AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Alert: Brittle naiad, an aggressive aquatic weed, was found in Missouri River backwaters, forming dense mats that can disrupt fishing, boating, and waterfowl hunting—waterfowlers are urged to stay vigilant to prevent spread. River Education: Missouri River Days is celebrating 10 years of taking fourth graders from Columbia and nearby districts to learn about the river through hands-on activities, including boat rides, and is now offering free Every Kid Outdoors passes for participants. Energy & Pollution Fallout: The Missouri Public Service Commission dismissed a lawsuit by five municipalities over Ameren Missouri’s Rush Island coal plant shutdown, leaving cities to absorb major electricity cost deficits tied to the plant’s earlier pollution-control dispute. Fall Color Watch: The Missouri Department of Conservation is rolling out weekly fall foliage updates, warning that drought in parts of southern Missouri could mean muted colors and a shorter leaf-change window. Accessible Beekeeping: MU Jefferson Farm unveiled wheelchair-accessible beehives for its Heroes to Hives program, aiming to broaden who can learn beekeeping and support veterans’ wellness. Disaster Readiness: Boone County is forming a Community Organizations Active in Disaster coalition to pool local partners’ resources and improve response after flash flooding and tornado season.

Missouri Water Quality Funding: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $2.86 million to Bunceton for major wastewater treatment upgrades aimed at cutting pollutants and protecting Stephens Branch of the Petite Saline Creek, with work targeted to finish by Nov. 2027. Local Conservation & Habitat: MDC is hosting “Less Lawn, More Life” workshops in Springfield (Sept. 22 in person; Sept. 28 online) to help residents rewild yards with native plants for pollinators and wildlife. Clean Energy Reality Check: Xcel Energy says it removed 603 retired Minnesota wind-turbine blades (about 4,188 tons) in 2022 and processed them into cement-kiln fuel—highlighting the hard-to-recycle blade problem. Heat & Risk: A heat dome is keeping parts of the central U.S., including Missouri, running well above average, with records already falling. Outdoor Events: The Missouri River Outdoor Expo returns this weekend at Ponca State Park, with free family activities and hands-on demos. Wildlife Management: Joplin approved a bow-hunting ordinance inside city limits to curb rising deer numbers tied to property damage, collisions, and ticks. Public Safety Grants: Gov. Mike Kehoe announced $10 million in “Blue Shield” grants for 350 Missouri communities, including Lake of the Ozarks-area jurisdictions, to fund safety equipment and training.

Fireball Sighting: A bright meteor streaked across the Kansas City area early Tuesday, with reports also coming in from Topeka—another reminder that Missouri skies can light up fast. Wildlife & Land Use: Joplin approved a tightly regulated bow-hunting ordinance to curb overgrown white-tailed deer numbers, aiming to reduce property damage, vehicle collisions, and tick pressure. Conservation Research: The Smithsonian is leading a Lewis-and-Clark wildlife resurvey using modern trail cameras and AI, with tribal colleges helping track how mammal populations have shifted over 200+ years. Water Quality Funding: Missouri DNR awarded $2.86 million to Bunceton for wastewater upgrades to protect Petite Saline Creek and cut untreated discharges. Native Landscaping: MDC is hosting a “Less Lawn, More Life” rewilding workshop in Springfield (and online) to help residents swap turf for pollinator-friendly native plants. Public Safety Grants: Gov. Kehoe announced $10 million in Blue Shield grants for 350 Missouri communities, including Lake of the Ozarks-area counties and cities, to fund safety equipment and training. Missouri River Outdoor Expo: The Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park celebrates America’s 250th with wildlife, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Missouri River Outdoor Expo: Ponca State Park is hosting a free America’s 250 celebration Sept. 19-20 with 100+ outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, fishing, kayaking, archery, and more—plus Voices of Nebraska history speakers. River cleanup + recreation: Missouri River Relief’s Race to the Dome returns Oct. 3 with canoe and kayak routes (15.8 or 27.6 miles) that end at Wilson’s Serenity Point, raising funds for hands-on cleanups and environmental education. Water infrastructure: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Farber a $16,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to assess wastewater system upgrades and meet permit requirements. Data centers meet local pushback: Montgomery County held a town hall on incoming data centers, with residents raising concerns about environmental impacts, water, and electric bills; Franklin County commissioners are set to vote on rezoning and data center rules amid worries about well water use. Wildlife health alerts: CDC is warning of rising rabies exposures nationally; Missouri health officials urge caution around bats and skunks after recent positive tests. Fall nature planning: MDC released weekly fall color updates, noting good color prospects in much of central and north Missouri but possible muted colors and early leaf drop in drought-stressed southern areas. Animal welfare + farming politics: A Missouri hog farmer criticizes mandatory pork “checkoff” fees, arguing they steer money toward lobbying tied to controversial gestation crate practices.

Missouri Environment & Wildlife: The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking residents to report suspected hemorrhagic disease in deer as biologists track outbreaks that typically surge July–October and spread via tiny gnats. Climate & Weather: A “super El Niño” is forecast to bring a mild winter to much of the central U.S., with drought relief possible for some areas, though impacts can vary. Ag & Pollution Risks: Federal agriculture officials are urging farmers to report fertilizer “cartel” practices as the FTC investigates unfair pricing and anti-competitive behavior. Toxic Chemicals / Public Health: In St. Louis, a judge is holding a “fairness” hearing on Bayer’s proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement tied to cancer claims, with objections focused on how payouts and lawyer fees are structured. Local Resilience: FEMA approved more than $22.4 million for Perry County School District tornado recovery, including repairs and hazard mitigation. Fall Nature Watch: MDC is publishing weekly fall color updates, warning drought in parts of southern Missouri could mean muted colors and earlier leaf drop.

Roundup in Missouri Courts: Bayer/Monsanto is set for a Sept. 14 hearing in St. Louis over a proposed $7.25B Roundup settlement tied to claims of cancer from glyphosate, with Judge Timothy Boyer weighing objections before any approval. Water, power, and health pressures from data centers: Kirksville’s planning commission will consider new zoning rules for data centers Sept. 16 after residents raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, and potential health impacts. Drought watch for Missouri: A new report flags growing risk of “flash drought” as hot, dry conditions intensify, with Missouri’s soil moisture and rapid drying becoming key warning signals. Wildlife and habitat efforts: St. Louis Zoo received 500 adult Partula snails for an international release plan to restore native populations in Tahiti. Livestock health tip: A cattle nutritionist says mineral programs must go beyond feed tags, since trace minerals can drive reproduction and performance.

Roundup in Missouri court: Bayer/Monsanto heads to a St. Louis judge Monday to seek approval of a $7.25 billion settlement aimed at resolving tens of thousands of Roundup cancer claims, with Judge Timothy Boyer weighing objections but not expected to rule immediately. Drought watch: A Missouri report flags growing concern about “flash drought,” where heat and low rain can rapidly worsen dry conditions. Local planning for data centers: Kirksville’s planning commission will consider new zoning rules for data centers after residents raised alarms about water use, power demand, and health impacts. Wildlife rescue and habitat work: St. Louis Zoo received 500 adult Partula snails shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations, and southern Missouri saw 86 dogs rescued from commercial breeders in “Operation Eclipse.” Livestock health: A cattle mineral program should go beyond feed tags, with nutritionists urging producers to account for trace minerals and how conditions affect uptake. Farm growth support: MU Extension is running “Local to Larger” workshops to help Missouri food and farm businesses scale into new markets sustainably.

Animal Welfare: 86 dogs were rescued from southern Missouri commercial breeders in “Operation Eclipse,” with ages ranging from 7 weeks to about 8–9 years, and the animals are now headed for rehabilitation and safer long-term care. Public Health & Food Safety: Jefferson County Health Department released routine food inspection scores for the week of Aug. 30, with several eateries cited for issues like soiled equipment and sanitation problems. Wildlife & Disease Watch: Missouri conservation officials are urging the public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer, as health agencies track a growing concern for local wildlife. Hemp Policy: Missouri is moving ahead with restrictions on hemp THC products as a federal ban is delayed, but may be reassessed in 2027. Health Care Access: A Missouri push argues medical respite should be treated as core health infrastructure for people experiencing homelessness, helping bridge the gap between hospital care and stable housing. Local Environment & Gardening: Chalily Ponds & Gardens opened in Wildwood, bringing aquatic plants and pond features to a site with decades of horticultural history.

Roundup Settlement Hearing: A Missouri judge will weigh final approval of a $7.25 billion Roundup settlement tied to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with payouts potentially reaching $165,000 and a claims process replacing many lawsuits. Wildlife Health Alert: Missouri conservation officials are asking the public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer, a gnat-spread illness that can drive deer toward water and kill quickly. Hemp THC Rules: Missouri moves ahead with restrictions on intoxicating hemp THC as a federal ban is delayed, but may be revisited in 2027. Cattle Disease Watch: At a Crops & Cattle event, Kansas animal health leaders warned about emerging threats like New World screwworm and theileria, emphasizing fast treatment and tick-related spread. Local Food Safety: Jefferson County Health Department released weekly food inspection scores, ranging from 78–100, with violations noted at multiple establishments. Rural Healthcare Funding: Salem Memorial District Hospital won $1.7 million for critical campus upgrades, including HVAC, roofing, nurse call systems, and emergency drainage/access improvements. Solar in Missouri: EnerFusion, a Missouri-based company, helped bring solar-powered charging tables to UNC Charlotte—another sign of growing clean-energy campus infrastructure.

Clean Water Rights: A federal appeals court dealt a blow to Jackson, Mississippi residents trying to claim constitutional protections over unsafe drinking water, narrowing options for forcing accountability. Wildlife Health Watch: Missouri conservation officials are asking the public to report hemorrhagic disease in deer, a deadly illness spread by gnats that often peaks in summer through early fall. Mining & Energy Tech: The U.S. Department of Energy selected four projects for $73 million to build domestic “Mine of the Future” testing grounds, aiming to move new mining tech from labs to real-world conditions and strengthen critical-mineral supply chains. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Salem Memorial District Hospital in Missouri received $1.7 million for campus upgrades, including roofing, HVAC, drainage, and emergency department access improvements. Community Housing: MARC is seeking a $9.7 million federal affordable housing grant focused on reducing regulatory barriers to housing production and preservation. Roundup Settlement: A Missouri judge is set to weigh final approval of a $7.25 billion Roundup settlement tied to non-Hodgkin lymphoma claims.

Missouri River Education: Columbia Public Schools fourth graders have now taken part in Missouri River Days for more than 11,000 students since the program began in 2016-17, and the 10th-year sessions return this month with hands-on learning at Cooper’s Landing. Forestry & Wildlife: Clay and Kim Shaw were named Missouri’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year for managing Bert Farms, with a Woodland Owners Conference set for Oct. 2-3 near Cowgill and a field tour on Oct. 3. Roundup Court Test: Bayer heads to Missouri state court for a pivotal hearing on its proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement as Judge Timothy Boyer weighs objections from plaintiffs. Drought Watch: Missouri rain is easing some drought areas, but southern parts still need soaking totals to refill ponds and support pasture regrowth before the first freeze. Pollinators & Habitat: A “Monarch Highway” concept is highlighted as states and highway managers look to restore milkweed and native wildflowers along major corridors. Wildlife Health: Missouri wildlife officials are urging reports of hemorrhagic disease in deer as the state monitors impacts on local herds.

Drought Watch: Missouri is getting some rain relief, but the driest southern areas still need more soaking—state climatologist Zach Leasor says more than an inch fell in parts of central and northern Missouri, with another inch or two possible, yet southwest Missouri may require at least two inches to recover and pasture regrowth may be limited by a short window before the first freeze. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri landowners Clay and Kim Shaw were named Outstanding Tree Farmers for managing Bert Farms, with a Woodland Owners Conference Oct. 2-3 near Cowgill highlighting thinning, soil fertility, and pollinator habitat practices. Pollinators on the Move: A “Monarch Highway” concept is back in focus as states keep planting butterfly rest stops along major road corridors to rebuild milkweed and native habitat for monarchs. Rail & Environment-Linked Economy: CN filed with the Surface Transportation Board seeking conditions tied to the UP-NS merger, aiming to preserve rail competition and customer choice across key Midwest markets including St. Louis and Kansas City. Public Health Reminder: Missouri’s participation in the World Trade Center Health Program remains small but real—117 enrolled first responders and survivors—underscoring long-term health impacts from toxic exposures.

Hemp Policy Shock: Missouri businesses are bracing for a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp-THC products, with the state’s November law set to reclassify them as marijuana and push sales into licensed dispensaries—some companies plan to pivot to non-THC drinks, while others may leave. EV Charging Reality Check: A new look at federally subsidized EV fast-charger sites raises questions about real-world usefulness versus private networks, after a long drive found a NEVI-funded charger that was less convenient than nearby non-subsidized options. Air Base Buildout: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $74.8 million contract to build a B-21 radio-frequency hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, expanding the bomber program’s footprint. Clean Energy & Minerals: The U.S. Department of Energy selected four “Mine of the Future” projects for $73 million to set up domestic testing grounds for new mining tech. River & Wildlife Education: Missouri River Relief marked 10 years of Missouri River Days, a hands-on program that has reached more than 10,000 fourth graders. Rare Species Update: Missouri conservation staff reported a rare American eel sighting near Hannibal, highlighting how dams can block the eel’s inland-to-ocean life cycle. Heat Watch: Central U.S. communities, including Missouri, are still under extreme heat advisories with temperatures near or above 100 degrees expected to linger.

Data Center Fight in Missouri: Pierce Township, Ohio is weighing a proposed 300-megawatt data center on wooded hillside land across from the former Beckjord plant, even as local leaders extended a moratorium through February 2027 to set “guardrails” on where such projects can go. Water Quality Enforcement: Missouri DNR issued an abatement order on consent to the City of Clever over alleged Clean Water Act permit violations at its wastewater treatment facility, including effluent limits and reporting failures, with an administrative penalty of $15,999 reduced to $12,799 for compliance conditions. Wildlife Watch: Missouri conservation staff and partners caught and released a rare 37-inch American eel near Hannibal during an electrofishing survey, highlighting how dams and barriers can block the eel’s inland-to-ocean life cycle. Climate Resilience Grant: A North Omaha Maya community received $96,440 to plan stormwater management, greener spaces, and heat-reduction steps for its neighborhood along the Beltline Trail. Heat and Drought Context: A late-summer heat surge is pushing temperatures into the 100s across the Central U.S., with Missouri among areas facing heat advisories and rising drought risk.

Missouri Water Infrastructure: The Missouri Public Service Commission approved Missouri American Water’s $34.5 million purchase of Neosho’s water and wastewater systems, spotlighting the strain aging rural utilities face and the need for major upgrades. Legal Map Fight: Missouri election officials are stuck using the 2025 “Missouri FIRST” congressional map after two federal court rulings—one denying an emergency bid, another ordering the map be used before the November deadline. Climate Policy Pushback: Twenty-five state attorneys general are urging Congress and federal agencies to defund the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, alleging its climate-related work is biased toward plaintiffs in global warming lawsuits. Local Nature & Wildlife: Officials in Illinois warned residents after a coyote snatched a small dog from a yard, with the case documented with the state’s natural resources agency. Community & Environment Education: Ste. Genevieve’s “Fly with the Hive” honey festival returns, with beekeepers and activities aimed at teaching why bees matter for local ecosystems. Missouri Agriculture Economy: University of Wyoming specialist John Hewlett helped organize a Federal Reserve agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne for producers to discuss real-world conditions like irrigation and marketing challenges.

Water Infrastructure & Rates: Neosho’s aging water and wastewater systems are being sold to Missouri American Water for $34.5 million, with local officials pointing to major leak and upgrade needs that could mean big rate pressure. Aging Water Systems: A related Missouri discussion highlights how rural utilities struggle to fund repairs for decades-old pipes and treatment. Aviation Safety: The NTSB is investigating a fatal Sept. 7 plane crash near Neosho (a Zenith CH701), with the pilot and a second victim identified and investigators seeking witness info. Plastic Waste in Roads: MoDOT previously tested mixing recycled plastic into asphalt in Columbia, using a small share of plastic to divert tons of waste from disposal. Freshwater Wildlife Watch: A freshwater jellyfish was found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana, adding to concerns about how invasive or unusual species can spread. Invasive Species Bounty: Texas is paying $100 per invasive black carp submitted as part of a multi-state effort across the Mississippi River basin, urging anglers to “Keep, Cool, Call.” Monarch Habitat Effort: The “Monarch Highway” idea—planting milkweed and native habitat along I-35—was meant to revive monarch numbers but stalled, while some states keep planting roadside wildflowers. Local Community & Pollinators: Ste. Genevieve’s “Fly with the Hive” honey festival returns, with beekeepers emphasizing bees’ role in the environment. School Meals (Food Access): A national report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal reach and access, underscoring how lunch and breakfast programs help students consistently get fed.