stations, including a bee-focused lesson. Tribal Youth Engagement: Turtle Mountain Chairman Jamie Azure urged tribal leaders to invest in youth, using data and education to move beyond “old politics.” Policy Watch: EPA proposed reversing its North Dakota haze decision.

Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added four more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom list—Epping-Springbrook Dam (advisory), Blacktail Dam (advisory), Lake Darling (warning), and Buffalo Lodge Lake (warning)—and urges people and pets to avoid suspected blue-green algae. Mining & Water Concerns: Talon Metals is backing away from a proposed $365M nickel processing plant in Mercer County, ND, saying it will process Tamarack project minerals at its Humboldt Mill in Michigan instead, after acquiring the mill and Eagle Mine. Local Governance & Transparency: A Durbin Township homeowner near a potential Geronimo Power land sale says he wasn’t informed until reading about it, while township records show no board communications with the company. Energy & Infrastructure: A Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger is drawing opposition from multiple state officials, including North Dakota, as regulators begin reviewing the deal. Wildlife & Public Health: Minnesota health officials are contacting customers of ASAP Wildlife Services MN after concerns about rabies testing follow-through, with the issue tied to recent rabies worries in the region. Conservation & Access: North Dakota sets a two-day youth waterfowl season for Sept. 19–20, plus a special weekend for veterans and active military, with required habitat restoration stamps. Science & Heritage: Scientists report the first known adult T. rex trackway from 66.5 million years ago found in North Dakota badlands.

Harmful Algal Blooms: North Dakota DEQ added four more waterbodies to its harmful algal bloom list—Epping-Springbrook Dam (advisory), Blacktail Dam (advisory), Lake Darling (warning), and Buffalo Lodge Lake (warning)—urging people and pets to avoid contact and to check updates before heading out. Public Health: North Dakota also reported its first West Nile virus death of 2026, with cases rising across multiple counties and officials reminding residents to keep protecting themselves from mosquitoes. Mining & Water Risks: Talon Metals scrapped its planned $365M nickel processing plant in Mercer County, choosing to process Tamarack project material at its Humboldt Mill in Michigan instead, a shift that keeps the Beulah-area facility off the table for now. Federal Energy Oversight: A federal appeals court rejected a Trump administration order forcing a Michigan coal plant to stay open, saying the emergency justification didn’t hold—another sign of shifting federal power in energy decisions. Wildlife & Community: North Dakota announced a youth and military waterfowl weekend for Sept. 19–20, with habitat stamps required. Research Funding: NSF awarded more than $1.1M to North Dakota State University for graduate fellowships focused on organism resilience under changing environmental conditions.

Toxic Mining Update: Talon Metals says it will process nickel-copper-cobalt from its Tamarack project at its existing Humboldt Mill in Michigan, dropping a previously proposed North Dakota processing facility and leaving Minnesota’s DNR environmental review as the next big step. Water Safety: North Dakota DEQ issued a Harmful Algal Bloom advisory for Blacktail Dam, warning people and pets to avoid visible blue-green algae and scum. Public Health: North Dakota reported its first 2026 death tied to West Nile virus, urging continued mosquito-bite precautions. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota set a two-day youth waterfowl season for Sept. 19-20, plus a matching veteran and active-duty weekend. Funding for Resilience: NSF awarded more than $1.1 million to North Dakota State University for graduate research on organismal resilience under changing environmental conditions. Community & Conservation: Turtle Mountain chairman Jamie Azure urged youth engagement and better planning to break from “old politics” that limit opportunities. Health Workforce: HHS awarded $830,112 to the University of North Dakota to expand nursing education and training across the state. Environmental Education: Michelle Cauley won North Dakota’s 2026 Environmental Educator of the Year “Trees Award” for hands-on nature education work.

Water Quality & Mining: A proposed copper-nickel sulfide mine in Minnesota’s headwaters is moving through environmental review, with a public comment period running through Sept. 14—an issue that matters for downstream clean water and Tribal resources, especially since sulfide mining can be notoriously hard to contain in watery landscapes. Tribal Youth & Governance: Turtle Mountain Band Chairman Jamie Azure urged youth engagement and better planning to break from “old politics,” describing a youth-driven strategy that’s shaped the tribe’s long-term goals. Wildlife Health: North Dakota reported its first West Nile virus death of the year, and the state also issued a harmful algal bloom advisory for Blacktail Dam—keep people and pets out of affected water. Drought Watch: Drought and abnormal dryness expanded across parts of the central and south-central U.S., with some dryness continuing along the North Dakota–South Dakota border. Policy & Air Quality: EPA proposed reversing parts of its earlier North Dakota regional haze decision, which could affect visibility rules tied to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Funding for Resilience: NSF awarded more than $1.1M to North Dakota State University for graduate research on organismal resilience under changing environmental conditions. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota set a youth waterfowl weekend for Sept. 19–20, including a special military/veteran season.

Regional Air Quality Fight: The EPA has proposed reversing its 2024 rejection of North Dakota’s regional haze plan, using a policy that wasn’t in place at the time—comments are due Oct. 9, and if finalized it would fully approve the 2022 plan through 2028, affecting visibility at places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Tribal Environmental Funding: The EPA awarded $553,500 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to tackle top environmental priorities and strengthen reservation environmental programs. Drought Watch: A new national drought update says abnormal dryness and flash-drought conditions expanded across parts of the central and south-central U.S., with some degradations along the North Dakota–South Dakota border even as heavy rain hit parts of northern North Dakota. Wildlife & Habitat: North Dakota Game and Fish reports late-summer roadside surveys show pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse numbers slightly up, while gray partridge numbers are down. Agriculture Grant: Kurt Swenson of S BAR S in Beulah received a $30,000 sustainable agriculture grant for virtual fencing and prescribed fire to improve rangeland stewardship and profitability. Data Center Community Pushback: A Mapleton public forum set for Sept. 15 will address data center impacts on local water and energy, with organizers criticizing the use of NDAs in negotiations. Outdoor Youth: The ND Game and Fish Outdoor Youth Festival drew kids to learn fishing, archery, waterfowl hunting basics, and mentored hunts. Health & Safety: Two North Dakota dogs needed emergency help after porcupine encounters, with hundreds of quills removed and infection concerns noted.

Data Centers & Local Impacts: A public forum in Mapleton will tackle how new data center growth could affect North Dakota’s water and power, with speakers addressing water-use myths and electricity demand, and concerns raised about non-disclosure agreements. Air & Training Noise/Space: The U.S. Air Force is seeking to expand the Powder River Training Complex by flying higher over existing airspace, including areas tied to Crook County. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota Game and Fish upland surveys report pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse numbers slightly up, while gray partridge numbers are down, and deer rules emphasize slowing chronic wasting disease spread. Tribal Environment Funding: EPA awarded $553,500 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for environmental priorities and program management. Weather & Climate Signals: August 2026 was drier and warmer than average in the region, adding to the broader pattern of hot, dry conditions. Community Outdoors: The state’s Outdoor Youth Festival at the Game and Fish park drew kids for fishing, archery, hunting instruction, and mentored outdoor activities. Public Health (Regional): Ontario warned residents about a cybersecurity breach tied to a court case-management system, while South Dakota confirmed its first 2026 cattle anthrax case and quarantined the herd.

Data Center Impacts in Mapleton: A public forum set for Sept. 15 in Mapleton will tackle how new data center development could affect North Dakota water and energy use, with speakers on water and power demand and criticism of non-disclosure agreements in negotiations. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: North Dakota Game and Fish reports late-summer roadside surveys show pheasant numbers slightly up (80 per 100 miles, +3.8%) while gray partridge numbers decline, with habitat conditions driving regional differences. Tribal Environmental Funding: The EPA announced a $553,500 award to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to support top environmental priorities and strengthen reservation environmental programs. Outdoor Youth Learning: The Game and Fish Department hosted its 19th annual Outdoor Youth Festival, pairing hands-on fishing, archery, hunting instruction, and mentored hunts with local wildlife groups. Animal Welfare: Two North Dakota dogs needed emergency care after porcupine encounters, with hundreds of quills removed and infections developing before treatment. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says aurora viewing chances are possible across parts of the region, including North Dakota, tonight and tomorrow, depending on clear skies.

EPA Funding for Tribes: The EPA announced a $553,500 award to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to support top environmental priorities, strengthen program management, and improve reservation environmental health. Wildlife Updates: North Dakota Game and Fish roadside surveys report pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse numbers are slightly up from last year, while gray partridge numbers are down. Chronic Wasting Disease Rules: Ahead of the archery and deer gun seasons, ND Game and Fish reiterated CWD precautions, including the ban on hunting big game over bait on wildlife management areas and reminders for hunters transporting carcasses. Upland Game Bird Survey: The state’s late-summer NDGF brood survey details where pheasant production is strongest and where hunters may need to focus on better habitat. Prairie Restoration: A look at prairie recovery emphasizes that grasslands often need disturbance like fire to keep invasives from taking over. Legal & Policy Noise: A coalition of state attorneys general urged defunding the National Academies over alleged bias in climate-related work used in lawsuits. Community & Food: A national school lunch report ranks states on meal access and participation, while local coverage also highlights ongoing community events tied to agriculture and farms.

Carbon & Water Treatment: Birchtech reached an agreement in principle to buy a specialty activated carbon company, aiming to scale up its lower-temperature “Carbon Rejuvenation” process, with added facilities in North Dakota and Pennsylvania. Clean Air Policy: The EPA proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period—framed as protecting visibility in national parks while keeping baseload power running. Livestock & Water Impacts: Stevens County approved a conditional use permit for Riverview’s West River Dairy expansion to up to 18,855 cows, with remaining steps tied to a water permit. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota Game and Fish says the pheasant forecast looks promising, citing brood counts and early reports. Drought & Land Stewardship: North Dakota and surrounding states are dealing with abnormally dry to severe drought, with guidance on how producers can adapt and plan for future seasons. Outdoor Recreation: North Dakota Game and Fish lifted a Labor Day week no-camping restriction for certain wildlife management areas, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8–9. Solar/Climate Cost Debate: A new analysis argues renewable portfolio standards raised electricity prices substantially over time, pushing the debate over how to cut emissions affordably.

EPA Air Quality: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period—framing it as protecting visibility in national parks and wilderness while keeping affordable baseload power running. Federal Water Rules: The Trump administration is revising proposed “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) definitions, seeking public input on changes to terms like “relatively permanent” and “perennial,” which could reshape what waters get federal protection. Wildlife & Habitat: North Dakota Game and Fish says more than 750 fall turkey licenses remain in three units, with leftover tags moving to first-come, first-served sales starting Sept. 16. Outdoor Conditions: Game and Fish also lifted the Labor Day week no-camping restriction for Sept. 8–9 on certain wildlife management areas. Data & Environment Policy Backdrop: A coalition of state attorneys general is pushing back on Big Four climate reporting efforts, warning climate disclosure support could conflict with accounting firms’ legal duties.

EPA Action on Air Quality: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and setting up a 30-day public comment period—framed as protecting visibility in national parks and wilderness while keeping affordable baseload power running. Wildlife & Hunting Updates: North Dakota Game and Fish says pheasant numbers look promising for the upcoming season, and more than 750 fall turkey licenses still remain in select units on a first-come basis starting Sept. 16. Drought & Land Stewardship: With abnormally dry to severe drought across North Dakota and nearby states, local guidance highlights how producers can spot weak links in operations and plan for the next season. Water Rules Watch: The Trump administration is revising proposed “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) definitions, seeking fresh public input on terms that shape Clean Water Act coverage. Community Outdoors: North Dakota lifts a Labor Day week camping restriction for certain wildlife management areas, allowing overnight camping Sept. 8–9. Data Centers & Local Impact Debate: A North Dakota-focused discussion argues data centers bring noise, water, and pollution concerns—while supporters push the jobs and tax angle.

Regional Air Quality: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, a move that would reverse a 2024 partial rejection and keep baseload power operating without extra emissions controls, with a 30-day public comment period. Wildlife & Hunting: North Dakota Game and Fish says more than 750 fall turkey licenses are still available in three units, released Sept. 16 on a first-come basis, and it also lifted a Labor Day no-camping restriction for Sept. 8-9 on certain wildlife management areas. Drought & Outdoor Conditions: North Dakota is dealing with abnormally dry to severe drought, with guidance highlighting both production challenges and practical ways producers can strengthen operations for the future. Water Rules: The Trump administration is revising proposed WOTUS definitions, seeking fresh public input on what counts as protected waters under the Clean Water Act. Energy Infrastructure: North Dakota’s “Project Tundra” is moving forward under an updated development structure, with Reliant taking on carbon capture development and new CO2 utilization opportunities being explored.

EPA & Clean Air: The EPA has proposed fully approving North Dakota’s regional haze plan, reversing a 2024 partial rejection and opening a 30-day public comment period—framing it as state-led progress that protects visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. Nuclear Infrastructure: A new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers update outlines a $1.4B–$2B underground communications network tied to the Sentinel ICBM replacement for Minuteman III, with major changes expected for the F.E. Warren missile field. Drought & Wildlife: North Dakota Game and Fish says the pheasant forecast looks promising, while severe drought conditions continue across the region and Labor Day weather may bring needed rain. Water & Land Use: A West River Dairy expansion cleared a conditional use permit step in Minnesota, with remaining hurdles tied to water permitting—raising the stakes for manure, stormwater, and groundwater oversight. Public Health & Data Security: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cyber incident that exposed sensitive court records, including in North Dakota, renewing concerns about personal data protection. Energy Costs: Gas prices are hitting record highs heading into Labor Day, with North Dakota among states seeing steep percentage increases since early 2026.