AGP Executive Report

Data Center Impacts: A Wyoming Outdoor Council forum examined how AI data centers could affect energy use and natural resources, but left residents with unanswered questions. Wolf Protections: A federal appeals court heard challenges over gray wolf protections as the Trump administration argued the animals should lose endangered status. Land Conservation: A new easement protects 233 acres of Wild Horse Ranch, including pronghorn migration habitat, wetlands and a stretch of the New Fork River. Drought Relief: Small businesses and nonprofits in Lincoln and Uinta counties can apply for federal loans to offset drought-related operating costs. Wildlife Health: Wyoming expanded big-game carcass dumpsters to help limit the spread of chronic wasting disease; officials also reported deer disease near Casper. Water and Ice: New satellite comparisons found river models can misrepresent flows in dam-affected waterways, including the Platte system. A separate review found western U.S. glaciers have lost 35% of their area, with more than 300 disappearing since the mid-20th century. Energy Projects: Laramie Range Wind Project developers withdrew their county applications amid permitting concerns.

Pipeline Scrutiny: Salt Lake City leaders say questions are mounting over HF Sinclair’s proposed fuel pipeline from Wyoming, which could pass near neighborhoods, parks and water sources; homeowners along the draft route have received survey notices. Wind Development: Laramie Range Wind Project developers withdrew county permit applications while they work through a condition attached to the project’s state permit. Water Management: Wyoming shelved a study of irrigation water losses in the Green and Little Snake river basins after access and cost problems left too few ditches measured for a basin-wide estimate. Wildlife: Game and Fish is tracking a rise in deer-killing EHD and bluetongue near Casper and Glenrock, and is investigating the illegal release of predatory northern pike into Lake DeSmet. Habitat and Growth: Cheyenne approved annexing 162 acres for a potential data center, despite residents’ concerns about noise, light pollution and wildlife habitat. Safer Roads: The Kemmerer wildlife crossing project is 56% complete; some crossings and fencing are expected to help migrating herds this winter, but drivers should remain alert along U.S. 189.

Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish is investigating the illegal release of northern pike into Lake DeSmet near Buffalo, warning the predatory fish could threaten native species and asking anglers to report any they catch. Development & Water: Cheyenne approved annexing 162 acres for a project that could include a data center, despite residents’ concerns about noise, light pollution and wildlife habitat. In a separate dispute, Casper and an environmental nonprofit want more water studies before FERC rules on the Seminoe pumped-storage project, which could affect BLM land and bighorn sheep. Local Sustainability: A new greenhouse at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming will give Casper children hands-on lessons in gardening, nutrition and sustainability. Energy & Climate: Wyoming ranks third nationally for the carbon intensity of its electricity, reflecting its continued reliance on coal. Wolf Policy: Federal officials are urging states to review wolf protections and management, while critics argue that killing wolves won’t prevent livestock conflicts and point to nonlethal deterrents.

Glacier Loss: A new review finds more than 300 glaciers have vanished across the American West since the mid-20th century, with total glacier area down 35%. Wyoming’s Wind River glaciers are among the survivors, tucked into protected terrain. Yellowstone: Snow and freezing nights are arriving, and the Beartooth Highway and Dunraven Pass have closed for the season. Most park roads remain open through Oct. 31, but visitors should prepare for winter conditions. Wildlife: No black-footed ferrets were detected near Meeteetse this summer, despite extensive surveys. Plague and drought may have driven the reintroduced population to collapse. Yellowstone wolves are also having another poor year for pups, though disease is not blamed this time. Energy and Parks: Carbon County commissioners are weighing the local impacts of a proposed 2,000-megawatt natural-gas plant near Sinclair. Wyoming State Parks is seeking public feedback on Curt Gowdy State Park plans, including new trails and facilities, while weighing protection of natural resources.

Yellowstone Wildlife: Wolf packs are again struggling to raise pups. About 20 had survived by early September, compared with a typical 37; biologists say this year’s losses weren’t driven by disease. Glacier Retreat: A new review finds more than 300 glaciers have vanished across the American West since the mid-20th century, with total glacier area down 35%. Wyoming’s Wind River Range still holds some of the survivors. Curt Gowdy Planning: Wyoming State Parks is seeking public input on a 10-to-15-year plan for trails, facilities and natural-resource management. Open houses are scheduled Oct. 26–28 in Cheyenne, Laramie and at the park. Energy Development: Carbon County officials are preparing to discuss impacts of a proposed 2,000-megawatt natural-gas plant near the Chokecherry-Sierra Madre wind project. Public Lands: More than a million people commented on a federal proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule; an analysis found over 99% of roughly 400,000 unique comments opposed the change. Seasonal Access: Beartooth Highway closed early for the season as snow and severe weather arrived, while most Yellowstone roads remain open through Oct. 31.

Weather & Water: Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel are forecast to fade near Evanston, Wyoming, as cold air moves in; nearby mountain snow is possible, while rain and snow are expected across parts of Wyoming and Montana. Public Lands: Volunteers and BLM staff from Wyoming, Utah and Colorado repaired access and facilities at two tri-state markers for National Public Lands Day. Wildfire Response: Wyoming has bolstered fire resources amid an “all hands” response, while Western experts say prevention and recovery need more funding and better coordination. Wildlife: Game and Fish is asking for tips after a mule deer buck was illegally shot and left to waste near Big Piney. Climate Lawsuits: As the Supreme Court takes up the Boulder climate case, Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman is urging Congress to pass a bill limiting climate-related lawsuits against energy companies.

Wildfire Response: Wyoming is bolstering fire resources amid an “all hands” response to wildfires, while western experts warn that prevention and post-fire recovery remain underfunded. Wildlife: Yellowstone wolves again struggled to produce pups, though disease was not blamed; Wyoming Game and Fish is also seeking tips on an illegally killed mule deer near Big Piney. Energy and Land: A proposed 647-mile Bridger crude-oil pipeline would end near Guernsey and carry up to 550,000 barrels daily; environmental review is underway. Near Cheyenne, residents questioned the route of a proposed 16-mile transmission line for a wind, solar and battery project. Climate Policy: Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman’s bill to shield energy companies from climate lawsuits is drawing attention as the Supreme Court hears arguments in the Suncor case. Household Costs: Wyoming families could face higher winter heating bills, adding to concerns over energy affordability.

Weather Shift: A cold front and moisture from Tropical Storm Rachel are bringing rain, snow and sharply colder temperatures to Wyoming after record warmth and elevated fire danger. Wildfire Readiness: Wyoming has bolstered firefighting resources amid an all-hands response; regional experts say planning for recovery before and after fires needs more attention and funding. Oil Infrastructure: Bridger Pipeline proposes a 647-mile crude line from Montana to a terminal near Guernsey, Wyoming, with capacity of up to 550,000 barrels a day. Environmental review is underway. Wildlife: Game and Fish is seeking tips about a mule deer buck illegally shot near Big Piney, and is asking sage-grouse hunters to submit wings for monitoring. Yellowstone wolves have struggled to produce pups again. Energy Siting: Laramie County residents questioned the route of a proposed transmission line for a wind, solar and battery project, citing potential impacts on homes, wildlife and rural landscapes. Public Lands: More than a million comments urged the federal government to keep the Roadless Rule intact.

Wolf Protections: The 9th Circuit is set to hear arguments Oct. 13 over federal gray-wolf protections, including a Montana case challenging the denial of protections for northern Rocky Mountain wolves. Yellowstone packs are also struggling: biologists estimate about 20 pups survived this year, well below the usual 37, with causes other than disease suspected. Weather and Fire: Record warmth and elevated fire danger across northern Wyoming are giving way to a sharp cold front, with rain and snow expected. Wyoming has added a Casper helibase to bolster wildfire response, including two helicopters and staff housing. Renewable Energy: Laramie County residents challenged the route of a proposed 16-mile transmission line serving the Chalk Bluffs wind, solar and battery project, citing concerns about homes, wildlife and rural character.

Energy Development: Laramie County residents raised concerns about the proposed route of a 16-mile transmission line for the Chalk Bluffs wind, solar and battery project, citing effects on homes, wildlife and rural character. Wildlife: Yellowstone wolf packs are again producing few pups: biologists counted about 20 surviving pups in early September, versus an average of 37, and say disease isn’t to blame this year. Fire Readiness: Wyoming State Forestry opened a Casper helibase to house staff and two helicopters for wildfire response as the state bolsters resources after a dangerous fire season. Water & Wildlife Monitoring: Officials issued a harmful-bloom advisory at Keyhole Reservoir near Wind Creek Ramp; Game and Fish is also asking sage-grouse hunters to submit wings to help track population health. Drought has halted pheasant releases in Goshen, Platte and Laramie counties because of poor habitat cover. Weather & Access: Record warmth and elevated fire danger are giving way to a sharp cold front, with rain and mountain snow forecast across the northern Rockies. Beartooth Highway closed five days early ahead of the storm.

Wildlife Monitoring: Wyoming Game and Fish is asking sage-grouse hunters to leave one wing from each bird at collection barrels or regional offices. The samples help biologists track reproduction and guide population management. Bird Protection: A long-term study found that painting one wind-turbine blade cut bird deaths by nearly 74%, a relatively simple fix worth considering as wind power expands. Safer Hunting: A tribal eagle-rehabilitation center is urging Mountain West hunters to use non-lead ammunition after a released golden eagle likely died from lead poisoning. Laramie Pollution: Residents are concerned about the creosote smell from more than 1,000 railroad ties stacked beside the Laramie River Greenbelt. Forest Management: The Forest Service plans prescribed burns on up to 2,000 acres of Pole Mountain to reduce wildfire fuels; smoke may be visible from nearby roads, and burn areas could temporarily close. Household Energy: Wyoming families face higher heating bills this winter, with natural-gas users projected to pay an average $726, up from $686 last year.

Energy Costs: Wyoming households face higher heating bills this winter: natural-gas users are projected to pay an average $726, up 5.8% from last year, while electricity-heated homes could see a 9% increase. Water and Drought: A study finds Western watersheds often shift together—raising the risk that major river basins will face drought at the same time and leaving water managers fewer options. Public Lands and Wildlife: Opponents of Grand Targhee’s proposed 700-acre expansion warn of harm to bighorn sheep habitat and added pressure on water, traffic and housing; the resort’s owner says growth can be concentrated around developed areas. Weather: Cheyenne and Laramie logged their second-warmest September on record, while forecasters expect the Northern Rockies’ first widespread snowfall this weekend, with heavy snow at higher elevations. Wildlife Protection: A Wyoming judge sentenced a former livestock brand inspector to 30 days in jail in a case involving the abuse of an ailing moose, saying the sentence should send a message.

Early Snow: Forecasters expect the Northern Rockies’ first widespread snowfall Oct. 10–12, with 6–12 inches possible at elevations as low as 4,000 feet in parts of Wyoming. Targhee Expansion: As federal review nears its final stages, tribal leaders, biologists and others are challenging a proposed 700-acre resort expansion, citing risks to bighorn sheep habitat, water and nearby communities. Seminoe Project: Carbon County commissioners plan another letter to FERC, calling for more study of the pumped-storage project’s potential impacts on bighorn habitat, water quality and recreation. Uranium Exploration: Drilling at the Kaycee Project has found uranium mineralization in six of eight holes at the West Diane target; the company has expanded its claims and is continuing work. Wildlife: Black-footed ferrets remain in trouble nationally, but animals in Wyoming’s Shirley Basin are faring relatively well and dispersing. Winter Bills: Wyoming households using natural gas are forecast to spend an average $726 on heating this winter, up from $686 last year.

Road Erosion: A 12-week repair project on U.S. 26/89/191 near Moran Junction will bring one-lane traffic and delays of up to 20 minutes as crews work to protect the highway from the Snake River and Buffalo Fork. Data Center Growth: Fremont County officials say the Lost Cabin facility is the first phase of a proposed $66 billion project, raising concerns about power and water use as the county weighs whether to adopt development rules. Cheyenne commissioners have also delayed proposed data-center and power-plant regulations while seeking more information on water, noise and pollution. Water Safety: Wyoming DEQ is investigating turquoise discoloration in the Wind River near Dubois, possibly linked to harmful cyanobacteria from Brooks Lake. Officials advise avoiding discolored water and keeping children and pets away. Energy Costs: A think tank estimates Wyoming households could pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040 under recent federal policy changes. Wildlife Protection: A judge sentenced a man to 30 days in jail for laughing and filming while a moose was abused, saying Wyoming values its wildlife.

Data Center Expansion: A proposed $66 billion project near Lost Cabin is already taking shape, while Fremont County’s lack of zoning rules leaves it with limited control. Residents are weighing promised investment against concerns over power and water use. Public Lands: More than 99% of over 134,000 commenters opposed potential changes that could open national forests to more motorized vehicles; a Pinedale conservationist warned of trail erosion. Wildlife: A Wyoming judge sentenced a rancher to 30 days in jail for his role in the abuse of a moose, saying the state values its wildlife. In the Shirley Basin, endangered black-footed ferrets are faring relatively well and dispersing. Drought and Water: Withering vegetation contributed to malnutrition deaths among Wyoming pronghorn, while an algae advisory at Granite Springs Reservoir underscores ongoing water-quality concerns. Climate in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Boulder’s climate lawsuit against fossil fuel companies belongs in state or federal court—a decision that could affect similar cases across the West.

Wildlife Protection: A Uinta County judge sentenced a man to 30 days after a moose abuse case, warning that Wyoming “values wildlife” and that cruelty will land people in jail. Bear Safety: Idaho Fish and Game is urging caution as dry conditions drive a surge of bear encounters, with officials saying bears are increasingly drawn to neighborhoods and campsites. Roads for Wildlife: Wyoming Game and Fish approved using Wildlife Conservation License Plate funds to extend the Trapper’s Point fence near Pinedale, aiming to reduce winter wildlife-vehicle collisions. Recreation Fees: Wyoming’s Recreation Advisory Committee (REACT) will meet Oct. 13 in Cheyenne to discuss federal recreation fee changes. Data Centers vs. Communities: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes voted to halt data center construction for three years, while San Francisco passed a 45-day citywide data center moratorium to study impacts on water, energy, and air quality. Climate Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Boulder’s climate accountability lawsuit should stay in state court or move to federal court. Energy & Permits: Wyoming DEQ posted a public notice for proposed approval of temporary natural-gas generator engines at oil and gas sites statewide. Ballot Watch: Prop 1 would cut Wyoming property taxes via a homeowner exemption, drawing both support and sharp criticism over impacts to schools and services.