AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: Central Missouri is bracing for scattered storms with locally heavy rain, possible damaging winds, and a midweek heat surge with heat index values near 100°F. Missouri Water Quality & Health: Iowa’s water pollution story is a warning sign for the region—fertilizer and manure runoff feed algae blooms and bacteria, hurting swimming and outdoor summer plans. Lake Erosion Fight: Table Rock Lake property owners are pushing to regulate wakeboats after complaints that bigger wakes are accelerating shoreline erosion and damaging docks and lifts. Data Centers & Water Use: Google says it will replenish more water than its U.S. data centers consume by 2030, aiming to ease community concerns about cooling water demands. Wildlife & Livestock Threat: Missouri has activated its New World Screwworm response plan after USDA confirmed the pest in a Texas calf, raising stakes for animal movement and producer losses. Outdoor Access Policy: Missouri conservation areas may require $5 camping permits starting in 2027, as officials respond to illegal overnights and overstays. Local Leadership: Jasper County 4-H youth took part in state congress and teen conference, pairing leadership training with service projects.

New World Screwworm in Missouri response: The Missouri Department of Agriculture says USDA-APHIS confirmed New World Screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Texas, prompting Missouri to activate its New World Screwworm Response Plan and a joint working group with USDA, U Extension, MDC, and the state health department. Missouri flooding watch: With May rainfall heavy and ground saturated, Missouri Mesonet reporting highlights both flash flooding and slower river flooding risks across central Missouri. Lake erosion fight on Table Rock: Shell Knob residents are pushing for action over wakeboats, saying larger wakes are accelerating shoreline erosion and damaging docks and lifts. Conservation outdoors updates: Missouri conservation areas may require $5 camping permits starting in 2027, and MDC is seeking public input on proposed camping permit changes. Wildlife and health: Missouri is seeing a “sweet spot” for tick activity, and a new report links wildfire smoke exposure to fertility concerns among wildland firefighters. Reuse push: PR3 unveiled a global symbol for reusable packaging and reuse systems, aiming to cut single-use packaging and emissions.

Reuse & Packaging: PR3 unveiled a new global symbol meant to clearly mark reusable packaging and reuse systems, saying reuse can cut single-use packaging production by up to 90% and emissions by up to 80%. Missouri Flooding Watch: Central Missouri is seeing heavy-rain flooding risks after saturated ground, with both flash flooding and slower river flooding on the table. Lake Shoreline Conflict: On Table Rock Lake, homeowners say wakeboats are accelerating shoreline erosion and damaging docks and lifts, pushing for action from lawmakers. Water & Wastewater Funding: The EPA approved a $40M WIFIA loan for South Sioux City’s wastewater treatment expansion, aimed at lowering long-term costs and protecting the Missouri River. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri’s tick season is ramping up as conditions warm and humid, with officials urging simple prevention steps. Agriculture & Animal Health: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, prompting Missouri’s joint working group to prepare for potential re-emergence. Outdoor Community: Missouri River cleanup volunteers are being sought by the National Park Service in South Dakota. Data Centers & Local Impacts: A Missouri-focused debate continues as communities push back on hyperscale data centers over energy, water use, noise, and land impacts.

Data Centers vs. Communities: Missouri lawmakers are still struggling to regulate hyperscale data centers as local moratoriums and heated elections spread, with St. Charles and other towns showing how fast development can outpace state rules. Water & Public Health: Missouri’s neighbors are seeing how pollution can ruin summer recreation and health, while a separate EPA loan backs wastewater upgrades meant to protect the Missouri River. Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: Missouri tick season is ramping up as weather warms, and MDC urges simple prevention steps; meanwhile, black bear sightings are rising around Lake of the Ozarks as bears search for food after hibernation. Conservation in Action: Columbia’s Art in the Park turns trash into art with a little blue heron sculpture meant to push people to rethink impacts on Missouri waterways. Agriculture & Land Stewardship: A Purdue-led study highlights how better handling nitrogen uncertainty in corn could cut fertilizer use and reduce environmental costs. Animal Health Watch: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, prompting Missouri’s response planning.

Missouri Conservation & Outdoor Access: The Missouri Department of Conservation is moving toward paid camping permits in MDC areas, citing rising violations and safety/environmental impacts; the proposal would require permits where camping is currently free. Wildlife & Public Safety: At Lake of the Ozarks, the Missouri Department of Conservation says black bear sightings are ticking up as bears come out of hibernation and search for food, and urges residents to respond safely when they spot bears. Local Land Use & Waste: Pettis County is rewriting its landfill ordinance after a judge struck down key setback and permitting provisions that conflicted with state law, potentially clearing the way for a new waste facility. Education in Nature: MDC is partnering with Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts to host a “From Field to Classroom” workshop for K-12 educators in July, bringing conservation lessons and ready-to-use outdoor activities to teachers. Data Centers & Water: Google says it will support floodplain forest restoration near its Pine Island data center to help improve water quality, as data-center growth keeps fueling local water and environmental debates.

Missouri Conservation Camping Rules: The Missouri Department of Conservation is moving toward a permit system for camping in MDC areas, citing rising compliance problems, safety issues, vandalism, illegal stays, and environmental impacts; the Conservation Commission gave initial approval May 29, and the proposal would charge most campers a $5 permit for up to five days. Data Center Water Push in Missouri: Google says it will support water restoration tied to its planned Pine Island data center, backing a Trust for Public Land project to restore floodplain forest and improve water quality along the Zumbro River, while also highlighting broader “water positive” goals. Local Data Center Concerns: In Maryville, Scale Microgrids held a public open house for the proposed White Cloud Acres data center, with water use topping residents’ questions. Air Pollution Fight in Sebastopol: A&M BBQ in Sebastopol faced complaints over smoke and air pollution tied to zoning for large commercial smokers, with supporters packing a city council meeting. Outdoor Safety & Access: Missouri’s proposed camping permits come as MDC also tries to better manage impacts across its roughly 1,000 conservation areas.

Data Center Water Debate in Missouri: Scale Microgrids held a public open house for its proposed $6B White Cloud Acres data center near Maryville, with residents pressing for answers on water use and wastewater plans, including claims of major emissions cuts using reclaimed wastewater. Local Water Safety: Eldon is under a mandatory boil order after repeat E. coli positives, and the state says the city may need permanent disinfection upgrades. Conservation Camping Rules: The Missouri Department of Conservation proposed a $5 permit for most free camping at conservation areas to curb illegal activity, overstays, and environmental impacts, and is taking public feedback. Community Solar Grants: Scopus Solar awarded $10,000 in grants across Bollinger County, including support for recycling operations that have diverted hundreds of tons from landfills. Wildlife & Habitat Education: Missouri conservation programming continues to expand, including youth wildlife learning opportunities like junior game warden camps in other states. Safe Haven Baby Box Expansion: A second anonymous, temperature-controlled baby surrender box is planned for the Lake of the Ozarks area this fall, funded through local partners.

Water Safety in Eldon: After repeat E. coli positives, Eldon began temporary chlorination and kept a mandatory boil order in place while officials work toward permanent disinfection upgrades. Data Centers & Water Use: A proposed $6 billion data center near Maryville would use reclaimed wastewater, but new details show higher-than-expected daily needs—raising questions about impacts on local water and the nearby 102. Statewide Waste Update: Missouri DNR approved construction of the Presidio Environmental Repository Facility, a new sanitary landfill in Pettis County near Sedalia, aimed at expanding disposal capacity. Public Transit Planning: Kansas City and North Kansas City are sharing latest findings on the NorthRail streetcar feasibility study at two open houses (June 11 and June 17). Wildlife Watch: Missouri’s armadillo sightings are rising, with milder winters and expanding habitat cited as key drivers. Outdoor & Community: The Springfield Botanical Gardens’ free 2026 Butterfly Festival (June 27) spotlights pollinators with hands-on activities and live animal experiences. Water Stewardship Push: Google announced new water stewardship commitments tied to data center growth, including a Texas fund and additional projects in Missouri.

Wildlife Watch: New data shows armadillos are spreading across Missouri, with sightings clustering in the south but expanding north and east as winters stay milder and habitat edges grow. Public Health & Environment: A St. Louis researcher’s TEDx talk spotlights micro- and nanoplastics as “invisible pollution” that persists and accumulates in ecosystems and living things. Ag & Soil Tech: MU’s Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center is upgrading precision agriculture tools, including grid soil sampling, to improve nutrient maps and fertilizer/lime plans for Missouri farmers. Pesticides & Cancer: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on whether cancer lawsuits can proceed against pesticide and herbicide makers, with new reporting tying heavy pesticide use to higher cancer rates. Community & Nature: Springfield Botanical Gardens’ free Butterfly Festival (June 27) celebrates pollinators with hands-on activities, Missouri Department of Conservation programming, and live animal experiences. Local Accountability: Former residents are suing a Missouri youth treatment center, alleging physical and sexual abuse and “prison-like” conditions. Real Estate Data: MARIS is waiving MLS application and subscription fees for new Realtors, aiming to offer stable data feeds and syndication options.

Protein Debate: A new report flags that regularly eating far more protein than recommended may raise risks tied to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, with experts warning against going well above about 1.2 grams per kilogram per day. Conservation & Public Lands: The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking public comment on proposed camping permit changes, nonresident deer hunting permit updates, and rules for unstaffed firearm shooting ranges, with potential new requirements set to take effect in 2027. Ag Policy in Jefferson City: Missouri agriculture groups say renewed ag tax credits, permitting clarity for common farm practices, and steps tied to foreign farmland oversight and rural veterinary shortages moved forward during the legislative session. Data Centers & Air Permits: A Missouri-relevant policy explainer breaks down how emergency generator air permits work for data centers—and why the growing generator footprint is sparking air-quality and energy-demand concerns. Wildlife & Land Use: Missouri is also weighing how to manage feral hog impacts and other wildlife pressures, as state agencies continue to refine rules and public input processes.

Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for public comment on proposed camping permit rules, plus changes to nonresident deer hunting permits and unstaffed firearm shooting range permits, with a final vote expected Sept. 11 and changes targeted for Feb. 28, 2027. Wildlife & Land Management: MDC also announced a free pond management workshop June 13 in Warrensburg, covering watersheds, fish stocking, aquatic plants, invasive species, and control methods. Feral Hogs: Missouri says it’s making “significant” progress in its war on feral hogs, including drone and helicopter removals, with 6,100 hogs removed last year. Outdoor Safety: Joplin fire officials are urging summer water-safety steps, heat precautions, and caution around venomous snakes. Agriculture: A northwest Missouri agronomist warns heavy rains are boosting waterhemp and raising nitrogen-loss concerns, urging timely weed control. Roundup Legal Fight: An attorney is trying to move a proposed $7.25B Roundup settlement to federal court, potentially delaying Missouri’s June 4 opt-out deadline. State Funding: Missouri is cutting funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, dropping from $6M to $2M in the FY 2027 budget.

Missouri Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for public comment on proposed camping permits for MDC conservation areas starting in March 2027, citing rising compliance problems, safety concerns, and environmental impacts from vandalism and illegal activity. Wildlife & Agriculture: Missouri says it’s making “significant” progress in its war on feral hogs, using drones and helicopters to remove thousands of hogs and reduce disease risk. Outdoor Education: MDC is also offering a free pond management course in Warrensburg (June 13) to help landowners with watersheds, fish stocking, aquatic plants, and invasive species control. Parks & Recreation: Ha Ha Tonka State Park released its June lineup, including castle concerts, wildflower walks, bat programs, cave adventures, and a night hike. Farming Watch: A northwest Missouri agronomist warns heavy rains are boosting waterhemp and increasing nitrogen loss risk, urging early weed control. Community Safety: Joplin fire officials are stressing summer water safety, heat illness prevention, and snake awareness as temperatures rise. Conservation Spotlight: Dan and Connie Burkhardt were honored as Missouri Master Conservationists for long-running work along the Katy Trail.

Conservation & Access: The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing camping permits on MDC areas after a decade-long rise in camping violations, safety issues, and environmental impacts, including more citations and warnings. Water & Flood Resilience: Tributary dams managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers help cut flood risk and avoid millions in downstream damage by storing water during storms and releasing it after danger passes. PFAS & Refrigerants: Regulatory experts say PFAS “forever chemicals” rules are tightening at the state level, while building codes tied to A2L refrigerants keep evolving—both affecting how HVAC contractors plan compliance. Outdoor Events: MDC is hosting Summer Solstice hikes June 20 at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, plus Missouri state parks and historic sites are rolling out June family programming. Community Conservation: The National Park Service is seeking experienced kayakers for a Missouri River cleanup near Yankton on June 6. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri’s Master Conservationists Dan and Connie Burkhardt were honored for long-running restoration work along the Katy Trail, including native tree planting and youth conservation programs. Pollution & Cleanup Tech: Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing modified algae that can bind microplastics, aiming to remove pollutants while also helping clean wastewater.

Severe Weather Watch: A new look at “Tornado Alley” says June’s main tornado threat shifts north into the Central and Northern Great Plains, with longer days and extreme instability driving some of the season’s most powerful storms. Water Infrastructure: Plattsmouth, Nebraska opened a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain after 2019 Missouri River flooding damaged the old facility, with FEMA covering 90% of the nearly $70 million project. Pollution Fight: Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing engineered algae that can bind and remove microplastics from water, aiming to clean wastewater and help recycle captured plastics. Wildlife & Invasives: Maryland is encouraging anglers to hunt invasive northern snakeheads using high-powered bows and arrows to reduce impacts on native fisheries. Missouri Policy & Schools: Missouri’s new antisemitism law for public education takes effect this school year, but free-speech advocates warn it could run into First Amendment problems. Missouri Agriculture Tools: MU Extension highlights free online tools to help livestock producers manage drought-driven feed shortages and budgeting. Local Environment Research: Nebraska awarded 129 undergraduate research stipends, including projects tied to fisheries and wildlife and plant biology. Plastic Cleanup Idea: A separate study describes algae that can “grab” microplastics from water by clumping them for easier removal.

Invasive Species Control: Maryland is enlisting anglers to hunt Northern snakeheads with high-powered bows and arrows, aiming to slow the invasive fish’s spread and protect native fisheries. Mississippi River Spotlight: A Hannibal, Missouri river captain reflects on decades of changes on the Mississippi, from floods and droughts to invasive fish and shifting fertilizer flows. Water Pollution Watch: Montana reports PFAS “forever chemicals” in fish across major waterways, with higher concentrations in larger species—raising fresh concerns for anglers and public health. Missouri River Cleanup: Missouri paddlers can join a guided kayak float and litter removal on June 6, helping keep Green Island trash-free along the Missouri National Recreational River. Food & Farming Tools: University of Missouri Extension highlights free online resources for livestock producers facing drought and rising feed costs, including a tool to compare delivered hay and feed options. Wildlife & Community: Lincoln University Cooperative Extension names John Kessell to lead natural resources and agriculture programs, while Missouri school health staff expand training for nurses to improve student outcomes. Outdoor Safety: Louisiana launches a youth ATV/UTV safety task force to reduce injuries during hunting season.

Missouri Agriculture & Resilience: University of Missouri Extension is pushing free online tools like Feedstuff Finder to help livestock producers cope with drought and rising forage costs by comparing delivery costs and locating feed by location. Missouri Research & Climate-Smart Materials: Missouri S&T researchers won a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to build an AI database of alternative cementitious materials (like coal ash, slag, recycled concrete, and mine tailings) to cut energy use in concrete production. Missouri Waterways & Cleanup: Missouri National Recreational River volunteers can join a guided kayak float and litter cleanup on June 6 from Gavins Point Dam to Riverside Park, focusing on Green Island. Wildlife & Public Health: Mid-Missouri is seeing a tick surge tied to warmer winter conditions and spring weather patterns, with CDC data showing Midwest tick-bite ER visits at the highest levels since 2017. Environmental Justice in Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court case in St. Louis could reshape how far U.S. pollution lawsuits reach beyond U.S. borders, involving emissions claims tied to a Missouri-based parent company’s Peru operations. Conservation & Ecosystem Risk: A study highlights how invasive feral hogs may spread chronic wasting disease prions by scavenging infected deer, potentially influencing the disease’s spread.