AGP Executive Report

Conservation Areas: Missouri campers will need a $5 permit for stays on Department of Conservation land starting in March 2027. Permits cover up to five days, and new rules aim to address safety concerns, vandalism and environmental damage. River Biodiversity: Researchers identified five freshwater mussel species new to science in rivers across six states, including Missouri. Mussels help filter water and are among North America’s most imperiled animals. Invasive Carp: Creve Coeur Lake boat access will close from Nov. 2 through March 30 while MDC and USGS crews work to remove carp that threaten native fish and aquatic food webs. Drinking Water: Missouri DNR awarded Farber $25,000 to assess improvements to its drinking water system and opened grants of up to $20,000 to help public water systems plug abandoned wells that could contaminate groundwater. Development Debate: Cedar County will hold a Nov. 2 forum on its pause on data center and renewable energy projects, including possible effects on water, energy, farmland and the environment.

Invasive Carp: Missouri conservation officials and the U.S. Geological Survey will resume carp removal at Creve Coeur Lake Nov. 2. Boating access will close during the work, which is expected to run through March 30. Drinking Water: Missouri is offering eligible public water systems up to $20,000 per project to plug abandoned wells that could contaminate groundwater. Priority applications are due Dec. 31; the final deadline is Feb. 28. Data Center Pressure: More than 75% of Mississippi River communities surveyed have been approached about hosting AI infrastructure. New guidance aims to help local officials assess water use, utility needs, public costs and environmental risks. Landfill Expansion: DNR will take public comments Wednesday on a draft permit for Jefferson City’s proposed landfill expansion. Written comments are due Nov. 11. Waterway Pollution: A report says PFAS were found at every Missouri waterway testing site. Conservation Rules: Starting in March, campers on state conservation areas will need a $5 permit; MDC says the change is intended to address safety issues and environmental damage.

Landfill Expansion: Missouri DNR is seeking comments on Republic Services’ planned Jefferson City landfill expansion. A public hearing is set for Wednesday at 6 p.m.; written comments are due Nov. 11. Water Quality: A report says PFAS were found at every Missouri waterway testing site, raising concerns about contamination statewide. Energy: Missouri’s energy strategy puts nuclear power at the center, while state regulators approved Ameren Missouri battery-storage and solar projects with conditions. Infrastructure: DNR awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and the Mid-America Regional Council allocated nearly $4 million for energy-efficiency and community-planning projects. Wildlife: The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging Central Missouri hunters to have deer tested for chronic wasting disease during hunting season.

Wildlife Protections: Conservationists warn that the Trump administration’s Endangered Species Act changes remove habitat protections from the definition of harm, potentially weakening safeguards for threatened species. Water Quality: A report says PFAS was found at every Missouri waterway testing site—raising concerns about contamination across the state. Landfill Oversight: Missouri DNR will hold an Oct. 28 hearing on a draft permit for expanding the Jefferson City Landfill, giving residents a chance to comment. Energy Policy: Missouri’s new energy plan puts nuclear power at the center, recommending financing support and a shift from renewable to advanced-energy standards while retaining a diverse power mix. Local Investment: The state awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, while the Mid-America Regional Council allocated nearly $4 million for energy-efficiency and community-planning projects. Conservation Education: Ozark Society grants of $500 to $2,500 will support hands-on conservation projects for K–12 students; applications are open through November.

Landfill Expansion: Missouri DNR will hold an Oct. 28 hearing on a draft permit for expanding the Jefferson City Landfill, which could accept municipal and construction waste, among other materials. Water Quality: A report says PFAS was found at every Missouri waterway testing site, raising concerns about widespread contamination. Energy and Efficiency: Missouri’s new energy strategy puts nuclear power at the center of plans for energy independence and reliability. In the Kansas City region, MARC allocated nearly $4 million for energy-efficiency upgrades and community planning. Wastewater Infrastructure: DNR awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.

Landfill Hearing: Missouri DNR will take public comment Oct. 28 on a draft permit for expanding the Jefferson City Landfill, which would accept municipal, construction and other waste. Water Quality: A report says PFAS was detected at every Missouri waterway testing site, raising concerns about widespread contamination. Energy: The state’s new energy plan puts nuclear power at the center of its strategy, proposing financing tools and changes to energy standards as Missouri increasingly relies on electricity from other states. Climate and Conservation: Hot, dry conditions are threatening autumn color in Mid-Missouri, while Ozark Society grants are supporting hands-on conservation projects for young people. Regional Investment: The Mid-America Regional Council allocated nearly $4 million for energy-efficiency upgrades and community planning.

Landfill Hearing: Missouri DNR will take public comment Oct. 28 on a proposed expansion of Jefferson City’s landfill, which would accept municipal, construction and other waste. Water Quality: A new report says PFAS was found at every Missouri waterway testing site, raising concerns about contamination across the state. Energy Policy: Missouri’s new energy plan puts nuclear power at the center of its strategy, proposing state-backed loans and a shift to an “Advanced Energy Standard” that would include nuclear. Energy Efficiency: The Mid-America Regional Council allocated nearly $4 million for regional projects, including about $1.9 million for energy-efficiency upgrades at 11 nonprofits. St. Louis Sewers: DNR awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. Wildlife and Litter: Kansas City-area naturalists warn balloon ribbons and other litter can become woven into nests or entangle wildlife.

Water Quality: PFAS was detected at every Missouri waterway testing site in a new report, while a separate funding shortfall threatens decades of lake monitoring used to track pollution and algal blooms. Landfill Expansion: The state will hold an Oct. 28 hearing on a draft permit for expanding Jefferson City’s landfill, which could accept municipal, construction and other waste. Energy and Growth: Missouri’s new energy plan puts nuclear power at the center of efforts to boost supply, as state leaders weigh rising electricity demand from data centers. Conservation: Ozark Society youth grants of $500 to $2,500 will support hands-on projects for students; schools and nonprofits can apply through November. Wildlife and Litter: Kansas City-area advocates warn balloon debris and ribbons can harm wildlife and become tangled in nests.**

Lake Monitoring: Missouri’s decades-long record on more than 65 lakes is at risk as funding dries up for two University of Missouri programs. Their data helps track algal blooms and pollution from farm runoff, urban activity and septic systems. Data Center Dispute: Ferguson residents submitted more than 1,400 signatures seeking a vote on tax breaks for a proposed data center and technology hub, citing environmental concerns. The council approved the incentives last month; signatures must be verified. Water Pollution: A report says PFAS were found at every Missouri waterway testing site, raising concerns about widespread contamination. Sewer Upgrades: The state Department of Natural Resources awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.

Water Quality: PFAS was found at every Missouri waterway testing site, according to a new report. The state also awarded $9.1 million in assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. Clean Energy: The Public Service Commission approved an agreement, with conditions, for Ameren Missouri battery storage and solar projects. Campus Sustainability: Missouri Southern State University says recycling bins are now in nearly every academic building, though they currently accept aluminum cans only. Climate: Missouri recorded its hottest September on record, while heat and drought are putting mid-Missouri’s fall foliage at risk.

Water Quality: PFAS were detected at all 20 Missouri waterways tested from 2022 to 2024, a new report says. Researchers warn the “forever chemicals” could threaten wildlife, drinking water and fish people eat. Clean Energy: Missouri regulators approved Ameren’s plans for three battery-storage facilities and two solar projects, including a 225-megawatt solar farm in Stoddard County. Wastewater Upgrades: The state awarded $9.1 million to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to repair its collection system and reduce sewer overflows. Heat and Drought: Missouri recorded its hottest September, while high temperatures and drought are threatening autumn color in central Missouri. Local Planning: Springfield is seeking public input through November on environmental concerns and redevelopment along the College Street corridor.

Clean Energy: Missouri regulators approved Ameren projects including three battery-storage facilities and two solar farms, totaling 400 megawatts of solar capacity. Water Quality: PFAS were detected at all 20 Missouri waterways tested from 2022 to 2024, including popular fishing spots. Wastewater: The state awarded St. Louis’ sewer district $9.1 million to repair collection systems and reduce overflows. Urban Renewal: Springfield is seeking public feedback through November on its College Street plan, which includes brownfield assessment and redevelopment. Wildlife Health: MDC is urging hunters to submit deer for chronic wasting disease testing; mandatory sampling is set for Nov. 14–15 in selected counties. Climate and Land: Missouri recorded its hottest September, while high temperatures and drought are threatening fall color. Farmers can still apply for 2027 Conservation Reserve Program acreage, which helps reduce erosion and improve wildlife habitat.

Flood Protection: FEMA’s new online tool lets residents in Missouri communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program get quotes and buy federal flood coverage directly. Wildlife: Black bear sightings are becoming more frequent in mid-Missouri as the animals reclaim historic habitat. The state’s bear population is estimated at about 1,100 and growing, according to a Missouri Department of Conservation official. Heat and Drought: Mid-Missouri’s warm autumn is stressing trees and could mute or shorten fall color. Drought covers more than 48% of Missouri, with about a third of the state in severe drought; Missouri also recorded its hottest September on record. Water Infrastructure: Missouri awarded $12.6 million for wastewater upgrades in Springfield and Fulton. Land Use: A proposed data center in Nodaway County is driving a debate over township zoning, with residents raising concerns about water, roads and noise. Recycling: Republic Services has broken ground on a new recycling center to serve the Greater St. Louis area.

Heat and Drought: Mid-Missouri’s unusually hot autumn is putting fall color at risk. After Missouri’s hottest September on record, drought covers more than 48% of the state; stressed trees may lose leaves before they turn. Data Center Debate: A White Cloud Township mailer opposes a proposed zoning measure tied to data centers, while county officials say questions remain about the project’s water use, roads and noise. Wildlife: Missouri’s acorn crop is unusually abundant this year. Conservation officials are also urging deer hunters to submit samples for chronic wasting disease testing and to watch for bird flu among migrating waterfowl. Water and Recycling: Missouri awarded $12.6 million for wastewater upgrades in Springfield and Fulton, and Republic Services broke ground on a new recycling center in Bridgeton to serve the St. Louis region.

Wildlife: Missouri’s trees are in a mast year, producing an unusually large crop of acorns, walnuts and other foods for wildlife after favorable spring weather. Farm Innovation: Saint Louis University researchers identified a protein structure that could help plants use nitrogen from the air, potentially cutting fertilizer costs and pollution, though practical applications are still being studied. Parks and Trails: Columbia is considering an 80-acre land donation for Boone Horizon Trails, with nearly eight miles of trails and a parking area. Water and Waste: Missouri awarded $12.6 million for wastewater upgrades in Springfield and Fulton, while Republic Services broke ground on a new recycling center in Bridgeton to serve the greater St. Louis area. Deer Health: The Conservation Department is urging hunters to help track chronic wasting disease; mandatory sampling is set for Nov. 14-15 in selected counties under a new four-year rotation.

Deer Health: Missouri hunters are urged to submit deer for chronic wasting disease testing. Mandatory sampling is set for Nov. 14–15 in selected counties, as the state shifts to a four-year county rotation. Farm Innovation: Saint Louis University researchers have identified a feature in microbes that could help crops use nitrogen from the air, potentially reducing fertilizer costs; practical applications still require more research. Disaster Recovery: St. Louis tornado survivors are still waiting for federal long-term recovery funds, part of more than $10 billion needed for disaster-hit communities. Heat and Wildlife: Missouri recorded its hottest September on record, while conservation officials are warning hunters to watch for sick or dead birds during fall migration. Water and Waste: Missouri awarded $12.6 million for wastewater upgrades in Springfield and Fulton, and Republic Services has broken ground on a new Bridgeton recycling center. Development Pressure: A proposed $3 billion St. Louis tech hub anchored by a data center is drawing local backlash, with Franklin County residents and groups suing over data-center projects.