AGP Executive Report

Air Quality Enforcement: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined Cleveland-Cliffs’ United Taconite $22,000 for missing an emissions testing deadline at its Fairlane taconite plant near Forbes, though the company disputes the enforcement and says coal use had already stopped. Water & Health: A major fish die-off hit Mille Lacs Lake, with reports of at least 10,000 dead fish washing ashore, raising alarms for lake health and food safety. Public Safety & Wildfire: Campfire restrictions were lifted at noon Monday across the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but officials warn drought conditions can still flare up. Mercury & PFAS Risk: Minnesota health officials reiterated that fish from the Mississippi River Pool 2 area should be limited or avoided for kids and pregnant or breastfeeding people due to mercury and PFAS. Energy & Climate Planning: St. Paul updated its Climate Action & Resilience Plan, aiming for carbon neutrality in city operations by 2030 and highlighting “decarbonizing downtown” efforts like capturing waste heat. Cybersecurity for Water: Washington state agencies warned utilities after federal alerts about cyber threats to water and wastewater systems, noting Minnesota has seen coordinated attacks. Local Energy Help: La Crescent is rolling out Home Energy Squad visits to help residents cut energy use with in-home assessments and upgrades.

Wildfire smoke and health: Recent Canadian and northern Minnesota fires pushed smoky air into Wisconsin, renewing calls for Rock County to add its own PM2.5 monitor as asthma rates run high. Boundary Waters fire updates: Ely-area officials say the Camp Fire is 97% contained, with crews shifting resources as multiple nearby blazes hold containment gains. Cattle and land use: Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Mike Rounds introduced the bipartisan RANCH Act to incentivize converting marginal cropland into grazing land, aiming to rebuild the U.S. cow herd and support wildlife habitat. Mining pressure in Minnesota: Gov. Walz’s Boundary Waters nonferrous mining ban remains a flashpoint, with renewed debate over copper-nickel plans near the Rainy River headwaters watershed. Air quality and public health: A new review finds rinsing produce with tap water can cut pesticide residues, with soaking in baking soda or vinegar often more effective. State fair nature outreach: The Minnesota DNR is bringing back hands-on exhibits at the State Fair, including wildfire prevention and native species learning. Wildlife science: Great Lakes researchers report lake sturgeon may live far longer than once thought, with females up to 427 years.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts, LLC recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks, with at least 55 illnesses reported across 15 states; affected lots include Alfalfa 6/5oz and 12/6/5oz plus two sprout-mix products sold in Minnesota and Wisconsin—consumers should throw items out and sanitize surfaces. Wildfire Update (Boundary Waters): Fire officials near Ely reported the Camp Fire at 97% contained, with other nearby blazes also making progress as crews wind down and refocus resources. Great Lakes Wildlife: New research suggests female lake sturgeon may live up to 427 years, reshaping assumptions about longevity and informing conservation and harvest rules. DNR & Public Lands: The Minnesota DNR announced online auctions for confiscated fishing, hunting, and trapping gear, plus a return of popular DNR State Fair exhibits and hands-on nature education. Invasive Species Watch: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Itasca County, adding to the push for early detection and prevention.

Cybersecurity & Energy: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a small UK power plant for four days, prompting new guidance for power companies to strengthen defenses. Great Lakes Pollution: Scientists say microplastics are showing up everywhere in the Great Lakes, and they’re pushing governments to act on the threat. Minnesota Water & Trout: The Minnesota DNR is proposing updates to trout stream and trout lake designations, with public comments due Sept. 11. Farm Water Protection: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture awarded $1.6M to retailers to expand nitrogen-saving fertilizer discounts aimed at cutting nutrient losses and protecting water quality. Climate Resilience: A new Community Climate Leaders Program in Pine River will teach residents what climate change means locally and how to build resilience, with registration due Sept. 8. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Itasca County. Agriculture Safety: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-state salmonella/E. coli outbreak have sickened people across 15 states, including Minnesota. Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates are reacting to Gov. Walz’s executive order blocking copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters.

Water Quality & Farms: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture awarded $1.6 million to retailers to offer point-of-sale discounts for nitrogen-saving fertilizer tech, aiming to cut nitrogen losses and protect water. Public Health: A multistate alfaIfa sprouts outbreak tied to salmonella and E. coli has spread to 15 states, with Minnesota and Wisconsin among the early hit areas. Mining & Water Protection: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mining in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, affecting proposed projects near Ely and Babbitt while leaving NorthMet outside the ban. Wildlife & Recreation: The DNR is updating trout stream and trout lake designations; public comments are open through Sept. 11. Invasive Species Watch: Zebra mussels were confirmed in Itasca County’s LaRue Mine Pit, prompting reporting guidance for suspected sightings. Energy & Climate Resilience: Minnesota’s Walk-In Access program received USDA funding to expand public access for wildlife recreation, and Rochester approved a small energy efficiency rebate pilot for residents.

Boundary Waters Mining: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order halting new nonferrous mining review and permitting in the Rainy River Headwaters watershed that feeds the Boundary Waters, drawing fresh debate over projects like Twin Metals and treaty-protected resources. Aquatic Invasives: The Minnesota DNR confirmed zebra mussels in the LaRue Mine Pit in Itasca County, urging anyone who suspects new sightings to contact state invasive-species staff. Land Access for Wildlife Recreation: Minnesota’s Walk-In Access program received a $2.1 million USDA boost to expand public access to private lands for wildlife-based recreation. Power Infrastructure: Survey work is set to begin for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345-kilovolt transmission line in Swift County, with environmental and geotechnical checks ahead of easement talks. Food Safety: Health officials report a multistate outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts, with salmonella and E. coli cases in at least 15 states including Minnesota and Wisconsin. Water System Cybersecurity: The FBI warned that cybercriminals are targeting water utilities nationwide, with Minnesota among states reporting attacks and utilities taking precautions. Conservation Farming: Two southeast Minnesota families were recognized for conservation farming, including strip-till practices that reduce soil and phosphorus loss.

Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Gov. Tim Walz signed an order halting new nonferrous mining activity in the Rainy River Headwaters watershed that feeds the Boundary Waters, drawing praise from the Grand Portage Band and pushback from Minnesota Republicans. Water & Climate Planning: Minnesota agencies are laying groundwork for how water may shift over the next 75 years, with climate change, data centers, agriculture, and land use all shaping future risks like toxic algal blooms. Food Safety: A multistate salmonella and E. coli outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts has sickened at least 55 people in 15 states, with Minnesota and Wisconsin among the hardest hit. Fall Weather Outlook: Meteorologists say Minnesota is more likely to see a warmer-than-average fall, with precipitation near normal—good news for drought, but not a full reset. Wildlife Recovery: The Poweshiek skipperling butterfly, once near gone, is seeing new hope after captive breeding efforts support reintroduction. Infrastructure & Environment: Duluth’s Twin Ports Interchange project won a national award for operational excellence, highlighting how major transportation work can be done with efficiency goals. Tourism After Smoke: Northland tourism leaders say “smoke has cleared” and are urging visitors back as occupancy dipped during wildfire smoke disruptions.

Boundary Waters mining fight: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking public comments on a revised permit application for the NorthMet project near Hoyt Lakes, including changes to tailings handling, an 8-mile covered conveyor, and a shorter 16-year mine life. Local governance & land use: Duluth’s City Council will consider a land use study for the former Lester Park Golf Course that would steer development to 63 acres while keeping 207 acres as natural/recreation space. Energy & climate planning: North Mankato is rolling out a community energy survey tied to its climate action work plan to shape future programs and incentives. Public health & food safety: Minnesota and Wisconsin are linked by a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to frozen alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts and Calco brands, prompting warnings to discard affected products. Extreme heat: A Climate One segment highlights how Minnesota and other places are feeling hotter nights than decades ago, underscoring rising heat risk. Water security: Reporting warns that cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater systems have reached multiple states, including Minnesota.

Boundary Waters mining fight: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking for public comments on a new permit application tied to the NorthMet mine, after earlier approvals were revoked—comments due Sept. 12. Local climate impacts: Warm lake temperatures are fueling blue-green algae clusters, raising risks to pets, livestock, and people; officials say it’s a concentration problem. Water and infrastructure: Spring Grove approved sewer smoke testing and discussed inflow/infiltration after heavy rains maxed capacity, driving up treatment costs. Clean energy in schools: Alexandria school board voted to apply for the Solar for Schools Grant Program to install panels at multiple campuses. Community trees: Nobles County and Windom received DNR grants to remove damaged ash trees and plant more diverse replacements. Wildlife education: Henderson’s Hummingbird Hurrah drew hundreds for banding demos and booths on birds, bees, and butterflies. Policy and public safety: Eden Prairie reminded drivers of updated state rules for stopping for school buses with flashing red lights.

Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order blocking nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters is drawing sharp pushback from Iron Range leaders and elected officials, who argue the state’s mineral process can be done safely and accuse the move of being politically motivated. Wild Rice Rules: The Minnesota DNR says the 2026 wild rice season opens Aug. 15, but harvesters must only take ripe (not “green”) rice to avoid damaging plants and cutting next year’s yield. Cybersecurity for Water: Federal agencies warn that AI-assisted hackers are actively targeting Siemens S7 controllers used in water systems, urging utilities to remove PLCs from direct internet exposure and tighten remote access. Air Quality Health: An air-quality expert recommends daily outdoor pollution checks and taking indoor precautions when levels spike, pointing to health impacts seen during wildfire-smoke summers. Habitat Restoration: The DNR highlights long-running Wildlife Management Area work in Murray County, restoring wetlands and prairie habitat to support wildlife and improve public access. Local Conservation & Community: The Nature Conservancy and partners planted millions of tree seedlings across northern Minnesota to boost forest resilience, and a Google data center open house in Hermantown drew environmental-review concerns from residents.

Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order blocking copper-nickel mining permits and leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, framing it as a final, “protect this place forever” decision and drawing sharp pushback from opponents who argue it bypasses Minnesota’s permitting process. Roadless Rule Repeal: The U.S. Forest Service proposed rescinding the Roadless Rule, which would open about 62,000 roadless acres in Minnesota’s Superior and Chippewa National Forests to logging and road-building. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Minnesotans to check outdoor air quality daily and adjust plans during smoke or pollution spikes, noting health risks that range from short-term respiratory and cognitive effects to longer-term disease. Wild Rice Reminder: The Minnesota DNR says harvesters must wait for wild rice to ripen—Aug. 15 is the legal opening, but “green rice” rules prohibit harvesting unripe beds. Urban Trees Funding: The DNR awarded nearly $5 million in community tree planting grants to 33 Minnesota communities to boost urban forest diversity. Local Water Security: Federal officials warned that cyberattacks targeting water infrastructure are escalating, underscoring the need for stronger protections for municipal systems.

Boundary Waters Mining Fight: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking new nonferrous mining permits, environmental reviews, and new state mineral leases in the Rainy River Headwaters watershed near the BWCAW, directing agencies to pause work while litigation and rulemaking play out; the order is set to expire 90 days after he leaves office, and Twin Metals still faces future permitting and reviews. Local Pushback: Ely-area residents and lawmakers split over the move—supporters cite protecting water, wildlife, and the outdoor economy, while opponents argue mining decisions should follow the usual process and could hurt local jobs. Superior National Forest Logging: The Trump administration moved to reopen 62,000 acres of Superior National Forest to logging by rescinding a roadless rule, a change that could reshape forest protections even though it doesn’t automatically mandate cutting. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urged Minnesotans to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when smoke or poor air quality hits. Wild Rice Season: The DNR reminded harvesters that even though Aug. 15 is the earliest legal date, rice must be ripe—harvesting “green” rice is illegal and can damage plants. Community & Climate-Friendly Projects: La Crescent celebrated an accessible, net-zero playground pavilion powered by solar.

Boundary Waters Mining: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order blocking new nonferrous mining permitting and environmental review in the Rainy River Headwaters watershed, a move aimed at protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel project; the order also bars Minnesota agencies from cooperating in federal reviews while litigation over the state’s mine-siting rules continues. Local Pushback: Northland lawmakers split sharply—DFL Sen. Jen McEwen backed the order, while DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild and other legislators criticized it as bypassing case-by-case, science-based permitting. Trout Protections: The Minnesota DNR is taking public comments through Sept. 11 on proposed trout stream and stream trout lake designations, covering about 125 miles across 11 counties, with letters already sent to affected landowners. Urban Trees: The DNR awarded nearly $5 million in community tree planting grants to 33 Minnesota communities, targeting canopy resilience and stormwater benefits. Water Security: A new report highlights how cyberattacks on water utilities exposed gaps in protections for small and rural systems. Outdoor Recreation: Mid-season fishing reports suggest strong August action for inland lakes and Lake Superior, with anglers still finding bass, northern pike, and walleyes.

Boundary Waters Mining Ban: Gov. Tim Walz is issuing an executive order to block nonferrous mining in the Boundary Waters area, directing the DNR and Pollution Control Agency to stop new leases and permits and to review existing ones to protect the wilderness and water. Air Quality Guidance: A Minnesota air-quality expert urges residents to check outdoor pollution readings daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, pointing to health risks from wildfire smoke and other outdoor pollution. Wildfire Aftermath for Wildlife: Northern Minnesota fires may bring short- and mid-term benefits for moose, black bears and other species as forests regrow with new food sources and some parasites decline. Soil Health and Food Supply: A new global study links soil degradation to lower crop yields, finding that reversing degradation could help feed tens of millions more people. Lead Pipe Funding Crunch: Minnesota’s free lead-pipe replacement program faces funding ending at the end of 2027, with Minneapolis struggling to keep projects on schedule. PFAS Rule Update: Minnesota’s Amara’s Law Phase 2 reporting requirements are approaching, with deadlines and compliance details drawing attention. Weather: Showers linger Tuesday morning in parts of Minnesota, with a mostly dry metro day and more rain chances later in the week.

Air Quality & Health: A mold and air-quality expert urges Minnesotans to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, pointing to wildfire-smoke summers and health impacts from headaches to longer-term risks. Great Lakes Ice Watch: New research suggests Great Lakes ice decline may see a short “temporary respite,” but warns it’s not climate recovery—just a pause amid ongoing warming. Climate Funding Fight: The Trump administration admitted canceling more than $7.5B in federal grants last October, including Minnesota Power and Commerce Department awards—though some Minnesota projects were later reinstated. Boundary Waters Resort: A scaled-down plan to revive Silver Rapids Lodge near Ely faces renewed opposition from nearby cabin and vacation owners over how the project fits the area’s wilderness feel. Water & Habitat Work: The Army Corps of Engineers awarded $6.3M to restore Upper Mississippi River floodplain forest habitat near New Albin, with work expected to finish by 2030. Clean Water on Farms: Minnesota’s Nitrogen Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer Discount program awarded $1.6M to retailers to help farmers adopt nitrogen-saving fertilizer tech and protect water quality. DNR Hunting & Fishing Rules: The DNR asks hunters to avoid shooting ear-tagged, radio-collared research bears, and is taking comment on proposed trout water designations and Lake Shaokatan vegetation management. Public Access: Minnesota’s Walk-In Access Program received a $2.1M federal award to expand public hunting and fishing access on private lands.

Air Quality & Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Minnesotans to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing wildfire-smoke summers and health risks from short- and long-term air pollution. Wildfire & Lightning: Meteorologist notes the BWCAW may see fewer lightning strikes per square mile but can still be highly vulnerable; July 6 lightning sparked dozens of wildfires, with tens of thousands of acres burned. Local Water Infrastructure: With federal funding for Minneapolis lead pipe removal set to dry up after 2027, the city faces tough neighborhood-by-neighborhood choices to keep water safe for kids and families. DNR Fisheries: Minnesota DNR is seeking public comment on proposed trout stream and lake designation changes, including removals near Grand Rapids and additions in several other regions. Boundary Waters Development: A scaled-down plan to revive Silver Rapids Lodge near the Boundary Waters is back, and nearby cabin owners are again pushing back over impacts to the area’s quiet wilderness character. Food Safety: University of Minnesota Extension advises Minnesotans on cyclospora risk as cases rise nationwide, recommending normal produce enjoyment with careful food-safety steps. Outdoor Pest Watch: Forest tent caterpillars are increasing in parts of northern Minnesota, with large defoliation mapped so far and more expected next year.