AGP Executive Report

Bridge & Infrastructure: MnDOT and WisDOT opened bids for the Blatnik Bridge replacement, with Ames-Kraemer Joint Venture II named the apparent best-value proposer at $930 million, using a design-build approach and setting up a public project update in early September. Water & Flood Resilience: Worthington City Council approved a second amendment to its FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance grant application help, adding up to $15,000 for drainage work tied to local flooding history and environmental review coordination. Pollution & Permitting: The MPCA says an environmental impact statement won’t be required for Riverview LLP’s West River Dairy expansion near Morris, concluding the worksheet is adequate and that concerns can be handled through water appropriation and feedlot permits. Wildlife Health: Upper Midwest officials warn of rising rabies risk in cattle after skunks infected with a North Central variant were linked to cases in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Invasive Species: Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Hackensack, putting Hubbard County’s ash-heavy forests and streets in the spotlight for faster, potentially dramatic tree losses. PFAS & Drinking Water: New reporting highlights PFAS contamination concerns in Dakota County groundwater, including results from a new dashboard.

Twin Metals & Minnesota’s mineral future: The U.S. Senate vote and federal reversal clearing the way for Twin Metals’ Superior National Forest project is framed as a “mineral sovereignty” shift, reopening large tracts for leasing and reigniting the long-running fight over mining versus environmental protection. Great Lakes invasive species: A new study confirms bloody red shrimp have established in Lake Superior, with young and pregnant adults found in the Duluth-Superior Harbor—an important milestone for Great Lakes biosecurity. Arctic oil and gas legal push: Minnesota AG Nick Brown joined a coalition challenging Trump-era authorization for maximal oil and gas development in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, arguing rushed reviews and illegal environmental process failures. Water quality & nutrients: A letter to the editor highlights how nutrient pollution from the Mississippi River feeds Gulf hypoxia, with Minnesota included in a multi-state effort to cut nitrogen and phosphorus. Local environment policy: MPCA says an EIS isn’t required for Riverview LLC’s West River Dairy expansion near Morris, citing mitigation through permits. Wildlife health: Minnesota DNR expanded its deer feeding and attractant ban by adding five counties to reduce chronic wasting disease spread. Community outdoors: Mankato moves toward legal backyard chickens (with limits), while Alexandria approves shade and turf upgrades at Knute Nelson Memorial Park.

Wildlife Disease Control: The Minnesota DNR expanded its deer feeding and attractant ban by adding Becker, Clearwater, Grant, McLeod and Meeker counties after chronic wasting disease detections in new wild deer areas. The ban now covers 37 counties, aiming to reduce deer congregation and lower CWD spread. PFAS & Public Health Scrutiny: Advocates are challenging Minneapolis waste facility PFAS limits, arguing regulators may be missing longer-term health risks. Water & Invasive Species Enforcement: In northwest Minnesota, DNR conservation officers reported ongoing angling and watercraft enforcement, including citations tied to illegal-length fish and an angler transporting zebra mussels. Community & Conservation Support: West Central Initiative launched the West Central Minnesota Weaver Awards, offering grants to people and nonprofits building trust and belonging across rural counties. Local Nature Access: A Minneapolis riverfront planning update highlights upcoming trail and access improvements in North Minneapolis, expanding how residents can reach and enjoy the Mississippi River. Rural Health: Glacial Ridge Health System was named among Becker’s 100 Critical Access Hospitals to Know for 2026.

PFAS & Waste Oversight: Minneapolis advocates are questioning whether PFAS limits at a trash burner miss long-term health risks, while Dakota County continues releasing PFAS groundwater sampling dashboards. Data Centers & Power/Water Pressure: Minnesota’s court has paused construction of a hyperscale data center, and lawmakers are weighing related policy changes as states debate the environmental tradeoffs. Food Security in Minnesota: A new analysis says a House GOP plan could cut SNAP by nearly $300 billion through 2034, threatening millions of households that already struggle with grocery costs. Pesticides & Health: Reporting from Texas links pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s risk, raising alarms for farmworkers and nearby communities. Native Biodiversity & Reforestation: A U.P. tree nursery helps supply seedlings for national reforestation, and Minnesotans are also spotlighting native serviceberries as a new market for local fruit. Wildlife & Climate Extremes: Coverage notes drought conditions persisting and early wildfire-season signals, with air-quality warnings for multiple states.

PFAS Fight in Minneapolis: Environmental advocates are challenging whether the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center’s PFAS monitoring and permits fully protect nearby residents, especially in North Minneapolis, as a review commissioned by the Zero Burn Coalition argues long-term health risks may be missed while county officials say the facility is in compliance. Local Air Pollution & Health: The dispute is tied to a broader lawsuit over EPA emissions rollbacks, keeping PFAS “forever chemicals” in the spotlight for Minnesota communities living next to waste-to-energy. Data Centers vs. Power Demand: Across the U.S., states are pushing back on data center growth over rising utility bills and energy strain, with global projections warning of major electricity and water use—an issue Minnesota policymakers are watching as hyperscale projects move forward. Agriculture & Neurotoxins: A new report links pesticide exposure to Parkinson’s risk in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, raising concerns about farmworker and nearby community health impacts from crop-dusting. Minnesota Education & Environment: Garlough Environmental Magnet’s third-graders posted strong reading participation/proficiency on the MCA, highlighting how environmental-themed schools still face the same statewide learning benchmarks.

PFAS Fight in Minneapolis: Advocates are challenging whether the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center’s permits fully capture long-term health risks from “chemicals forever,” arguing monitoring may miss residual pollution; Hennepin County says the incinerator is in compliance. Water Safety Funding: Duluth and other Minnesota communities face a shortfall for lead service line replacements, with only $15 million in a bonding bill versus far higher statewide needs. Wildlife After Storms: Bemidji’s June 2025 windstorm felled an estimated 9 million trees, but DNR wildlife managers say there’s no population-scale harm and that new growth and habitat diversity may help. Reforestation on the Ground: A Bemidji-area landowner is using storm-made mulch to help saplings survive as part of USDA reforestation support. Agrivoltaics in Renville County: Sheep grazing on solar sites is helping small producers access land while keeping pollinator-friendly habitat on panels. Data Centers vs. Power: States are pushing back on rapid data center expansion amid concerns about electricity and water demand. Conservation Funding: Minnesota’s Conservation Partners Legacy Program offers grant cycles for restoring forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitat on permanently protected land.

Land-Use Wins for Climate and Wildlife: A University of Minnesota-led global study argues many countries can protect biodiversity and cut climate risk without sacrificing local economies, challenging the idea that nature always costs jobs. Water Infrastructure: Minnesota’s lead line replacement funding fell short in the latest state bonding picture, leaving tens of thousands of lines still needing replacement statewide. PFAS Monitoring: Dakota County released updated PFAS groundwater sampling dashboards, adding more detail on where “forever chemicals” are showing up in drinking-water testing. Data Centers vs. Power Demand: States across the U.S. are pushing back on data centers as electricity and water use climbs, raising concerns about bills, reliability, and climate impacts. Bemidji Storm Aftermath: The DNR’s northwest wildlife manager says last year’s Bemidji windstorm caused major tree loss but didn’t show population-scale harm to wildlife, with nature adapting through new growth and shelter. Community Conservation: The Boundary Waters Connect program highlighted DNR-backed habitat grants, and Minnesota’s Junior Ranger book expands kid-focused nature learning at state parks. Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife: The Minnesota Loons & Lakes Festival returns with paddles, cleanups, and loon-focused education in Crosslake. Agrivoltaics in Renville County: A solar project is helping sheep producers graze under panels while supporting pollinator-friendly habitat.

Wildfire & air quality warning: A record-early U.S. wildfire season has already burned about 2.4 million acres, driving unhealthy smoke and PM2.5 alerts across more than a dozen states, with health impacts hitting sensitive groups hardest. Severe weather across Minnesota: Tornado warnings and a severe thunderstorm watch were issued as storms moved through Friday, with hail and damaging winds possible before a drier, more comfortable weekend. Tick-borne disease risk: Minnesota health officials say tick populations are moving north, with more tick-bite-related ER visits; deer ticks can carry Lyme and Powassan virus, and the highest-risk stretch is late May through mid-July. PFAS groundwater scrutiny: Dakota County released new PFAS groundwater sampling data and a dashboard, adding to ongoing monitoring of “forever chemicals” in drinking-water sources. Invasive species update: Researchers report bloody red shrimp are now established in all five Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, raising new questions about ecological impacts. Local environment governance: Minnesota’s Court of Appeals paused a proposed hyperscale data center in Faribault, saying the city didn’t take a hard look at air, noise, greenhouse gas, and cumulative impacts before approving. Community outdoors: Brown County’s Master Gardeners’ Gardenfest Tour returns June 25 with five local gardens, highlighting pollinator-friendly landscaping and what’s possible in the region.

Severe Weather Watch: Scattered to isolated thunderstorms are expected across Minnesota Friday, with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 8 p.m. for parts of central Minnesota including the Twin Cities metro; storms could bring gusty winds or hail, then a comfortable, lower-humidity weekend follows. Invasive Species: The DNR confirmed zebra mussels at Little Boy Lake, and officials warn eradication usually isn’t feasible once they establish—so the focus is now on slowing spread and alerting lake users. Forest Pest Control: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will aerially apply a mating-disruption treatment for spongy moth in southeast Minnesota starting June 24 through July 1, using a pheromone product designed to stop reproduction. Clean Energy Legal Win: A judge restored $82.1 million in cancelled DOE clean energy grants, including projects in Minnesota, after legal challenges argued the cancellations violated constitutional protections. Local Land & Water Planning: Lake County is set to see a renewed push to expand Silver Rapids Lodge on White Iron Lake after earlier legal fights derailed a prior $45 million plan. Community & Recreation: A La Crescent teen’s Eagle Scout project is nearing completion of a professionally designed mountain bike skills park on school district land, now over 90% funded.

PFAS Watch: Dakota County released a new PFAS dashboard with results from 2018–2025, finding PFAS in all 27 environmental wells and 94 of 114 private drinking wells tested, with some readings above state and federal drinking-water guidelines. Local Courts & Water/Environment: A new scheduling step in the Pine Island “Project Skyway” data center case sets a protective-order motion hearing for July 23, as the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy presses for transparency in the environmental review. Road Safety: Minnesota State Patrol is ramping enforcement for the “100 deadliest days,” including speed, seatbelts, distracted driving, and impaired driving, with added air patrols. Drought Outlook: A National Weather Service seasonal outlook says drought in parts of southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska is expected to persist through at least the end of September. Public Health & Climate: A new USDA push to stop New World screwworm includes AI drones and 40 research projects, aiming to prevent the parasite from reaching U.S. wildlife and livestock. Community & Nature: The DNR’s “Field to Forest” cost-share program is now accepting applications to help landowners convert former cropland into new forests.

Climate & Water: Minnesota’s Kabekona River is among waters proposed for removal from the state’s impaired list after Clean Water Fund-backed restoration work, with MPCA taking public comments on a broader 2026 impaired-waters update through July 22. PFAS & Public Health: Dakota County launched a PFAS groundwater dashboard (2018–2025 sampling), finding PFAS in all 27 environmental wells and most private drinking wells tested, with results shared with state health and pollution agencies. Land & Wildlife: The DNR is accepting applications for its Field to Forest program, offering cost-share to help landowners reforest former cropland and improve habitat and water quality. Environment in the Community: Hubbard County adopted an environmental assessment worksheet for Deep Lake Park, with questions raised about phosphorus from fire pits and pet waste management. Northern Lights: NOAA says the aurora could be visible from parts of northern Minnesota and the upper Midwest on Thursday night. Immigration Detention: Reuters reports deaths in U.S. immigration detention have more than doubled under Trump, including cases in Minnesota tied to the broader crackdown.

PFAS Cleanup in Lyon County: Lyon County hosted a public demonstration of a runoff evaporation system at the landfill as part of a three-week study aimed at cutting “forever chemicals” entering the Marshall wastewater plant, supported by a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency PFAS grant. Trade and Climate Pressure on Minnesota: Gov. Tim Walz told leaders in Austria that new data centers must run on clean energy and protect water, highlighting Minnesota’s push to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035. Reforestation Funding: The Minnesota DNR opened a second round of its Field to Forest Cost Share Program, offering up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting plus extra per-acre support after planting. Wildlife Watch: The DNR says black bear sightings are up in southern Minnesota, with more than 20 recorded in southeastern areas, and urges residents to remove food sources. State Leadership: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities trustees elected Dawn Erlandson as chair and Jim Grabowska as vice chair, effective July 1. Policy Signals: A Minnesota House bill proposes producer-led tire recycling, and another considers limiting animal testing at state research facilities. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of SE Minnesota and east of I-35 in North Iowa through 8 p.m.

Reforestation Funding: Minnesota DNR opened a second round of its Field to Forest Cost Share Program, offering private landowners up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting plus $500 per acre after planting. Water Conservation Rebates: The Met Council is awarding $12,000 to Circle Pines and $21,000 to Lino Lakes to expand rebates that help residents and businesses swap older fixtures for WaterSense and Energy Star-labeled appliances. Hunting/Fishing Fees: Wisconsin’s spring hearings showed public support for license fee increases, including inflation-based adjustments and higher trout and turkey stamp costs. E-bike Safety Push: AAA launched “E-Ride Ready” to help Minnesota parents reduce injuries from e-bikes and e-scooters, with a new safety guide focused on helmets, where kids can ride, and setting rules. Data Center Fight in Pine Island: Pine Island’s mayor resigned ahead of a hearing tied to a Google data center lawsuit and a restraining order, with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy challenging the project. Wildlife Habitat Care: A Minnesota-linked nonprofit story highlights handmade nest support for orphaned baby birds and mammals, showing how community volunteers can help wildlife rehabilitation.

Minnesota DNR Environmental Review: The DNR is taking public comments through July 15 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Crissy Lake Dam modifications in Morris, including removing the dam and restoring river hydrology and habitat. Northern Minnesota Power Planning: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission issued a draft route permit for a proposed 68-mile transmission line from near Hermantown to east of Grand Rapids, with comments due July 13 and more public hearings expected in September. Wildlife & Habitat Access: Duluth’s Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory broke ground on a new accessible trail (phase one of three), funded through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, with invasive plants slated for removal. Invasive Species Watch: Researchers confirmed invasive “bloody red shrimp” are now established in Lake Superior, with ongoing monitoring planned at Duluth-Superior Harbor. Climate & Health: A new national drought update says severe drought is expanding, including in Minnesota, raising risks from drinking water quality to heat illness and wildfire smoke. Outdoor Learning: The Minnesota Zoo opened Wanderlight Trail, a summer lantern exhibit highlighting wildlife and conservation species. EV Roadmap Doubts: Bemidji City Council signaled skepticism about its EV infrastructure roadmap, with a final decision looming after the project wraps June 30.

Environmental Review: Minnesota DNR is taking public comments (through July 15) on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Crissy Lake Dam modifications in Morris, including removing the dam, adding rock arch rapids, and restoring river channel habitat. Air Quality & Climate: A new analysis finds wildfires have reversed the long U.S. trend of declining surface ozone, with wildfire smoke driving higher ozone and rising wildfire-related premature deaths since 2015. Local Energy & Land Use: Bemidji City Council is signaling doubt about its EV roadmap as the project nears completion, with some councilors questioning whether EV plans fit northern Minnesota. Data Centers: Carlton County residents are pushing for a one-year moratorium on AI data centers, arguing the county needs time for workable rules; nearby Rochester is also trying to get clearer facts before proposals land. Wildlife & Health: Minnesota’s tick season risk is highlighted by a Powassan virus hospitalization report, while Minnesota also sees invasive species pressure with zebra mussels detected in western Minnesota. Outdoor Recreation: The Minnesota Zoo opens the Wanderlight Trail lantern exhibit through Aug. 2, and Minnesota state parks’ Junior Ranger program expands with a new activity book.

Data Centers & Water: Residents packed Elk River City Hall to oppose a proposed 33-megawatt data center, citing noise, water use, and power demand; the developer says it would use less water and a noise study is due June 23. Corporate Water Commitments: Google says it will replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and is funding water projects near its sites, including $17 million for new work. Climate Outlook: Minnesota climatologist notes a strong El Niño could worsen drought later this year, with bigger impacts often showing up in winter. Wildlife & Fishing: Minnesota DNR announced a 12-year-old angler set a new steelhead record, topping her sister’s mark, both from the Stewart River. Outdoor Education: Minnesota state parks rolled out a new Junior Ranger activity book for ages 9+ focused on misunderstood wildlife. Elk Hunting: The DNR opened applications for 12 elk licenses across three herds and multiple seasons, citing higher 2026 survey counts. Governance & Access: A Minnesota Senate bill targets public access to guardian ad litem records.