Wetlands Reform Roadmap: Vermont ANR, VNRC, CLF, Lake Champlain Committee and Let’s Build Homes unveiled a joint plan to speed up wetlands permitting while keeping protections for key wetlands, including a temporary buffer-size rule starting Aug. 8 and a push to codify parts of the deal in 2027. Forest Economy Push: The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund selected eight startups for its 2026 Forest Business Accelerator, aiming to grow new products and services from forest stewardship, carbon-smart forestry and wood-based materials. Hazardous Waste Stewardship: Reverse Logistics Group won a contract to help Vermont’s Household Hazardous Product Stewardship Program under the state’s EPR law, including outreach to manufacturers and billing support. Conservation Land Deals: Towns and land trusts secured funding to permanently conserve 2,000+ acres, protecting summits, expanding town forests and improving trail access to some of Vermont’s oldest trees. Marine Monument Fight: Two New England fishermen, including Vermont’s Bob Conrad, asked to intervene in a lawsuit over the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, backing a rollback of a commercial fishing ban. Local Politics & Wildlife: In Windham 3 Democratic primary Q&As, candidates Stephen Major and Michelle Bos-Lun highlighted housing, healthcare and public safety, with Bos-Lun also calling for wildlife-focused legislation and police de-escalation training. El Niño Watch: Multiple reports flag a strengthening El Niño that could bring a wetter, stormier fall and winter across parts of the U.S., with New England in the mix.