AGP Executive Report

Freshwater & PFAS: UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences dean Rebecca Klaper is stepping down for a new role at the University of Delaware, reflecting on the school’s growth from graduate training to a newer undergraduate pipeline focused on emerging contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals. Wildlife & Citizen Science: Monarch butterflies are being tagged in southern Wisconsin at Goose Pond Sanctuary, with tiny trackers and a free Project Monarch app letting the public help map migration toward Mexico. Lakes & Birds: Biologist Walter Piper is set to speak about what loons reveal about lake health, including declines in breeding success and young loon survival. Weather & Water Safety: Labor Day in Wisconsin is mostly dry and mild, but showers and storms are expected to return midweek, with local advisories tied to conditions like harmful algae at beaches. Environment & Policy: Wisconsin DNR expects a better wild rice harvest this year, while the state continues tracking a spreading deer disease outbreak. Local Land Use: Effigy Mounds Preserve signage plans are sparking debate in Whitewater over where signs should go—on the mounds or at the entrance—balancing public awareness with respect for a burial and religious site.

Road & Water Infrastructure: A U.S. Highway 12 intersection project near Prairie du Sac starts Tuesday, adding offset left-turn lanes and repairing storm sewers and culverts, with single-lane closures expected through mid-October. Weather & Storm Risk: Labor Day wraps up with dry, mild conditions across Wisconsin, but warmer, more humid air returns Tuesday and rain plus strong to severe storms are possible late Tuesday into Wednesday. Wildlife & Conservation: Wisconsin’s gray wolf monitoring report says the population is stable, while the state also reports 2026 is already the second-highest year on record for tornadoes. Public Health & Water Safety: Wisconsin DNR and DHS updated fish consumption guidelines for 2026-28, with some waters now carrying more restrictive advisories. Local Water Quality: Chippewa Falls spends about $200,000 a year to keep nitrate pollution out of city drinking water, highlighting how private wells in surrounding areas can face higher nitrate levels. Energy & Climate Tech: Tennessee issued the nation’s first license for a fusion “stellarator” machine, a step toward near-infinite clean energy ambitions.

Water Quality Watch: Chippewa Falls is spending about $200,000 a year to keep nitrate pollution out of city drinking water, while tens of thousands of county residents on private wells still face rising nitrate levels. Energy & Environment: Wisconsin’s DNR says it’s monitoring the Enbridge Line 5 propane/butane leak and is pressing for safety clarity as tribal groups call the work “sloppy.” Wildlife Policy: A federal order could move toward delisting or downlisting gray wolves and Mexican wolves, with Wisconsin listed among states with sizable populations. Local Control vs. Data Centers: In a debate over data centers, candidates argue for stronger standards, local siting power, and ending subsidies—framing the issue as a threat to farmland, water, and ratepayers. Health & Advisories: DNR and DHS updated 2026-28 fish consumption guidelines, including more restrictive advisories for some waters tied to contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and PFOS. Community & Climate Resilience: UW Extension is set to host a field day on soil, nitrogen and water as drought and heat keep stressing Wisconsin farms.

Wolf Protections in the Spotlight: President Trump signed an order to review gray wolf and Mexican wolf protections, a move that could lead to delisting or downlisting and changes to how lethal removal is authorized; Wisconsin is listed at about 1,200 gray wolves. Privacy vs. Public Safety: Wisconsin’s U.S. senators, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, raised bipartisan concerns about Flock license-plate cameras, calling for stronger safeguards on access and use of collected data. Data Centers and Local Power: In a Wisconsin gubernatorial debate, candidates clashed over data centers’ impacts—electricity, water, farmland, and local control—with calls to end subsidies and require community consent. Water and Weather Watch: Labor Day weekend looks mostly dry and seasonable in Wisconsin, but storms return later in the week; officials also warn about low water levels for boaters. Great Lakes Energy Fight: Michigan pressed its appeal over Line 5, seeking to keep control of state bottomlands as Enbridge’s easement battle continues. On the Ground: Highway 8 construction in Rhinelander is in final phases, with paving and two roundabouts nearing completion in early October.

Great Lakes Classroom Science: A Marshall High teacher joined UW Sea Grant and Great Lakes researchers aboard an EPA vessel on Lake Superior, helping sample water tied to sunlight breaking down brown organic molecules—work that can inform algal bloom understanding. Native Plant Campus Work: A UW-Stout student’s drought-minded native plant designs are now planted across multiple campus locations, aiming to cut water use and support prairie biodiversity. Soil & Water Stewardship: UW-Madison Extension is hosting a field day on soil, nitrogen and irrigation management near Chippewa Falls, focusing on nutrient efficiency and water-quality protection. Wild Rice Update: Wisconsin DNR expects a better wild rice harvest this year, citing cold winter conditions and less rainfall. Algae & Lake Health: Eau Claire County issued a beach advisory for harmful algae, underscoring ongoing water-quality concerns. Public Safety Tech: Milwaukee-area agencies are rethinking Flock license-plate cameras; Milwaukee County launched a public portal to explain how the system is used. Weather Watch: Labor Day weekend looks mostly dry with fog early, then warmer, less humid conditions before more storms return midweek.

Wildlife Health: Wisconsin DNR reports more than 700 white-tailed deer dead in Washington County so far, with the epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak now spreading into Waukesha and Ozaukee as biting midges drive transmission. Water Safety: With drought leaving ramps shallow and hazards exposed, DNR urges boaters to slow down, wear life jackets, inspect ramp ends, and plan for early watercraft removal. Beaches & Toxins: Eau Claire County closed Lake Altoona Beach and issued a countywide beach advisory after harmful algae toxins were found in samples. Public Health: Wisconsin measles cases tied to a southwestern outbreak rose to 136, with children most affected and health officials urging families to check MMR vaccination status. Local Environment & Community: Kenosha County signed a long-term lease with Pringle Nature Center to keep environmental education and programming running in Bristol Woods Park.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are moving through southeast Wisconsin, with flash-flood concerns in Sheboygan County and earlier severe warnings across the Milwaukee area; officials say storms should ease by mid-morning Friday, but humidity stays high and another round of scattered storms could pop up later. Boating Safety: The Wisconsin DNR is urging boaters to prep for Labor Day weekend—inspect gear, wear life jackets, avoid distractions, and follow boating laws—after 21 fatal boating incidents this year, many involving victims not wearing life jackets. Wildlife Health: Wisconsin is tracking a deer disease outbreak, with reports of dead deer rising in southeastern counties amid spread tied to small flies. Waste & Recycling Infrastructure: La Crosse County board members toured the regional solid waste system, including a landfill expansion adding a new five-acre cell. PFAS Funding: Marinette and Peshtigo residents are moving closer to aid after lawmakers released $10 million to address PFAS. Policy & Power Lines: A fight over data centers continues in Wisconsin politics, with candidates debating subsidies, transparency, and impacts on farmland and energy costs.

Severe Storm Watch: Southeast Wisconsin is bracing for another round of storms overnight into Friday, with damaging winds, hail, heavy downpours, and localized flooding possible. Power Disruptions: More than 12,000 We Energies customers lost power during Thursday’s storms, with crews prioritizing public safety and widespread outages. Wildlife Health: Wisconsin DNR has logged nearly 900 dead deer reports in the southeast tied to epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a biting-fly outbreak that could sharply reduce deer numbers for fall hunting. PFAS Cleanup Funding: Marinette County is set to receive nearly $10 million for PFAS remediation after a settlement release, with DNR sessions guiding how the money will be used. Waste Safety: A Milwaukee sanitation worker warned residents after an oxygen canister explosion in a garbage truck—urging people not to toss pressurized gas cylinders in trash. Clean Water & Farms: A court ruling sent a Ridge Breeze Dairy expansion permit back to the DNR for stronger groundwater protections, after concerns about monitoring compliance. Mississippi River Infrastructure: The Iowa 9/WIS 82 Lansing Mississippi River crossing is expected to open in early November, months ahead of spring 2027. Fusion Energy Push: Madison Gas and Electric is partnering with Realta Fusion on a 200-megawatt magnetic mirror plant aimed for the 2030s, tied to future clean power needs.

Data Center Backlash: A new $100M pro–AI data center advertising push (“Build American AI”) is trying to blunt voter opposition, after polls show most Americans want a pause on new facilities near their homes. Local Governance & Energy Costs: In Montana, Yellowstone County residents pressed for a data center moratorium to go on the ballot, but commissioners took no action—highlighting how rules and deadlines can shut communities out of major environmental and resource decisions. Extreme Weather: Southeast Wisconsin faces another hot, humid, stormy day with damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and localized flooding risk. Public Safety & Climate-Linked Heat: Milwaukee and the region are dealing with muggy conditions and storm chances as heat continues to disrupt daily life. UW-Madison Infrastructure: The Board of Regents approved funding to demolish UW-Madison’s Mosse Humanities Building as part of a major 2027–29 budget plan. Water & Pollution Recovery: The St. Louis River Estuary’s long fight against legacy pollution is moving closer to recovery, with community tours spotlighting wildlife and habitat gains. Wildlife Health: Wisconsin DNR reports dead deer linked to disease spread by small flies, pointing to ongoing ecosystem stress.

Utility Rates & Data Centers: Milwaukee-area residents and environmental activists packed a Wisconsin Public Service Commission hearing to oppose We Energies’ proposed rate hike of up to $22 a month by 2028, arguing it would fund data-center buildout and executive costs while households struggle. Public Health & Climate: Milwaukee Public Schools closed all schools Wednesday due to excessive heat, leaving parents scrambling for childcare and cooling options. Air Pollution Policy: Wisconsin Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a multistate push against an EPA proposal to weaken heavy-duty vehicle pollution rules tied to NOx emissions and asthma risk. Wildlife Disease: Wisconsin DNR reported 700+ dead deer from epizootic hemorrhagic disease, with midges driving spread and numbers expected to rise. Water Quality (PFAS): Lawmakers approved releasing $10 million from Wisconsin’s PFAS trust fund to help northeastern communities secure clean water. Extreme Weather: Southern Wisconsin remains warm and muggy, with Thursday flagged as a First Alert Day for storms. Wildfire Update: Boundary Waters wildfires are nearing containment, with much of the area reopening.

Data Center Power Fight: Milwaukee-area residents packed a We Energies rate hearing to oppose a proposed 14% hike, arguing the utility’s grid upgrades are tied to data center growth while households feel squeezed. Local Government Response: St. Croix County approved an 18-0 one-year moratorium on medium- and large-scale data centers as it drafts zoning and regulatory standards, reflecting mounting statewide pushback. Energy Transition Pressure: Opponents say the rate increase and new power demand are moving Wisconsin toward more fossil-heavy buildouts, even as the state lags on renewables. Great Lakes Protection: The Three Fires Confederacy is organizing a Labor Day “Bridge Walk for Water” to demand shutting down Enbridge Line 5, tying water protection to Indigenous leadership across the region. Composting in Schools: Racine’s food-waste composting program is expanding to Starbuck International K-8, with students collecting cafeteria scraps to divert organics from landfills and build a model for other schools. Wildlife & Drought: Reports highlight drought-driven shifts in deer behavior and stress on wildlife and crops, underscoring how dry conditions are reshaping local ecosystems.

PFAS Relief Vote: Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee approved releasing $10 million from the Tyco Fire Products settlement to the DNR to help Marinette-area residents get safe drinking water and address PFAS contamination. Groundwater Oversight: The Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council shared 2026 recommendations to tackle PFAS, nitrates, pesticides, and water-stressed areas, urging coordinated state action. Farm Expansion Fight: Pierce County residents and GROWW celebrated an administrative law ruling that found the DNR’s permit for Ridge Breeze Dairy failed to meaningfully protect groundwater as the operation expands to 6,500 cows. Heat Impacts Schools: Milwaukee Public Schools canceled classes for Sept. 2 due to hot weather, with no A/C in many buildings. Mosquito Season: FOX6 reports climate-driven warming is extending mosquito season in Wisconsin, increasing exposure risk. Energy & Permitting: A new proposal would build two large natural gas plants in northeast Wisconsin, drawing both labor support and environmental opposition. Weather Outlook: A Fall Climate Outlook points to warmer-than-average conditions in September tied to a very strong El Niño. Outdoor & Wildlife: Early goose season opened Sept. 1 with an increased daily bag limit, and DNR announced 2027 stamp design winners.

PFAS Cleanup Funding: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers asked lawmakers to release nearly $10 million in Tyco settlement money for the PFAS Trust Fund, meant to test wells, replace contaminated water supplies, and install treatment systems in Marinette-area communities. Groundwater Protection Fight: A judge ruled Wisconsin’s modified CAFO permit for Ridge Breeze Dairy fails to adequately protect groundwater because it lacks a way to verify compliance, sending the permit back to the DNR for stronger monitoring conditions. Transmission Lines vs. the Driftless: Residents are ramping up opposition to a second proposed 765-kilovolt power line (BECI) running through the Driftless, with concerns it could serve data centers and harm sensitive land; comments are due Sept. 7. Local Power Costs: We Energies is seeking a 14–15% residential rate increase through 2028, with a public hearing Sept. 1. Conservation Win: Ducks Unlimited and Groundswell Conservancy will permanently protect nearly 2,000 acres along the Lower Sugar River in Rock County, boosting habitat connectivity and water-quality protection. Heat Alert: Chicago-area heat index values are forecast over 100 Tuesday, with a Heat Advisory in effect and storm chances near the Wisconsin border. Food Safety: A Minneapolis sprouts distributor expanded a recall for Robust Radish Sprout Mix tied to a salmonella/E. coli outbreak affecting at least 55 people across 15 states. Privacy & Policing: Milwaukee agreed to restrict Flock camera database searches to supervisors and limit use to serious crimes, after charges involving misuse.

Pipeline Fallout in Northern Wisconsin: Enbridge says a construction vehicle struck Line 5 near Saxon, partially rupturing the pipeline and releasing over a million gallons of natural gas liquids; the company is burning off remaining product and keeping Line 5 shut down while repairs continue. Regulators Push Back: Wisconsin DNR asked Enbridge to pause the Line 5 reroute after the Aug. 25 spill, citing unanswered questions and repeated noncompliance concerns. Drought Deepens: Northeast Wisconsin is heading into fall with much less rain than normal, stressing pastures and crops and raising fears of higher hay and grain prices. Wildlife & Weather Watch: A warm spring may be driving a potentially “acorn-heavy” year for Wisconsin oaks, while hot, humid conditions and scattered storms keep heat risk elevated. Data Center Tensions: In Wisconsin Rapids, residents oppose a proposed data center over water, air, power, noise—and even developer ties residents describe as Russian connections. Air Quality Oversight: Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board is set to review air quality concerns tied to this summer.

Extreme Weather Watch: Southeast Wisconsin is starting the week with heat, humidity, and scattered storms, with heat index values nearing 100 and a low severe risk but possible damaging winds or hail. Local Conservation: Calumet County Park is using GPS-collared goats to curb invasive buckthorn, phragmites, dame’s rocket, and garlic mustard—turning visitors into real-time witnesses of habitat restoration. Data Centers & Energy Politics: A new wave of voter backlash is targeting AI and data centers, with Wisconsin candidates facing pressure over local control, energy costs, and environmental impacts. School Staffing Strain: Wisconsin districts are dealing with paraprofessional and special education resource shortages as the number of students needing support rises even while overall enrollment declines. Emergency Preparedness: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report warns that federal funding uncertainty and more frequent extreme weather mean the state should strengthen coordination and public preparedness planning. Wildlife & Habitat: Wisconsin park managers are also leaning into hands-on habitat work, from invasive plant control to broader conservation efforts.

Pipeline Pressure in Northern Wisconsin: Wisconsin regulators are demanding Enbridge halt Line 5 reroute work after a liquified natural gas spill, citing noncompliance and urgent requests for spill details, air monitoring, and tribal outreach. Utility Costs Under Fire: Environmental and consumer groups are challenging We Energies’ proposed 14% residential electric bill hike by 2028, warning families may have to choose between essentials like groceries, health care, and power. Heat + Storms for the Week Ahead: Southern Wisconsin is in for humid, stormy weather with heat indexes near 100 at midweek and periodic chances for gusty winds and small hail. Aurora Watch: Northern lights may be visible tonight in parts of Wisconsin and other northern states, though chances are “low.” Milwaukee Mile Weather Disrupts Racing: Rain postponed IndyCar’s first Milwaukee Mile race, reshuffling the doubleheader schedule. Conservation Congress Leadership: Outgoing Wisconsin Conservation Congress chairman Patrick Durkin says he worries about the group’s relevance as the convention approaches.