AGP Executive Report

Missouri River Education: Columbia Public Schools fourth graders have now taken part in Missouri River Days for more than 11,000 students since the program began in 2016-17, and the 10th-year sessions return this month with hands-on learning at Cooper’s Landing. Forestry & Wildlife: Clay and Kim Shaw were named Missouri’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year for managing Bert Farms, with a Woodland Owners Conference set for Oct. 2-3 near Cowgill and a field tour on Oct. 3. Roundup Court Test: Bayer heads to Missouri state court for a pivotal hearing on its proposed $7.25 billion Roundup settlement as Judge Timothy Boyer weighs objections from plaintiffs. Drought Watch: Missouri rain is easing some drought areas, but southern parts still need soaking totals to refill ponds and support pasture regrowth before the first freeze. Pollinators & Habitat: A “Monarch Highway” concept is highlighted as states and highway managers look to restore milkweed and native wildflowers along major corridors. Wildlife Health: Missouri wildlife officials are urging reports of hemorrhagic disease in deer as the state monitors impacts on local herds.

Drought Watch: Missouri is getting some rain relief, but the driest southern areas still need more soaking—state climatologist Zach Leasor says more than an inch fell in parts of central and northern Missouri, with another inch or two possible, yet southwest Missouri may require at least two inches to recover and pasture regrowth may be limited by a short window before the first freeze. Wildlife & Habitat: Missouri landowners Clay and Kim Shaw were named Outstanding Tree Farmers for managing Bert Farms, with a Woodland Owners Conference Oct. 2-3 near Cowgill highlighting thinning, soil fertility, and pollinator habitat practices. Pollinators on the Move: A “Monarch Highway” concept is back in focus as states keep planting butterfly rest stops along major road corridors to rebuild milkweed and native habitat for monarchs. Rail & Environment-Linked Economy: CN filed with the Surface Transportation Board seeking conditions tied to the UP-NS merger, aiming to preserve rail competition and customer choice across key Midwest markets including St. Louis and Kansas City. Public Health Reminder: Missouri’s participation in the World Trade Center Health Program remains small but real—117 enrolled first responders and survivors—underscoring long-term health impacts from toxic exposures.

Hemp Policy Shock: Missouri businesses are bracing for a looming federal ban on intoxicating hemp-THC products, with the state’s November law set to reclassify them as marijuana and push sales into licensed dispensaries—some companies plan to pivot to non-THC drinks, while others may leave. EV Charging Reality Check: A new look at federally subsidized EV fast-charger sites raises questions about real-world usefulness versus private networks, after a long drive found a NEVI-funded charger that was less convenient than nearby non-subsidized options. Air Base Buildout: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $74.8 million contract to build a B-21 radio-frequency hangar at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, expanding the bomber program’s footprint. Clean Energy & Minerals: The U.S. Department of Energy selected four “Mine of the Future” projects for $73 million to set up domestic testing grounds for new mining tech. River & Wildlife Education: Missouri River Relief marked 10 years of Missouri River Days, a hands-on program that has reached more than 10,000 fourth graders. Rare Species Update: Missouri conservation staff reported a rare American eel sighting near Hannibal, highlighting how dams can block the eel’s inland-to-ocean life cycle. Heat Watch: Central U.S. communities, including Missouri, are still under extreme heat advisories with temperatures near or above 100 degrees expected to linger.

Data Center Fight in Missouri: Pierce Township, Ohio is weighing a proposed 300-megawatt data center on wooded hillside land across from the former Beckjord plant, even as local leaders extended a moratorium through February 2027 to set “guardrails” on where such projects can go. Water Quality Enforcement: Missouri DNR issued an abatement order on consent to the City of Clever over alleged Clean Water Act permit violations at its wastewater treatment facility, including effluent limits and reporting failures, with an administrative penalty of $15,999 reduced to $12,799 for compliance conditions. Wildlife Watch: Missouri conservation staff and partners caught and released a rare 37-inch American eel near Hannibal during an electrofishing survey, highlighting how dams and barriers can block the eel’s inland-to-ocean life cycle. Climate Resilience Grant: A North Omaha Maya community received $96,440 to plan stormwater management, greener spaces, and heat-reduction steps for its neighborhood along the Beltline Trail. Heat and Drought Context: A late-summer heat surge is pushing temperatures into the 100s across the Central U.S., with Missouri among areas facing heat advisories and rising drought risk.

Missouri Water Infrastructure: The Missouri Public Service Commission approved Missouri American Water’s $34.5 million purchase of Neosho’s water and wastewater systems, spotlighting the strain aging rural utilities face and the need for major upgrades. Legal Map Fight: Missouri election officials are stuck using the 2025 “Missouri FIRST” congressional map after two federal court rulings—one denying an emergency bid, another ordering the map be used before the November deadline. Climate Policy Pushback: Twenty-five state attorneys general are urging Congress and federal agencies to defund the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, alleging its climate-related work is biased toward plaintiffs in global warming lawsuits. Local Nature & Wildlife: Officials in Illinois warned residents after a coyote snatched a small dog from a yard, with the case documented with the state’s natural resources agency. Community & Environment Education: Ste. Genevieve’s “Fly with the Hive” honey festival returns, with beekeepers and activities aimed at teaching why bees matter for local ecosystems. Missouri Agriculture Economy: University of Wyoming specialist John Hewlett helped organize a Federal Reserve agricultural roundtable in Cheyenne for producers to discuss real-world conditions like irrigation and marketing challenges.

Water Infrastructure & Rates: Neosho’s aging water and wastewater systems are being sold to Missouri American Water for $34.5 million, with local officials pointing to major leak and upgrade needs that could mean big rate pressure. Aging Water Systems: A related Missouri discussion highlights how rural utilities struggle to fund repairs for decades-old pipes and treatment. Aviation Safety: The NTSB is investigating a fatal Sept. 7 plane crash near Neosho (a Zenith CH701), with the pilot and a second victim identified and investigators seeking witness info. Plastic Waste in Roads: MoDOT previously tested mixing recycled plastic into asphalt in Columbia, using a small share of plastic to divert tons of waste from disposal. Freshwater Wildlife Watch: A freshwater jellyfish was found near Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana, adding to concerns about how invasive or unusual species can spread. Invasive Species Bounty: Texas is paying $100 per invasive black carp submitted as part of a multi-state effort across the Mississippi River basin, urging anglers to “Keep, Cool, Call.” Monarch Habitat Effort: The “Monarch Highway” idea—planting milkweed and native habitat along I-35—was meant to revive monarch numbers but stalled, while some states keep planting roadside wildflowers. Local Community & Pollinators: Ste. Genevieve’s “Fly with the Hive” honey festival returns, with beekeepers emphasizing bees’ role in the environment. School Meals (Food Access): A national report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal reach and access, underscoring how lunch and breakfast programs help students consistently get fed.

Native Plant Fundraiser: Keep Carbondale Beautiful opened preorders for its Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale (Oct. 3), with Missouri-grown plants meant to support local wildlife and biodiversity. Monarch Habitat on Roadsides: A “Monarch Highway” concept is spreading across the central U.S., using milkweed and native plant strips along interstate corridors to help monarchs along their migration. Sustainability in Art: St. Louis’ Counterpublic triennial is building a climate impact strategy, pushing low-waste build-outs and zero-carbon visitor transportation options. Wildlife Tracking Tech: Nebraska biologists are testing tiny “backpacks” on juvenile crayfish to track movement and survival when standard tags are too big. Botanical Drugs & Wild Harvest: The FDA opened a botanical drug docket as American ginseng season ramps up in Appalachia under federal trade controls. Extreme Heat Watch: Labor Day weather coverage highlights ongoing heat risks across the central U.S., with heat indices staying dangerous into Sept. 8. Missouri River Safety: Kansas City crews rescued a person after a fall onto rocky Missouri River banks near Grand Avenue. Lewis & Clark Wildlife Survey: Missouri researchers are joining a Smithsonian effort comparing modern mammal life with Lewis and Clark-era records. Data Center Backlash: Reporting continues on growing resistance to data centers, including concerns about impacts on nearby communities and vulnerable residents.

Extreme Heat & Storms: A heat dome kept the central U.S. dangerously hot into Labor Day, with heat indices around 105–110°F and lingering heat risk into Sept. 8, while parts of the Midwest faced severe storms and flash-flood threats with intense downpours. Agriculture Under Stress: University of Missouri Extension warned that drought plus prolonged high temperatures are cutting soybean yield potential as soil moisture drops and plants speed through key stages. Wildlife & Habitat Changes: Missouri researchers and Smithsonian partners are comparing modern wildlife with Lewis and Clark-era records, tracking how human choices reshaped mammal communities; meanwhile, black bears are slowly recolonizing parts of the lower Mississippi basin after decades of overhunting and habitat loss. Invasive Species Alert: An invasive brittle naiad was found in Missouri River backwaters, prompting vigilance from waterfowl hunters. Local Land Use & Power Lines: Chillicothe approved airport wildlife-management rules, and a proposed high-voltage transmission line in Wisconsin’s Driftless region drew opposition over farmland and environmental impacts. Missouri River Safety: A person survived a roughly 50-foot fall onto Missouri River rocks near Grand Avenue after a water-rescue response.

Extreme Heat & Storm Risk: A heat dome is pushing near-triple-digit temperatures across the Plains, with Missouri in the mix as Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings run through Labor Day, while Labor Day weekend also brings strong storms and a flash-flood threat in parts of the Midwest. Drought’s Crop Toll: University of Missouri Extension warns that drought plus prolonged high temperatures are shrinking soybean yields as soil moisture drops and heat speeds moisture loss. Ticks, Rain, and Alpha-Gal: Mid-Missouri residents are dealing with heavy rain, 90-degree stretches, and a tick surge tied to rising anxiety about alpha-gal syndrome. Wildlife & Water Safety: Nebraska Game and Parks reports an invasive brittle naiad in Missouri River backwaters, urging “Clean, Drain, and Dry” to stop spread. Local Water/Stormwater Work: Arnold City Council approved steps tied to stormwater upgrades and other city improvements in its 2026-2027 budget. Food Safety Recall: Walmart frozen berries are again under recall for possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported. Energy Research: University of Missouri broke ground on a new Energy Innovation Center aimed at more sustainable power-and-water tech.

Heat and drought pressure Missouri farms: University of Missouri Extension warns that drought plus prolonged high temperatures are shrinking soybean yields as soil moisture drops and heat speeds moisture loss, with livestock producers in southwest Missouri feeding hay earlier than normal due to forage shortages. Labor Day weather watch: A warm, unstable setup is expected to spark thunderstorms across the Upper Midwest into the Mid-Atlantic, with a heightened flash-flood risk in parts of the Midwest, while a heat dome keeps Southern and Central Plains conditions dangerously hot. Extreme heat impacts daily life: Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings remain in effect, including around St. Louis, as temperatures push near triple digits and heat index values climb above 105. Local governance with wildlife in mind: Chillicothe council approved park sidewalk work and new airport rules covering wildlife management applications and deterrence methods. Missouri water and invasive species: A Missouri River backwater finding of invasive brittle naiad has hunters urged to clean, drain, and dry gear to stop spread. Energy and sustainability push: MU broke ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, aiming to make power-and-water technologies more sustainable and efficient. Food safety recall: Walmart frozen berries were recalled in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination.

Energy & Research: The University of Missouri broke ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, a $50 million, 116,000-square-foot facility aimed at making power-and-water technologies more sustainable and efficient, with an opening planned for July 2028. Heat & Health: A Kansas City high school dismissed students early after its air-conditioning failed during a punishing heatwave, while mid-Missouri residents report ticks, heavy rain, and extreme heat worsening summer conditions and raising concerns about alpha-gal syndrome. Allergies: Fall allergy season is ramping up across Missouri, with ragweed, chenopod, and nettle pollen counts elevated. Invasive Species: Nebraska wildlife officials say brittle naiad has been found in Missouri River backwaters and urge hunters and boaters to clean, drain, and dry gear to stop spread. Wildlife Education: The DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is hosting monarch butterfly events in September, including tagging activities that help scientists track migration. Water & Infrastructure: A Columbia Bottom Conservation Area closure is planned for Sept. 8 for levee setback work. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Opposition continues to a proposed AEP transmission line tied to a “Branson 345 overlay,” with landowners raising concerns about impacts on farms and animals.

Heat & Storm Strain: Columbia residents are dealing with a rough Labor Day stretch as extreme heat, heavy rain, and tick surges drive more health worries, including growing concern around alpha-gal syndrome. Wildlife Watch: The DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is hosting monarch butterfly learning and tagging events in September, using recovered tags to track migration. Invasive Species Alert: Nebraska wildlife officials warn waterfowl hunters about brittle naiad, an invasive aquatic weed found in Missouri River backwaters, urging “Clean, Drain, and Dry” every trip. Hazmat Response: Troy, Missouri declared a state of emergency after an anhydrous ammonia leak sent nearby schools into shelter-in-place and triggered evacuations in the Meadowridge subdivision. Energy & Infrastructure: A proposed transmission line tied to a Branson-area overlay faces community opposition over potential impacts on farms and animals, while a separate national look at renewable energy siting bills suggests 2027 could bring the biggest fight yet. Local Governance: Platte City approved changes letting its only licensed dispensary operate 24 hours, reflecting how Missouri’s cannabis rules keep evolving.

Invasive Species Alert: Nebraska waterfowl hunters are being urged to be extra careful after brittle naiad—an aggressive aquatic weed—was found in Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and Bazile Creek WMA; officials say it spreads by seed and tiny fragments, so everyone should clean, drain, and dry gear every time they leave the water. Wildlife & Habitat: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near Missouri Valley is hosting monarch butterfly learning and tagging events in September, using recovered tags to help scientists track migration and navigation to Mexico. Climate/Weather Impacts on Missouri Farms: University of Missouri Extension warns drought plus prolonged heat is shrinking soybean yields as soil moisture drops and heat speeds moisture loss, with livestock producers in parts of southwest Missouri feeding hay earlier than normal. Public Safety (Hazmat): Troy, Missouri declared a state of emergency after an anhydrous ammonia leak sent nearby schools into shelter-in-place and triggered evacuation orders for the Meadowridge subdivision. Local Environment & Community: A proposed AEP transmission line tied to a “Branson 345 overlay” is drawing opposition in the region, with residents raising concerns about impacts on animals, students, and rural land. Energy Policy: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says a federal court struck down New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, arguing the state law overreached and conflicts with federal Clean Air Act authority. Clean Tech & Materials: Ionic Rare Earths and US Strategic Metals announced plans for a rare-earth magnet recycling campus in Missouri, aiming to process end-of-life magnets and scrap to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply.

Industrial Safety & Emergency Response: An anhydrous ammonia leak near Highway J and Bobeen Lane in Troy triggered a state of emergency, shelter-in-place orders for schools, and evacuation orders for the Meadowridge subdivision while multiple state and local agencies responded. Wildlife & Habitat: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near Missouri Valley is hosting monarch butterfly tagging events Sept. 4 and Sept. 19, using recovered tags to help scientists study migration routes to Mexico. Climate & Legal Policy: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says a federal court struck down New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act as unenforceable, arguing it overreaches state power over interstate air pollution. Agriculture & Drought Impacts: University of Missouri Extension reports heat and drought are cutting soybean yields as soil moisture drops, with livestock producers in parts of southwest Missouri buying hay earlier due to forage shortages. Clean Tech & Materials: Ionic Rare Earths and US Strategic Metals plan a $100 million rare-earth magnet recycling campus in Missouri to process end-of-life magnets and scrap, aiming to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains. Outdoor Recreation: Missouri’s MDC will temporarily close the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area starting Sept. 8 for a setback levee project, with access restored when safe.

Water Quality Accountability: Missouri American Water was fined $630 by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources after a Crestwood water main break sent chlorinated water into a Gravois Creek tributary and killed 365 fish; DNR said chlorine levels exceeded warmwater limits for aquatic life. Wildlife-Friendly City Lighting: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis will turn off exterior lights to help migrating birds navigate at night, with lights returning Oct. 1. Biodiversity in Action: Missouri conservation partners are inviting the public to a Mississippi Greenway Cliff Cave BioBlitz on Sept. 19 to log local species and support land management decisions. Invasive Species Watch: Freshwater jellyfish were spotted near Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana, a rare find that highlights how quickly new wildlife surprises can show up. Heat & Weather: A forecast roundup points to very hot late-summer conditions across the region, with Missouri facing ongoing heat advisories.

Heat & Drought Watch: Missouri is dealing with worsening dryness as a flash drought spreads from the Southern Plains into the Ozarks, with hotter-than-normal conditions drying out pastures and pushing some producers toward supplemental feed and even hauling water. Citizen Science for Biodiversity: Missouri conservation partners are inviting the public to the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave BioBlitz on Sept. 19, a free 24-hour push to record local species and support conservation decisions. Wildlife & Water Rights: Stream advocates are pressing for answers on freshwater enforcement, including how water rights are handled during low-flow conditions. Ag Soil Health: A new national cover crop report says more farmers are planting cover crops on record acres, boosting yields and weed control—good news for soil and water quality. Local Community Support: Springfield’s “Handbags of Hope” fundraiser is raising money for mental health and support programs for children in Missouri foster care. Public Health Signal: Hawaiʻi wastewater tested positive for dengue virus, with officials noting no active cases reported—another reminder that mosquito-borne risks can surface even where outbreaks aren’t established.