AGP Executive Report

Data Center Fight in Hermantown: Google told Hermantown residents it’s cutting wetland impacts by 37%, adding well monitoring, and promising a 47-decibel noise limit after public pushback over effects to wells, trout streams, and wetlands. Transmission Line Concerns: In La Crescent, residents challenged a proposed Maribell high-voltage line, warning it could harm wildlife habitat and karst landscapes with sinkholes and caves. Water Pollution Enforcement: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined an Iowa construction firm over sediment discharge into Camp Creek, a trout stream in Fillmore County, and required a prevention plan. Climate Reality Check: A Minnesota piece argues climate change is already here—pointing to extreme weather swings and record wildfire smoke impacts on air quality. Wildlife & Disease: Minnesota reports additional H5N1 positives in poultry flocks as fall migration begins, raising biosecurity stakes. Public Safety & Environment: Rochester approved funding for a new police shooting range/training site, citing noise pollution and limits of an aging outdoor facility.

PFAS & Clean Water: Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin DNR kicked off PFAS Awareness Week, highlighting $125 million released from Wisconsin’s PFAS Trust Fund and $10 million in settlement funds tied to contamination from Tyco Fire Products. Local Roads & Safety: Mankato is studying upgrades for Stoltzman Road, including possible changes at the Stoltzman-Pleasant intersection and pavement work along South Riverfront Drive. Community Facilities: Shorewood’s Community Center study lays out options on operations, programming, staffing, and long-term sustainability, with a focus on cost recovery and partnerships. Wildlife & Public Health: Minnesota DNR and health officials are urging caution as bats seek warm winter roosts; a rabid bat was recently found in Minneapolis, raising exposure concerns. Reforestation: Minnesota DNR completed helicopter aerial seeding on 500+ acres across remote forest sites to regenerate jack pine, white pine, tamarack, and black spruce. Hunting & Habitat: Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season opens Sept. 26, with new electronic licensing guidance; Northfield’s pheasant opener is set for Oct. 9-10. Data Centers Backlash: A new report says nearly $200 billion in data center projects were blocked or delayed in the first half of 2026 as communities push back over power and water impacts.

Mining & Water Security: A proposed Twin Metals mine in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest is raising alarms in Ontario border communities like Fort Frances, where drinking water flows across the U.S.-Canada line and could be affected by upstream pollution and shifting political decisions. Climate & Health Injustice: In Ohio, a climate-focused report argues AI companies are accelerating fossil gas power plans that could worsen greenhouse pollution and particulate pollution tied to health harms—framing it as environmental injustice. Wildlife Protection: The Minnesota Raptor Center highlights lead ammunition as a major driver of lead toxicity in birds of prey, urging attention during hunting seasons. Data Centers & Energy Costs: The House passed a bill pushing regulators to consider how utilities charge data centers for the full cost of power and transmission upgrades, as communities debate impacts on bills and the environment. Weather & Preparedness: Twin Cities forecasts point to a mostly dry, cool stretch with rain chances returning later; Kandiyohi County is also pursuing weather radar funding to fill monitoring gaps. Agriculture & Soil: A Minnesota farmer profile spotlights regenerative, rotational grazing as a way to cut inputs and improve land health.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: The U.S. House passed a bill pushing utilities to account for the full cost of new AI data-center power and transmission upgrades, aiming to limit higher bills for families and businesses. PFAS in Firefighting Gear: A federal judge ruled firefighters can pursue claims that turnout gear exposed them to “forever chemicals,” including cases involving 3M, DuPont and Honeywell. Bird Flu in Minnesota: Minnesota confirmed H5N1 at three more commercial poultry operations, adding about 118,000 birds as fall waterfowl migration ramps up. Solar in Winona: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum cut electricity costs by about half with a new rooftop solar array, funded through a state climate finance loan. Local Conservation & Landscaping: A Grand Rapids Garden Club event will teach sustainable, native-plant landscaping for northern Minnesota. Weather Watch: Minnesota’s weekend stays cool and cloudy, with drier days Tuesday–Wednesday and rain chances returning later in the week.

Avian Health Watch: Minnesota confirmed highly pathogenic H5N1 at three more commercial poultry operations, adding about 118,000 birds to the state’s fall total as waterfowl migration ramps up—raising the stakes for backyard flock owners, hunters, and barn responders. PFAS Accountability: A federal judge ruled that 3M, DuPont and Honeywell must face PFAS “forever chemicals” claims from Connecticut firefighters over turnout gear exposure, allowing damages and medical monitoring to move forward. Solar in Winona: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum cut electricity costs by installing a rooftop solar array, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030 while reinvesting savings into public programming. Native Plants Under Panels: The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls planted native prairie species beneath solar panels to boost soil health and stormwater benefits. Forest Seed Supply: The DNR is paying $95 per bushel for clean red pine cones after a bumper crop—helping refill a seed pipeline needed for reforestation. Local Weather Context: Minneapolis frost timing is being discussed using historical benchmarks, with officials stressing long-range freeze forecasts can’t prove recent climate shifts.

Solar & Community Resilience: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona cut electricity costs in half with a new rooftop solar array, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Native Habitat Under Renewables: Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls planted native prairie species beneath solar panels to improve soil, erosion control, and stormwater infiltration. Wildlife & Outdoor Stewardship: The Minnesota DNR says roadside surveys show a healthier pheasant outlook for the upcoming season, while the state is also asking residents to report deer sightings. Forestry Supply Push: Minnesota will pay $95 per bushel for clean red pine cones after a strong bumper crop, helping refill the state nursery for reforestation. Weather Literacy: A Twin Cities frost forecast story explains why “first freeze” timing can’t be treated as a direct sign of unusual climate change, pointing readers to historical benchmarks instead. Public Health Watch: Health officials warned of a measles case tied to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by train. Local Energy & Jobs: A solar array begins operating at a closed landfill in Ramsey, adding to Minnesota’s shift toward cleaner power.

Reforestation Pay Program: Minnesota DNR is paying people $95 per bushel to collect clean, ripe red pine cones for replanting, with this year’s crop expected to be the best in more than a decade; the state aims to buy at least 1,000 bushels to catch up on nursery capacity. Wildlife & Hunting Outlook: DNR roadside surveys show Minnesota’s pheasant population looks healthier this year, with the 2026 season set to open Oct. 10 and run through Jan. 3. Conservation Recognition: Wild Ones Southeast Minnesota Prairie Partners received the 2026 Outstanding Conservationist Award for native plant work, pollinator habitat, and conservation education across Rice County. Invasive Species Fight (Regional): Keep Tahoe Blue is deploying new machines to guard against golden mussels and other invasive species, part of a broader push to protect freshwater ecosystems. Community Nature Events: A busy slate of fall outdoor programming and animal-focused activities is scheduled across the Northland, including geology and animal tracks sessions.

Flooding Risk: Heavy rain and flood watches are expected across parts of the Southwest, Intermountain West and Midwest, with conditions tied to a strengthening “super El Niño” and climate change adding to extreme moisture. Water Security: Foreign hackers breached two Colorado water utilities, briefly changing pumping cycles and disabling alarms; officials say drinking water quality wasn’t affected, but the incidents add to a growing pattern of cyber threats to U.S. water systems that has also hit Minnesota. Local Wildlife & Outdoor Access: Minnesota’s DNR is running Take a Kid Hunting Weekend (Sept. 19–20), letting adults bring youth under 16 to hunt small game without a license while following season rules. Public Lands Volunteering: National Public Lands Day is set for Sept. 26, with Minnesota events expected across state parks, forests and wildlife areas. Data Centers Debate: A Minnesota op-ed argues the state can’t sit out data-center investment, citing workforce, energy capacity and national security needs.

Mining & Clean Water: Talon Metals’ Tamarack nickel-copper-cobalt project cleared a key Minnesota DNR step as its public scoping comment period for an Environmental Impact Statement wrapped Sept. 14, moving the review toward the next phase. Wildlife & Community Science: As Minnesota’s archery deer season opens Sept. 19, the DNR is asking hunters to log deer and other wildlife sightings through its online hunter field log to improve population estimates. Climate & Local Action: Duluth’s grassroots Duluth Climate Commission held town halls to brainstorm practical climate steps, including pushing for a city sustainability officer and lower-carbon utility goals. Invasive Species Prevention: Keep Tahoe Blue installed new solar-powered “Clean, Drain, and Dry” watercraft cleaning stations to help stop aquatic invasive species spread. Weather Watch: A NEXT Weather Alert is in effect Friday for southeastern Minnesota flooding risk from heavy rain, with repeated downpours possible. Outdoor Access: Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth opened an accessible “Migratory Journey Trail” designed for mobility needs and families.

Solar on Closed Landfill: Connexus Energy’s 4-megawatt Ramsey II solar array began commercial operation Sept. 2 on part of the Anoka-Ramsey Closed Landfill in Ramsey, turning 24 acres of limited-redevelopment land into clean power. Aquatic Invasives Prevention: Keep Tahoe Blue installed new solar-powered “CD3 Outpost Blue” clean-drain-dry stations at Lake Tahoe-area sites to stop aquatic invasive species spread. Birds in Cities: A new study using weather radar finds nearly half of U.S. bird migration stopover hotspots are in metropolitan areas, with practical fixes like turning off lights at night and using bird-safe windows. Fertilizer & Pollution: U of M researchers released a global fertilizer dataset (1980-2022) showing how optimizing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium use could boost food while cutting pollution. Minnesota Gardening Help: U of M Extension Master Gardener applications are open statewide through Oct. 1 for the 2027 core course. Wildlife & Public Health: Minnesota Board of Animal Health advised rabies post-exposure treatment after a Brown County heifer tested positive. Community Nature Events: The Bell Museum’s Statewide Star Party returns Sept. 17-19 with programs across Minnesota, including stargazing in Cohasset.

PFAS Accountability: Minnesota agencies sued major manufacturers over PFAS in firefighting gear, alleging they knew “forever chemicals” were in protective equipment but didn’t warn fire departments and public agencies; the suit seeks costs for testing, medical monitoring, and replacement gear. Water & Health: Itasca Waters will host a free Oct. 1 webinar on how groundwater connects to lakes, including how climate change, land use, and contamination affect water quantity and quality. Low-Water Boating: The Minnesota DNR warns drought-driven low lake levels are making launches and retrievals harder and exposing hazards like stumps, rocks, and holes at ramps. Wildlife Access: Duluth’s Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory cut the ribbon on the “Migratory Journey Trail,” a 0.6-mile loop designed for mobility access and use with the city’s TrackChair. Local Housing With Environmental Ripples: Duluth approved tax subsidies for a 148-unit apartment project near Lake Superior College, using a TIF district to support debt service. Climate-Smart Farming Debate: A new peer-reviewed study argues regenerative farming could store enough soil carbon to offset 1.5 years of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—outpacing tech-based carbon capture proposals. Severe Rain Watch: Twin Cities forecasts call for lingering showers Thursday, then heavier rain Friday with 2–4 inches possible and flooding risk in the south metro.

Indoor Farming & Jobs: A Minneapolis company, Verdánt AgriTech, is proposing a nearly $14M, 63,000-square-foot indoor mushroom and microgreens facility in Mankato, promising 70+ jobs and year-round production. Local Data Center Pushback: In McDonald, a 12-month data center moratorium has passed after residents raised concerns about electricity, water use, and noise; meanwhile, other Minnesota communities are weighing future rules as AI-driven data center interest grows. Clean Water & Public Health: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking residents how much fish they eat in a statewide survey to better set contaminant limits and keep fish safer. Conservation Access: Duluth and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory celebrated a new universally accessible trail that also removes invasive species and protects sensitive wetlands. Wildlife Management: The Minnesota DNR is urging deer hunters to log wildlife sightings during archery season to help guide future harvest rules. Community Solar: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum dedicated a new rooftop solar array as part of its climate and clean-water programming.

Clean Energy Waste Problem: Xcel says it repowered Minnesota wind farms and recycled 603 turbine blades (about 4,188 tons) into cement-kiln fuel—an example of how “clean” power still creates hard-to-handle waste. PFAS Cleanup in Central MN: 374Water says it finished a four-phase mobile AirSCWO PFAS destruction campaign in St. Cloud under a $600,000 city contract, with results expected soon. Air Quality Monitoring Gaps: A Bridge Michigan report finds Michigan’s air monitors are sparse in rural areas, meaning residents may miss hazardous pollution spikes from wildfire smoke and other sources. Water & Climate Research: Colorado State University research argues irrigation’s climate benefit can be huge because higher yields avoid converting more land to farming—estimated as emissions avoided equivalent to 363 years of irrigation emissions. Wildlife & Community Science: Minnesota DNR is asking deer hunters to log sightings online during archery season to improve population estimates. Data Centers vs. Local Impacts: Grand Forks County and city officials are drafting future data-center policies; nearby, residents in Casselton are questioning AI data-center plans and their water/electricity use. Local Weather: Twin Cities forecast calls for a mainly dry Wednesday, then a wetter Friday.

Boundary Waters Mining Watch: Minnesota DNR is canceling a Twin Metals mineral lease near the Boundary Waters, adding to Gov. Walz’s legacy of curbs on copper-nickel mining in the watershed. Wildlife & Climate: Monarch butterflies are rebounding after a tough stretch, with WWF reporting a 64% population increase as fall migration heads south—good news for Minnesota’s pollinator season. Avian Flu Alert: Wisconsin confirmed its first commercial flock case of highly pathogenic avian influenza as it spreads across the Upper Midwest; Minnesota has had two reports this September. Clean Energy Upgrade: M State broke ground on a $12.7 million geothermal heating/cooling project to modernize campus infrastructure and cut emissions. PFAS Legal Update: A new PFAS-focused legal roundup highlights fresh court and regulatory moves affecting drinking-water and firefighting-gear contamination. Local Governance & Data Centers: Inver Grove Heights voted to exempt a proposed data center from its moratorium, while an upcoming MPR Rural Voice town hall will tackle Faribault’s data center development and its environmental review. Food Insecurity: A Minnesota college and community push to harvest surplus produce is spotlighted as students and families continue to face hunger.

Minnesota Weather: Sunshine returns to the Twin Cities Tuesday, with highs near 70 and breezy northwest winds, then a mostly dry Wednesday and warmer Thursday; Friday looks increasingly wet, with the heaviest rain still uncertain. Lake Restoration: The Minnesota DNR will begin a planned drawdown of Hubbard, Schultz and Wheeler lakes near Atwater, aiming to improve water quality, restore habitat, and winterkill undesirable fish while reducing curly-leaf pondweed. Public Health & Environment: A new study ranks three Florida cities among the worst for skin “stress,” using air-quality data, solar exposure estimates and search behavior—an example of how environmental conditions can show up in everyday health concerns. Local Housing & Waterways: Duluth approved an ordinance to crack down on short-term rentals in single-family homes and enforce permitting for illegal vacation rentals, while Minneapolis is preparing the grand opening of Upper Harbor Park, a transformed riverfront site with green infrastructure and restored habitat. Healthcare: Riverwood Healthcare Center earned one of just eight Minnesota five-star CMS patient survey ratings. Tech & Infrastructure: Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport deployed a private 5G network to support airport operations and future digital upgrades.

Boundary Waters Mining Watch: Minnesota DNR canceled a Twin Metals Minnesota mineral lease near Babbitt/Birch Lake after nearly a year of review, saying the company didn’t meet lease performance and production requirements; the agency says the land isn’t in the area Twin Metals previously sought to mine, while Twin Metals called the decision disappointing. Lake Restoration & Wildlife: Volunteers restored manoomin (wild rice) on the St. Louis River estuary by distributing seed by canoe, aiming for self-sustaining acres by 2026 and 2032, with federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative support. Soil Health Funding: Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources will offer $3.22 million in grants for soil health delivery funds, backing practices like no-till and cover crops to protect drinking water and help farms adapt to severe weather. Agriculture & Pollution Risk: Farmers are being urged to report fertilizer “cartel” practices as federal regulators investigate potential unfair pricing and anti-competitive behavior. Data Centers & Local Rules: A legal explainer warns that data center development moratoriums can stall approvals and create major financial and legal uncertainty for developers and landowners while projects wait. Community Outdoors: Minnesota DNR is inviting deer hunters to log wildlife sightings during archery season and is also promoting a “Take a Kid Hunting Weekend” for youth small-game hunting without a license.