AGP Executive Report

Primitive Camping Rules: Vermont is proposing the first update to its primitive camping rules in 33 years, aiming to cut wildfire and land pollution risks by banning campers from cutting or burning live wood and moving campsite setup farther from water—200 feet from rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands instead of 100. Wildlife Protection: A federal rollback to the Endangered Species Act’s definition of “harm” could weaken protections for habitat and species that Vermont relies on, with legal experts warning it may ripple into state conservation and development plans. Public Health & Wildlife Management: USDA is dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits across Vermont, New Hampshire and New York to curb rabies spread among raccoons. Energy & Homes: A Massachusetts resident’s steep electric bill led him to try “plug-in” balcony solar, a lower-cost option that connects to a household outlet. Community Resilience: Vermont Gas named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, with a background that includes leading flood recovery efforts. Local Infrastructure: Vermont’s road and bridge work continues this week, including paving and bridge rehabilitation projects with lane closures and speed limits.

Endangered Species Act Rollback: A federal change to how “harm” is defined under the Endangered Species Act could loosen protections for listed wildlife by allowing more habitat-altering activities, raising concerns for Vermont’s vulnerable species and conservation plans. Rabies Prevention by Air: USDA is dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits over Vermont, New Hampshire and New York to curb rising wildlife rabies cases, including dozens of raccoon, skunk, bat and fox cases reported this year. Vermont Health Care Staffing: A contract for 3,600 UVM Medical support staff has expired; unions say talks stalled on safe staffing and wages, with potential job actions possible after member votes. Composting Basics: UVM Extension highlights how to make “black gold” at home with simple browns/greens ratios, moisture and oxygen—plus what to avoid to prevent pests and slowdowns. Local Infrastructure Updates: Vermont construction and bridge work continues with lane closures and detours in multiple towns and on I-89, including paving and bridge rehabilitation affecting travel plans. Vermont Gas Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, following Neale Lunderville’s planned departure at the end of 2026.

Vermont Energy Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a longtime Scott administration leader who helped steer major flood recovery and economic development efforts. Wildlife Protection: The federal Endangered Species Act “harm” definition is being loosened, raising concerns for Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife and habitat protections. Rabies Prevention: USDA is dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits over Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York to curb rabies spread in raccoons and other wildlife. Health Care & Staffing: UVM Medical support staff contract talks hit a breaking point as a 3,600-person contract expired, with unions warning about possible action over staffing and wages. Composting Basics: UVM Extension shared a simple “black gold” guide to home composting—what to add, what to avoid, and how to balance greens and browns. Local Infrastructure Updates: VermontBiz listed upcoming I-89 paving and bridge work plus other road impacts, with drivers urged to expect lane closures and delays. Agriculture Recognition: Paul Harlow of Westminster was named a 2026 Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement inductee.

Vermont Energy Leadership: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, tapping a long record in state government that includes leading flood recovery efforts and overseeing major economic and housing initiatives. Endangered Species Protections: A federal change to the Endangered Species Act could loosen the definition of “harm,” potentially affecting Vermont’s vulnerable wildlife by weakening habitat-protection rules. Data Center Noise Fight: A proposed large data center in Pennsylvania is reigniting debate over low-frequency noise and its impact on schools and nearby residents—an issue that’s likely to echo in Vermont as data-center proposals grow. Composting “Black Gold”: UVM Extension shared practical home composting tips, including what to add, what to avoid, and how to balance “greens” and “browns” for healthier soil and fewer landfill inputs. Wildlife & Community: A Vermont wildlife photo exhibit at Galley at the Vault highlights local conservation connections, including work tied to restoring birds like ospreys. Local Climate/Weather Watch: Forecast coverage points to shifting conditions and potential impacts from El Niño as summer weather patterns evolve.

Wildlife Protections: The Trump administration finalized a rule change to the Endangered Species Act that narrows what counts as “harm,” potentially making it easier for activities like logging, mining, and drilling to proceed in habitat—raising new concerns for Vermont’s vulnerable species. Climate Politics: A Rhode Island mayoral race is turning into a referendum on climate policy, with Providence facing sea-level rise and flood risk that voters can’t ignore. Energy & Flood Recovery: Vermont Gas Systems named Lindsay Kurrle as its next president and CEO, bringing state leadership experience including major flood-recovery work. Rural Power Resilience: A report looks at why rural outages last far longer than in cities and how battery storage could help utilities restore service faster. Watershed Watch: Memphremagog Watershed Association held its annual meeting and a symposium focused on improving Lake Memphremagog’s water quality. Local Environment & Community: A Vermont wildlife photo exhibit spotlights ospreys and other birds, tying conservation to public engagement. Road & Weather Notes: Vermont State Police reported a wet-weather tractor-trailer crash on I-91 in Ryegate, with lane closures and delays. Pesticide Policy: California has begun a two-year phase-out of paraquat, a herbicide linked to serious health risks and now facing mounting legal and scientific pressure.

Crash & Safety: A tractor-trailer overturned on I-91 northbound near Ryegate (mile marker 111.4) early Aug. 13, with wet roads and one lane closed as crews work to remove the truck. Wildlife & Health: Vermont’s black bear estimate hit 7,500–8,900 bears in 2025 data—above the state’s goal for a fifth straight year—while Fish & Wildlife is also expanding bear reproduction research. Lake & Ecosystem Watch: Lake Memphremagog is in the spotlight again, with scientists reporting a transmissible catfish cancer linked to the border waters. Energy Resilience: A Vermont-focused look at rural grid stability argues battery storage could help shorten long outages and improve recovery planning. Agriculture & Weather: Wet conditions pushed back hay season for some growers, raising costs as farmers hunt for dry weather to make quality bales. Community & Conservation: The Memphremagog Watershed Association hosted “Memphremagog Matters” to discuss watershed-wide steps to protect lake water quality. Outdoor Rules: Vermont Fish & Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed before the first Saturday in September and must be removed by set deadlines. Bear Research Funding: The Vermont Bear Hound Association donated $3,042 for new GPS bear tracking collars to study reproduction and population dynamics.

Heat Safety: Vermont health officials warn that heat waves hit hardest in homes, where many Vermonters lack ways to cool down; the state is pointing people to cooling centers and multilingual guidance. Wildlife & Habitat: Vermont is funding bear research with new GPS collars to track female reproduction and survival, aiming to improve black bear conservation and reduce human-bear conflicts. Aquatic Health: UVM-linked researchers are investigating a transmissible catfish cancer in Lake Memphremagog, a rare disease that spreads between animals. Climate & Forests: A new global study led in part by UVM finds some mountain trees shift downhill while others move uphill, driven by how species manage water under warming. Pollution & Pesticides: Vermont’s paraquat ban is echoed as California moves to prohibit the toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease. Community Care: The Green Mountain Birthing Center plans a Waterbury facility by 2028 to expand access after local maternity services closures. Recycling & Waste: Vermont wedding vendors are adopting lower-waste, lower-carbon practices, from permaculture venues to composting toilets. Public Safety Outdoors: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed before the first Saturday in September and must be removed by set deadlines.

Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed on state waters before the first Saturday in September, must be permanently tagged, and must be removed by May 15 (or Feb. 15 on Lake Champlain). Bear Research: A $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association will fund two new satellite GPS collars for female bears, expanding a study sample from 18 to 20 collared females in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley. Climate & Forests: A new global study in Nature Climate Change finds tree species don’t all move uphill as warming accelerates—water-related traits help explain why some shift downslope instead. Agrivoltaics in Vermont: Farmers can pair food and energy through “agrivoltaics,” a growing approach highlighted in a story on clean power generation alongside community farming. Solar Policy Watch: Massachusetts is considering whether to allow plug-in solar panels, with Vermont among states already moving in that direction. Local Conservation Funding: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont backed multiple projects via the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund, helping protect thousands of acres and expand public access. Stargazing Notes: The Perseids peak Wednesday night, but Vermont is listed among the tougher states for viewing due to clouds and bright skies.

Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife says waterfowl blinds can’t be placed on state waters before the first Saturday in September, must be labeled, and must be removed by May 15 (Feb. 15 on Lake Champlain); it also warns that “claiming” spots with signs isn’t enforceable. Bear Research Funding: A $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association will buy two new satellite GPS collars to expand female bear tracking from 18 to 20, helping researchers study reproduction and how food sources affect it. Climate & Forests: New research in Nature Climate Change suggests tree species won’t all march uphill as the climate warms—water-management traits may push some species downslope instead. Conservation Land Protection: The Nature Conservancy in Vermont funded projects through the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund, helping protect 2,163 acres across Windham County towns including Athens and Marlboro, with public access planned. Public Health & Pesticides: California is canceling its last paraquat product and requiring remaining stocks to be sold or destroyed within two years, citing the Parkinson’s-linked herbicide’s harms—contrasting with federal delays. Solar Eclipse Watch: NASA says 23 states miss Wednesday’s Aug. 12 eclipse entirely; Vermont is in the partial-view list, weather permitting.

Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife reminded hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed on state waters before the first Saturday in September, must be labeled, and must be removed by May 15 (or Feb. 15 for Lake Champlain). Bear Research Funding: Vermont’s bear management program got a $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to buy two satellite GPS collars for female bear tracking, aiming to improve data on reproduction and population dynamics. Climate Impacts on Forests: New research finds mountain trees don’t all march uphill as climate warms—water-handling traits can drive some species to shift downslope instead. Floodplain Resilience: A Burlington floodplain forest along the Winooski River is growing into a long-term buffer that supports biodiversity and helps absorb flood impacts. Severe Weather Cleanup: Storm damage across the Champlain Islands left downed trees and broken utility lines, with crews working to restore power. Pesticide Phase-Out (CA): California will phase out paraquat after manufacturers voluntarily cancel registrations, citing health and wildlife risks. Local Land Use: Bennington’s approval of a resort plan on the former Southern Vermont College campus is being appealed to the Environmental Division. Solar Eclipse Planning: Vermont and much of the region can expect partial eclipse viewing Aug. 12, with weather forecasts and safety reminders circulating ahead of the event. Vermont Politics & Climate: A Democratic primary win in Vermont sets up a November matchup with Gov. Phil Scott, with climate and wellbeing themes in the campaign.

Vermont Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters that waterfowl blinds can’t be placed on state waters before the first Saturday in September, must be clearly identified, and must be removed by set deadlines (Lake Champlain by Feb. 15; most other waters by May 15). Bear Research Funding: The Vermont Bear Hound Association donated $3,042 for two new satellite GPS collars to expand female bear tracking from 18 to 20 collared bears, helping researchers study reproduction and how food sources affect populations. Climate & Forests: New research says mountain trees aren’t all shifting uphill as the climate warms—water-management traits may push some species downslope instead, reshaping future forest conservation priorities. Storm Impacts & Road Safety: Heavy storms knocked down trees and caused power outages in parts of Franklin and Grand Isle counties; Vermont State Police also issued and then lifted a Bushey Rd Swanton traffic alert after trees and wires were cleared. Health Care Access: Vermont Care Partners certified four more agencies as CCBHCs, bringing the total to six and expanding coordinated community-based mental health and support services. Housing: Rutland celebrated Maplewood Commons Apartments—30 permanently affordable units with services and vouchers, including apartments set aside for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Public Safety Tragedy: A fatal single-vehicle crash in Mt. Tabor on Aug. 10 killed a 17-year-old passenger; troopers reported serious injuries for the driver and another passenger. Tech & Water Security: DEF CON Franklin and the NRWA launched a Water Watch Center to help small U.S. water utilities defend against cyberattacks. Solar Eclipse Prep: Vermont is among states that can see a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, with viewing dependent on weather.

Climate & Wildlife: Vermont is pulling back loon nesting rafts as the state’s loon program reports strong nesting success, including a 2025 record of adults, nests, and chicks—though researchers note natural nests can be riskier than raft nests. Bear Management: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is expanding its black bear study with new satellite GPS collars for female bears, funded by a $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to track reproduction and how food sources affect it. Forests & Climate Change: A new Nature Climate Change study finds mountain trees don’t all march uphill as warming hits—water-handling traits help explain why some species shift downslope instead. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternfly has been spotted hitchhiking into the region, raising fresh concerns for vineyards and other crops. Water Security: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched a Water Watch Center to help small Vermont-area water systems defend against cyberattacks. Public Health & Environment: California moved to voluntarily cancel registrations of paraquat-dichloride, citing potential health and wildlife impacts. Vermont Policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed an order prioritizing state advertising spending with local news outlets and requiring agencies to report ad expenditures. AI Safety: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders urged major AI firms to pause development after reports of systems going rogue.

Bear Conservation: Vermont Fish and Wildlife is expanding its scientific bear management work after a $3,042 donation from the Vermont Bear Hound Association to buy two new satellite GPS collars for female bears, boosting a key study sample from 18 to 20 collared females in the Green Mountains and Connecticut River Valley. Climate & Forests: A new Nature Climate Change study co-authored by UVM researchers finds tree species don’t all march uphill as temperatures rise—water-management traits can drive some species to shift downslope instead. Wetlands Art & Flood Risk: Southern Vermont Arts Center is showing two temporary public installations made from harvested invasive phragmites, including “Water Finds a Way,” which maps a flood-prone confluence area tied to the former Williams Dam. Community Health Access: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs signed a lease for a new South Burlington outpatient clinic, with care expected to begin in spring 2029 for tens of thousands of veterans in the Burlington area. Integrated Mental Health Expansion: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies have been certified as CCBHCs, bringing Vermont’s total to six and expanding coordinated community-based services. Local Environment Learning: Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro is hosting talks on grassland bird conservation and red wolves at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Food Safety Watch: Taylor Farms recalled ready-to-eat products with jalapeños in multiple states, including Vermont, after salmonella concerns. Public Health Outbreak: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 6,300 cases nationwide, with North Carolina reporting more than 850 cases. Vermont Primary Day: Vermont’s primary election is Tuesday, with several contested races for statewide offices and many local seats.

Climate & Forests: New research led in part by UVM finds mountain trees don’t all march uphill as climate warms—some shift downslope, and the deciding factor is how well different species move and manage water under drought stress. Wildlife Health: Lake Memphremagog’s brown bullhead catfish are facing a contagious cancer spreading through the lake, raising big questions about how common transmissible cancers may be in nature. Public Health & Wildlife Management: The USDA is starting rabies vaccine bait drops along Vermont’s northern border after cases rose in recent years, with raccoon population growth and reduced hunting pressure cited as key drivers. Invasive Species: Maine groups around Cobbosseecontee Lake are stepping up volunteer surveys and removal efforts to slow Eurasian watermilfoil after it continued spreading even without the state’s rapid-response herbicide push. Local Conservation: Franklin County’s conservation district is marking 80 years of helping protect farms, forests, and waterways through locally led soil and water projects. Community & Food: A Newport-area effort is underway to convert a downtown grocery and café into a member-owned food co-op to keep local producers and community access at the center. Arts & Environment: Three Vermont artists are using foraged leaves, grapevines, and natural materials to make eco-prints and botanically dyed works.

Climate & Forests: A new Nature Climate Change study co-authored by UVM researchers finds mountain tree shifts aren’t just “uphill.” Hydraulic traits that shape drought tolerance help explain why some species move downslope while others climb. Wildlife Health: Researchers say a contagious cancer is spreading through Lake Memphremagog’s bullhead catfish, raising big questions about how transmissible cancers spread in nature. Water & Public Health: A new study in PLOS Water links federal roadless-area protections to drinking-water security for at least 25 million Americans, complicating efforts to roll back the Roadless Rule. Food Waste & Pollution: University of Vermont researchers warn that plastic contamination should be treated as a central concern in food-waste solutions, since microplastics can persist in compost. Vermont Action on Rabies: USDA begins wildlife rabies vaccination baits along Vermont’s northern border as cases rise, with raccoon population growth cited as a driver. Local Notes: A Newport-area group launches a member-owned food co-op to keep downtown grocery and café services going. Road & Safety: Vermont State Police report a foggy, wet-road DUI crash in Lincoln where a John Deere XUV struck a tree; court date set for Oct. 5. Transit Policy Debate: Connecticut’s “Talking Transportation” revisits whether EVs should pay into highway funding, after a bill stalled amid strong opposition.

Climate & forests: New research in Nature Climate Change suggests mountain trees won’t all march uphill as the planet warms—water-management traits may push some species downslope while others move higher, with UVM co-author Tim Rademacher highlighting implications for forecasting and conservation. Food waste & pollution: A UVM-led study in Nature Food argues plastic contamination should be treated as a central concern in food-waste plans, warning that microplastics can persist in compost and contaminate soils. Wildlife health: The USDA is vaccinating wildlife against rabies in Vermont after cases rose and spread northward toward the Canadian border, with vaccine baits being dropped along the northern border. Invasive species fight (Maine): At Cobbossee Lake, Maine groups are stepping up volunteer and scuba-diver efforts to locate and remove Eurasian watermilfoil as it continues to spread. Local nature & community: VINS’ Eagle Cam marked its first year with a bald eagle nest and eaglet, and visitors can still watch birds in person at the Forest Canopy Walk. Vermont health access: Vermont Care Partners says four more agencies have been certified as Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers, bringing Vermont to six. Housing: Rutland opened Maplewood Commons, a 30-unit affordable complex including units for people transitioning out of homelessness.