AGP Executive Report

Clean Water Watch: Environment America says potentially unsafe fecal contamination showed up at 85% of monitored Missouri recreational waterways, based on 2024-2025 testing—raising fresh concerns for swimmers and boaters. Wildlife & Health: A new study finds mice may drive Lyme disease risk more than deer, with mouse numbers linked to tick increases and the mix of animals affecting how many ticks carry the bacteria. Ag & Water Quality: MU researchers are testing underground “blind inlets” to cut nutrient and sediment runoff from farms while improving drainage efficiency. Outdoor Economy: A University of Missouri Extension report estimates outdoor recreation brings in $10.67B to Missouri’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Missouri Deer Rules: MDC updates the 2026-27 deer season, including a lower antlered buck limit for most nonresidents, earlier youth hunting dates, and changes to chronic wasting disease management and sampling. Weather Alert: Mid-Missouri faces a First Alert Weather Day risk for strong to severe storms Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with the main threat across western Missouri into Kansas. Birding in Kansas: Southeast Kansas is seeing more prothonotary warblers nesting as deforestation shifts habitat, and researchers are tracking migration with tiny geolocators.

Missouri Water Quality Watch: A new Environment America report says potentially unsafe fecal contamination showed up at 85% of monitored Missouri recreational water sites, based on 2024–2025 testing—raising fresh concerns for swimmers and paddlers. Deer Season Rules Update: The Missouri Department of Conservation rolled out changes for the 2026–27 deer season, including a lower antlered buck limit for most nonresident hunters, moving the Early Youth Portion to Oct. 24–25, and removing an antler-point restriction in the final 18 counties tied to chronic wasting disease management. Heat Stress on Farms: University of Missouri researchers are expanding the HotHog smartphone app with a $1.15 million USDA grant to help pork producers spot heat-stress risk in pigs before symptoms show. Outdoor Economy: A University of Missouri Extension brief estimates outdoor recreation contributes $10.67 billion to Missouri’s economy in 2024 and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Conservation on the Ground: MDC is gearing up fall birding and hiking programs at Rockwoods Reservation (Sept. 14) and a Missouri Master Naturalist core training in Kirksville starting Sept. 3.

National Parks & Art: Redwood National & State Parks picked Kansas City artist Diana Heise (plus two California artists) for Fall 2026 artists-in-residence, with work inspired by ancient forests, waterways, geology, and unique ecosystems. Local Planning & Data Centers: A Trenton-area meeting in Grundy County weighed how data centers could affect utilities, zoning, natural resources, and infrastructure; officials said Trenton has no data-center rules yet but could regulate through planning and zoning. Extreme Heat: Missouri and southern Illinois are still dealing with dangerous heat and humidity as warnings expire, but officials stress the heat risk doesn’t reset overnight. Mississippi River Wildlife: Missouri conservation officials say a carp die-off near Alton is driven by warm water, low river levels, and low oxygen—conditions that hit invasive silver and bighead carp hardest. Public Health: Hawaii confirmed another cyclosporiasis case tied to travel, bringing 2026 totals to five, while officials say community risk remains low. Community & Environment: Nebraska Extension expanded emergency haying and grazing options on Conservation Reserve Program acres after wildfires, including Missouri counties, to help livestock access forage.

Extreme Heat in Missouri: An Extreme Heat Warning for parts of Missouri and southern Illinois expires Sunday night, but forecasters say the dangerous heat is shifting rather than ending—heat index values have topped about 109, and officials warn that heat stress doesn’t “reset” overnight. Flooding Across the Midwest: A relentless storm run has triggered widespread flooding and power outages, with Indiana hit hard and federal disaster help being requested. Mississippi River Fish Die-Off: Missouri officials say dead carp along the Mississippi near Alton are tied to warm water, low oxygen, and low river levels—silver and bighead carp are taking the hardest hit while native fish fare better. Invasive Pets in Waterways: A new study warns that releasing pet goldfish can disrupt freshwater ecosystems, turning a “kind” act into an ecological problem. Local Land-Use Fight Over Data Centers: A Trenton-area meeting weighed potential impacts of data centers on utilities, zoning, natural resources, and infrastructure, with residents still seeking clearer rules. Wildlife Science Spotlight: Missouri readers also got a reminder of the value of wildlife research as conservation groups back more science-based management, including black bear work.

Heat Dome Risk: Missouri is in a brutal stretch of high heat and humidity tied to a stalled high-pressure “heat dome,” raising the odds of heat illness and stressing outdoor workers. Mississippi River Fish Die-Off: Dead carp along the Mississippi near St. Charles County are being blamed on warm water, low river levels, and low oxygen—conditions invasive silver and bighead carp can’t handle as well as native fish. Wildlife Science in Missouri: A Boone and Crockett-backed wildlife professorship at UW-Stevens Point highlights the push for more science-based wildlife management, including black bear conservation. Conservation on Private Land: University of Missouri Extension is urging Missouri landowners to improve forest and woodland habitat for birds, pointing to steep long-term bird declines. Local Clean Air Funding: Ameren Missouri’s clean air bus program is bringing more electric school buses to eastern Missouri, with grants tied to removing older buses from fleets. Public Health Watch: Jefferson County food inspections for the week of Aug. 2 show routine scores ranging from 80–100, with multiple facilities citing sanitation and storage issues. Community Inclusion: Special Olympics Missouri and partners launched “Camp Beyond,” a six-week inclusive summer camp in Jefferson City aimed at giving families relief and kids a chance to play together.

Midwest Flooding: A new round of heavy thunderstorms is pushing more flooding across the Midwest, with Indiana and Ohio hit hardest and officials warning of additional rain through Sunday. Missouri River Health: Missouri wildlife officials say a wave of dead carp along the Mississippi near St. Charles is tied to brutal heat, low water levels, and low oxygen—conditions that stress invasive silver and bighead carp more than native fish. Water Security: North Dakota officials say they avoided Iranian cyberattacks that targeted water systems in parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, while Fargo utilities say their supply wasn’t compromised. Public Health Watch: Hawaii confirmed another cyclosporiasis case tied to recent travel; officials say the risk to the public remains low. Conservation & Habitat: Missouri landowners are being encouraged to improve forest and woodlands for birds, with guidance on small management changes that can help declining species. Research on Rivers: New findings suggest U.S. rivers are moving more sediment in shorter, more intense bursts—raising concerns for water, habitats, and infrastructure. HOA Transparency Fight: A Missouri neighborhood dispute is escalating over whether residents can share HOA budget records, with the board warning of fines. Ameren Clean Air Buses: A Missouri school district is set to add another electric bus using Ameren Missouri clean air funding tied to settlement money. Data Center Backlash: Kansas City planners rejected a proposed downtown data center after major public opposition citing environmental and noise concerns. Wildlife Science: Researchers identified a new endangered baobab species in Madagascar, with Missouri Botanical Garden researchers involved.

Missouri Water & Wildlife: About 90% of the dead fish found along stretches of the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois were invasive silver and bighead carp, with warm temperatures, low water levels, and low oxygen blamed for the die-off while native fish fared better. Missouri Agriculture: A University of Missouri Extension report says prolonged heat is already pushing down 2026 soybean yield predictions, especially in northern Missouri where drought stress hits key reproductive stages. Missouri Conservation & Land Use: U.S. and Missouri researchers highlight how private land management can help birds, including a new forestry-for-birds publication urging small woodland changes. Missouri Prescribed Fire: MDC and the Upper Osage Grasslands Prescribed Burn Association are offering a two-part prescribed burn course in Schell City, with an online session followed by a Sept. 19 demonstration burn. Public Health (Cyclospora): Hawaii confirmed another cyclosporiasis case tied to travel, bringing the state total to five in 2026, while health officials say public risk remains low. Food Safety (Salmonella): FDA upgraded an egg recall to the highest risk level after salmonella illnesses across multiple states, including Missouri.

Missouri Conservation & Wildlife: U.S. and Missouri audiences get a bird-focused boost as University of Missouri Extension highlights how private landowners can improve forest and woodland habitat for declining species, with a new guide pointing to practical forestry steps. Heat & Crops: A University of Missouri Extension soybean report says prolonged heat is already pushing predicted yields lower, especially in northern Missouri, as drought stress hits key reproductive stages. Forests & Heritage: A new look at “Pine Tree Jim” Horton spotlights how long-term, selective woodland management can grow timber value while keeping habitat intact. Water & Public Health: A state audit of Willard, Mo., finds no fraud but flags serious water-system problems, including major annual water losses that could drive higher utility rates. Prescribed Fire Training: Missouri Department of Conservation and the Upper Osage Grasslands Prescribed Burn Association invite landowners to a two-part prescribed burn course, ending with a Sept. 19 demonstration burn. Outdoor Events: MDC also offers free atlatl workshops in Hannibal this fall, teaching prehistoric hunting tech and letting adults build their own. Food Safety: Whole Foods expands a jalapeno recall across multiple states, including Missouri, tied to possible salmonella contamination.

Water Quality Watch: Environment America says 85% of sampled Missouri swimming sites had at least one day with potentially unsafe bacteria levels, raising fresh concerns for Ozarks recreation. Local Cleanup: Jackson County residents are stepping up after trash and dead animals were spotted along Lake Jacomo shorelines, with volunteers urged to help. City Water Accountability: A Missouri state audit found no fraud in Willard, but flagged major water-system problems, including huge annual water losses far above state standards. Grid & Pollution Debate: Ameren Missouri outlined plans for the West Alton Energy Center gas plant near St. Louis, while environmental groups push back over long-term fossil reliance. Funding for Resilience: Missouri DNR awarded $3 million to Springfield’s City Utilities for pole/transformer replacements and vegetation management to reduce outages and prevent contamination. Conservation & Learning: MU Extension and partners will host a free forest and wildlife field day Sept. 12 near Portland, highlighting habitat improvements and stewardship practices. Outdoor Bacteria Risk: The same bacteria theme continues as Missouri’s water monitoring and standards remain central to public health and environmental trust. Wildlife Habitat & Access: MDC announced free September programs at Meramec Conservation Area, including hikes and map/compass classes.

Grid Reliability Fight: The U.S. Department of Energy is blocking billions in grants meant to strengthen the electric grid, leaving utilities and states waiting on transmission and reliability upgrades. Missouri Power Update: Missouri DNR awarded a $3 million grant to City Utilities of Springfield for pole, transformer, and vegetation work aimed at fewer outages and less risk of environmental contamination. Gas Plant Pushback: Ameren Missouri is defending its proposed West Alton Energy Center natural gas plant outside St. Louis as critics warn it could lock in long-term fossil fuel dependence. Water System Watch: A Missouri state audit of Willard found no fraud, but flagged major water-loss and management problems that are driving tens of millions of gallons lost each year. Wildlife & Forestry: MU Extension and partners will host a free forest and wildlife field day in Callaway County, highlighting habitat improvements and prescribed fire practices. Conservation Calendar: MDC is offering multiple free September programs at Meramec and Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Areas, including hikes and outdoor skills. Public Input on Contamination: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a public meeting on environmental work at a former missile site at Offutt Air Force Base, with updated groundwater plume maps and sampling results. Dead Zone Update: Scientists report a smaller Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” than expected, tied to storm-driven mixing, while long-term nitrogen and phosphorus reductions remain the goal.

Severe Weather Watch: The Midwest and Ohio Valley are bracing for more storms after a deadly derecho and dangerous flash flooding, with parts of Missouri among areas facing an active severe-weather pattern. Extreme Heat Risk: NOAA warns dangerous southern heat could persist through late August, with heat indexes topping 110°F in parts of Missouri and the broader region and especially risky nighttime temperatures. Missouri Conservation & Wildlife: Missouri Extension highlights biological control as a practical, environment-friendly way to manage pests and weeds using natural enemies—aiming to reduce damage, not wipe out every pest. Public Lands Access: Missouri Headwaters State Park near Bozeman, Montana is rolling out a new online hunting lottery and parking permits to manage safety as interest grows. Local Environmental Safety: Missouri’s Safe Haven Baby Box program expands, with a new box dedicated at Lake of the Ozarks next week—temperature-controlled surrender access designed for emergencies. Water & Pollution Concerns: Reports note human waste found in Missouri’s Big River tied to a failing treatment plant, underscoring ongoing wastewater oversight needs.

Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA warns dangerous southern heat could linger through late August, with heat indexes topping 110°F and risky nighttime temperatures across Missouri and neighboring states. Wildlife & Public Safety: A Missouri reptile expert reports 47 copperheads on his property in 2026, breaking his prior record and raising questions about how often snakes return after relocation. Conservation & Outdoor Life: Missouri’s Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt opens registration for Oct. 9-11, pairing new hunters with mentors across multiple counties. Local Environment & Infrastructure: MoDOT says a U.S. 412 expansion study in Dunklin County would have minimal impact on the human and natural environment, though funding isn’t secured. Community Health & Animals: A Safe Haven Baby Box dedication is set for Aug. 19 at Lake of the Ozarks, and Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply announced $255,000 in animal welfare grants nationwide. Agriculture & Pest Control: MU Extension highlights biological control as a tool to reduce pests while protecting beneficial organisms and the environment. Higher Education & Policy: University of Missouri earned a top “green light” speech code rating for free expression, despite recent campus disputes.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Franklin County residents reported a juvenile black bear roaming near homes, including one that dragged off a cat-food cooler—another reminder to secure attractants and watch for bears. Conservation & Hunting: Missouri’s Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt opens registration for Oct. 9-11, pairing new hunters with mentors across multiple counties. Local Environment Planning: A MoDOT environmental study says expanding U.S. 412 in Dunklin County would have minimal impact, with a preferred four-lane option still awaiting funding. Pollution & Land-Use Tensions: A Monett public meeting drew residents and officials to debate environmental threats tied to CAFOs, sludge tanks, and proposed data centers. Food Safety: Missouri health officials warned residents about cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce in a growing multi-state outbreak, urging thorough washing. Community Infrastructure: OATS Transit is shifting from a five-year plan to a two-year business plan as rural Missouri demographics and costs reshape service needs. Data Centers & Water/Heat Concerns: Local residents in Nodaway County raised worries that data centers could affect climate, quality of life, and water supply. Education for Nature: Missouri Master Naturalist course registration opened, training volunteers in wildlife, forests, and invasive species.

Data Centers vs. Local Water & Quality of Life: St. Louis County advanced proposed rules for where data centers can go, with residents pushing for bans or moratoriums over energy use and environmental impacts. Local Governance: In Barry County, residents and officials debated data center concerns tied to drought, water supply, and “heat dome” claims, while a Barry Electric Cooperative leader said no service requests have been made. Food Safety: Missouri farmers and health officials are watching a growing cyclospora/cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, with advice to wash produce thoroughly as cases spread across states. Wildlife & Roads: A Missouri wildlife study flags roads needing animal crossings, aiming to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Community & Environment Education: MU Extension is hosting a diversified grazing systems field day focused on regenerative practices, native forages, and silvopasture. Historic Preservation: The Missouri State Fair’s historic 4-H building got restored and is now climate controlled, funded by the Missouri 4-H Foundation and donors.

Wildlife Crossings: A Missouri wildlife connectivity study flags roads where deer collisions are common, including in urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City—pushing for more animal crossings and safer infrastructure. Local Water Security: A new report warns municipal water systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks, with lawmakers and water groups calling for stronger federal protections. Data Center Pressure in St. Louis County: County leaders held a public hearing on proposed data center rules as residents urged a moratorium, citing health concerns tied to nearby contamination sites. Pacific Data Center Pause: In nearby Franklin County, a $16 billion data center proposal near Pacific was withdrawn after the city approved a 12-month pause on new projects. Conservation Training: Missouri’s Master Naturalist course is open for registration in Kirksville, teaching wildlife, invasive species, native plants, and pond management. Climate Watch: Stacker reports some of the coldest Augusts in Missouri since 1895, while NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S. Invasive Plants: A Missouri-focused lawn guide warns about birdsfoot trefoil, an aggressive ground cover that can spread and is invasive in the state. Public Health: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak has surpassed 6,300 cases nationwide, with North Carolina reporting hundreds more.

Heat & Climate Extremes: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., with every state in the warmest third of its historical July record—another sign that rising temperatures are intensifying heat waves. Public Health: Missouri is watching a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak nationwide, with North Carolina reporting hundreds of new cases and CDC describing the parasite illness as spread through contaminated food or water. Water Quality Alert (Missouri): Missouri DNR says human waste is contaminating the Big River near Leadwood due to a failing wastewater treatment plant, with E. coli levels far above swim-warning triggers and guidance to avoid contact. Local Conservation & Wildlife: A free Missouri webinar (Aug. 25) will teach deer food-plot planning and management for hunters and landowners. Campus Sustainability & Food Access (Missouri State): Missouri State’s Bear Pantry offers free food and hygiene to students facing food insecurity, while sustainability efforts include a student-funded sustainability program and the campus garden supporting organic food for the pantry. Outdoor Safety: An Ozarks heat advisory warns of heat index readings around 100–105 and urges hydration, rest, and quick action for heat illness. Workplace Safety (Mizzou area): OSHA is investigating a June death of a construction worker at Mizzou’s Memorial Stadium site.