AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000 cases (992) since late June, with about 40 hospitalizations and investigations expanding into 28 other states, including Ohio. Space & Weather: A possible G1 geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights to northern U.S. states along the Canadian border this weekend. Wildlife & Water: Minnesota DNR is lowering Lake Henry’s water levels in Le Sueur County to improve habitat for wildlife, with drawdowns up to 6 feet planned through summer and maintained into winter. Local Environment & Community: In Hermantown, a Duluth Indivisible forum tackled community concerns about a proposed Google data center, including environmental impacts and school financing. Mosquito-Borne Disease: CDC warns West Nile virus season is starting earlier and harder than usual, with cases confirmed across 23 states and several deaths reported. Recycling & Waste: Lyon County is shifting Marshall curbside recycling pickup earlier (starting 3 a.m. Mondays) due to driver shortages. PFAS Watch: Montana scientists and advocates are pushing for stronger “forever chemicals” controls after PFAS were found in drinking-water wells and fish.

Public Health Watch: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000 cases, with about 40 hospitalizations, and investigators still can’t pin down the source; the illness is also spreading across the border into Ohio, where hundreds more cases have been reported. Minnesota Environment: The Minnesota DNR is lowering Lake Henry’s water levels in Le Sueur County—up to 6 feet this summer and maintained through winter—to improve habitat for wildlife in the shallow lake. Wildlife & Recreation: The Chippewa National Forest issued an emergency order affecting Winnie Campground, banning soft-sided camping for the rest of the season due to bear activity. Boating Safety: The DNR is urging boaters to reduce wake impacts to protect shoreline, water quality, and habitat. Outdoor Conservation: A community science push asks Minnesotans to report ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys through Aug. 31. Energy & Industry: Rolls-Royce opened a $24M logistics center in Mankato, expanding backup power generator production and adding 100+ jobs.

Data Center Watch (Monticello): Monticello Tech filed a development application for a data center campus up to 3 million square feet across as many as eight buildings on about 547 acres, with filings addressing water, power, wetlands, traffic, and environmental impacts—though some details stay conceptual pending later review. Local Governance (Elk River): Elk River rejected a proposal to convert an industrial building into a 60,000-square-foot data center and directed staff to draft a one-year moratorium for new projects. Water Quality (Owatonna): Lake Kohlmier was temporarily closed after testing found bacteria levels above normal, with reopening tied to follow-up results. Invasive Species (Chautauqua Lake): A lake alliance is pushing for a starry stonewort management plan, including goals, milestones, expert input, and sampling work. Wildlife & Recreation (MN DNR): The DNR urged boaters to reduce wake impacts—slowing near shore, staying farther from watercraft and structures, and avoiding shoreline erosion and water-quality harm. Public Health (Cyclospora): A cyclospora outbreak in Michigan has surged to nearly 1,000 cases, with investigations expanding into other states. Community Science (MN Eagles): Minnesota DNR’s eagle cams wrapped another successful season, with all three eaglets leaving the nest.

Public Health & Water Safety: Owatonna temporarily closed Lake Kohlmier after “higher than normal” bacteria levels, canceling scheduled programs until test results meet Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. Outdoor Recreation & Climate Resilience: Northland Arboretum in Brainerd is seeking a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails grant to expand its regional park footprint, including land acquisition adjacent to the arboretum. Wildlife & Habitat Management: Hubbard County approved chemical control for brown knapweed, using a Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant to target an invasive weed that can form monocultures and reduce wildlife habitat. Community Adaptation: An ecologist with Friends of the Boundary Waters is hosting a community event on preparing for climate change impacts in the BWCA region, including a plan to make northern Minnesota climate research more accessible. Health Equity: A CDC report highlights stark drowning gaps, with Black children facing much higher drowning rates than white peers—linked to long-running segregation and unequal access to swimming and safety resources. Air & Environment Education: A Maine Art Gallery program series will connect nature art with how air affects landscapes, including light, moisture, and pollution.

Data Center Push in Monticello: Monticello Tech has submitted a formal data center application to the city, with staff now reviewing whether it’s complete before any public hearings can be scheduled. Local Governance & Moratoriums: Eagan is facing a lawsuit over its one-year data center moratorium, while Carlton County is weighing a similar pause as residents raise concerns about electricity use, cooling demands, and water impacts. Climate Funding in Edina: Edina’s Climate Action Fund—supporting solar, electrification, deconstruction, and efficiency—has again run out early, sending residents to a waitlist. Incinerator Pollution Fight: Environmentalists have sued Hennepin County over ash from the HERC trash incinerator, arguing the county isn’t meeting state requirements to reduce ash quantity and toxicity. Wildlife & Habitat: Minnesota DNR is reminding boaters to protect shared waters and prevent aquatic invasive species, and it has posted notice of aerial herbicide spraying to control hybrid cattail to improve waterfowl habitat. Agriculture Research: USDA and the University of Minnesota report that oxidized fats and oils can reduce livestock growth, offering feed producers new guidance on alternative fat sources.

Wildlife & Hunting: Minnesota DNR is reminding families applying for special youth deer hunts that lead-free ammunition is now required with no exceptions, including in state parks and Scientific and Natural Areas. Water & Boating: The DNR urged boaters to be courteous and “own your wake,” warning that wakes can erode shorelines, harm water quality, and threaten fish and wildlife habitat; it also reiterated slow/no-wake rules near shore. Pesticides & Groundwater: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment on whether current pesticide rules adequately protect lakes and rivers, focusing on how neonicotinoid-treated seeds move through soil, surface water, and groundwater. Invasive Species: New University of Minnesota research finds that removing buckthorn and quickly restoring with native grasses and wildflowers can improve long-term control by reducing reinvasion. Mining Review: The DNR opened a public comment period (July 14–Sept. 12) for scoping on the proposed Tamarack Mining Project near Cloquet. Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke brought moderate air quality to parts of northeast Minnesota, with MPCA advising unusually sensitive people to limit outdoor activity.

Data Centers in the Crosshairs: Lawmakers and cities across southern Minnesota are weighing data-center growth against water use, energy demand, noise, and transparency, with Lonsdale-area legislators raising concerns and North Mankato discussing a possible one-year interim moratorium while Hermantown approves reimbursement agreements tied to environmental review. Severe Weather Watch: Monday night storms brought warnings and gusty conditions, and more severe storms are expected Tuesday, keeping northern and central Minnesota on alert. Roads vs. Heat: A new look at climate-driven extreme heat highlights how warmer conditions can buckle and warp pavement, raising the odds of costly repairs. Lake Health Check: A decade-long DNR/MPCA fish survey finds 77% of assessed Minnesota lakes fully support aquatic life, with healthier lakes linked to lower phosphorus and better shoreline habitat. Wildlife Updates: The DNR is inviting community reports of pheasants and wild turkeys through Aug. 31, and added counties to Minnesota’s deer feeding ban to curb chronic wasting disease spread. Synthetic Life Research: University of Minnesota scientists report SpudCell, a lab-built system that can eat, grow, copy genetic material, and divide—sparking fresh debate about what “life” means.

Aquatic Health Check: A new DNR/MPCA report uses 15 years of fish surveys (1,444 IBI runs on 908 lakes) to show healthier lakes usually have lower phosphorus runoff, less watershed disturbance, and better shoreline habitat; 77% of assessed lakes fully support fish biodiversity, while 23% are impaired. Wildlife & Habitat: The DNR says Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring 2026 population is in a declining phase, with statewide drumming at 1.7 per stop, and notes nesting success and June rain can swing fall numbers. Community Science: A BioBlitz at Purrington Prairie Scientific and Natural Area near Windom (July 18) invites people to help document fish, spiders, plants, butterflies, and moths. Conservation in Action: Isle Royale temporarily closed the Duncan Narrows campground after increasing human-wildlife interactions, including wolves getting too close to people. Sustainable Building: The Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition is pushing energy-efficient codes, electrification, and heat pumps to cut building emissions. Outdoor Rules: Minnesota’s special youth deer hunts in state parks require lead-free ammunition, with a key shotgun-zone exception removed. Weather Watch: A tornado watch was issued for parts of northwestern Minnesota and the Lake of the Woods region.

EMS Mental Health: Hennepin County paramedics and EMTs say a year of nonstop emergencies and political stress is breaking them, citing staffing strain and anger over leadership as they push for better ratios and mental health support. Medicare Drug Coverage: A Mankato-area retiree story shows how some Wellcare Value Script enrollees face sudden loss of coverage after missed premiums, risking months without needed meds. Water & Land Stewardship: The Heron Lake Watershed District highlights cost-share loans and grants for septic upgrades, cover crops, and multi-year water projects. Wildlife & Community: A Minnesota watershed and wildlife angle also shows up in local programming, from mosquito-smart gardening tips to public nature education at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. Public Health & Safety: Minnesota AG action targets alleged rat poison misuse meant to deter dogs, raising concerns about rodenticide handling and harm to pets. Synthetic Biology: U of Minnesota researchers report SpudCell, a lab-built cell-like system that grows, copies DNA, and divides—an advance that’s not yet “alive.”

Air Quality & Public Health: After July 4 fireworks, the D.C. region issued “very unhealthy” (purple) and “unhealthy” (orange) air alerts, urging sensitive groups to avoid outdoor activity and everyone else to limit time outside. Wildlife Disease Prevention: Minnesota DNR expanded its deer feeding and attractant ban by adding five counties to curb chronic wasting disease spread, warning that feeding draws deer into closer contact. Water & Land Contamination: In Wells, MPCA is investigating a historic petroleum release at the former Shepherd’s Inn site, with soil borings planned as ownership changes. Pets & Toxic Chemicals: Minnesota AG sued a Mankato couple over alleged rat poison use meant to deter dogs, seeking penalties and a court order to remove the poison. Mosquito Control: A Minnesota guide highlights how to reduce mosquitoes by mowing weedy areas, cutting still-water breeding spots, and managing yard conditions. Outdoor Learning: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in west-central Minnesota promotes trails, rentals, and family programs for hands-on nature education.

Wildlife Health: Minnesota DNR expanded its deer feeding and attractant ban by adding five counties (Becker, Clearwater, Grant, McLeod, Meeker) to curb chronic wasting disease spread, bringing the ban to 37 counties. Water Protection: Orono moved ahead with its Wellhead Protection Plan Phase II, targeting contaminant sources and well-sealing, with a Minnesota Department of Health review next. Reforestation Incentives: The DNR is accepting applications for its Field to Forest Cost Share Program through Dec. 1, offering up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting plus per-acre incentives for diverse reforestation. Local Cleanup Planning: Winnebago’s EDA discussed options for demolishing a long-vacant Patriot Assisted Living building, with mold and disposal costs estimated around $500,000. Food Access Expansion: Second Harvest Northland began construction on the final phase of its $20 million Nourish the Northland project in Duluth, adding a market and community engagement space. Community Sustainability: A Rochester student is pushing a free campus outdoor gear library to support UMR’s Climate Action Plan. Data Center Backlash: A Minnesota Poll found 63% of Minnesotans oppose data centers in their towns as Google advances new proposals. Science & Bioengineering: U of Minnesota researchers unveiled “SpudCell,” a synthetic cell-like system that can grow, copy DNA, and divide—while stressing it isn’t alive.

Deer Disease Watch: Minnesota DNR expanded its deer feeding and attractant ban by adding Becker, Clearwater, Grant, McLeod and Meeker counties, bringing the total to 37 as chronic wasting disease risk rises. Local Water Protection: Orono moved ahead with its Wellhead Protection Plan Phase II, setting up a 90-day Minnesota Department of Health review. Reforestation Incentives: The DNR is accepting applications for its Field to Forest Cost Share Program through Dec. 1, offering up to 75% reimbursement for tree planting plus per-acre incentives. Community Food Security: Second Harvest Northland began construction on the final phase of its $20 million Nourish the Northland facility in Duluth, adding a market-style food shelf and a volunteer/community engagement center. Data Center Backlash: A Minnesota Poll found 63% of Minnesotans oppose data centers in their towns as North Mankato weighs a possible moratorium. Wildlife & Recreation: DNR also urged boaters to own their wake and keep waterways shared, as holiday enforcement ramps up.

Data Center Moratorium Debate (North Mankato): North Mankato is weighing a yearlong pause on new or expanded data centers while it studies zoning, operational standards, and local impacts. Wildlife & Water Safety: The Minnesota DNR urged boaters to keep wakes under control to protect shorelines, water quality, and habitat. CWD Crackdown: The DNR expanded deer feeding and attractant bans to five more counties to slow chronic wasting disease spread. Rat Poison Lawsuit (Mankato): Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued a Mankato couple and won a temporary order requiring removal of rat poison placed near a public sidewalk, after officials say a dog ate bait. Solar Fight (Sherburne County): Sherburne County approved a 2.475 MW solar farm despite earlier planning recommendations and resident concerns about wildlife and impacts. Heat Preparedness: A heat-safety guide highlighted how humidity and prolonged exposure can be dangerous, especially for kids and seniors. Local Governance & Schools: New Minnesota laws took effect July 1, including anonymous threat reporting requirements for schools.

Heat & public safety: A major heat wave is pushing record highs across the East, with humidity making it feel even worse—an early reminder for Minnesota to plan for heat stress and higher cooling costs. Boating & water protection: The Minnesota DNR is urging boaters to “own their wake,” warning that improper operation can damage docks, erode shorelines, worsen water quality, and harm fish and wildlife—especially near shore and in crowded areas. Wildlife & invasives: An invasive “bloody red shrimp” is now confirmed in all five Great Lakes, raising new concerns for Minnesota’s lake ecosystems and the spread of aquatic invaders. Water quality & shoreline care: Local reporting highlights shoreline erosion drivers and the value of restoring natural, vegetated edges instead of hard armoring. PFAS & pollution policy: New Mexico finalized a PFAS consumer-products rule with phased bans and labeling starting in 2026–2027, adding pressure on states watching the next wave of PFAS regulation. Local enforcement: Minnesota’s AG won a court order against two Mankato residents accused of placing rat poison near a sidewalk in a way that allegedly harmed dogs. Farm & soil stewardship: University of Minnesota Extension is sharing best practices for using manure as a nutrient resource—aiming to cut waste and protect water.

Water Quality Watch: The MPCA is proposing to add 46 Minnesota lakes, rivers and streams to its impaired waters list, citing problems ranging from mercury and PFAS to nutrient pollution and reduced aquatic life—while also proposing to remove impairments from nearly 50 waters, the most delistings since the list began in 1992. Local Progress, Ongoing Concerns: Dakota County saw some wins: three waters were delisted in 2026, including Holz and Carlson lakes in Eagan and part of the Cannon River, but the MPCA’s broader list update shows more work ahead. Lake Superior Focus: In a Lake Superior update, MPCA highlighted new impairments in the Lake Superior South watershed, including Chester and Tischer Creeks, tied to issues like biodiversity, E. coli and mercury. Invasive Species Alert: Montana stopped a mussel-fouled wake boat headed from Minnesota to Georgetown Lake, decontaminating the vessel after inspectors found zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Wildlife-Friendly Rules: Fireworks are banned on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to protect nesting birds and prevent litter hazards. Community Science: Minnesota DNR is asking residents to report ring-necked pheasant and wild turkey sightings through Aug. 31 to track population trends and guide harvest rules.

PFAS Cleanup Funding: Minnesota DNR and MPCA selected 26 habitat restoration and outdoor recreation projects for $20 million tied to 3M’s PFAS settlement, including Dakota County grants for Spring Lake Park Reserve habitat work and river access improvements at Kaposia Landing. Boating & Water Safety: The DNR reminded Minnesotans that wake-making can erode shorelines, harm habitat, and degrade water quality, urging slow/no-wake near shore and extra distance from sensitive areas. Wildlife & Community Science: The DNR is asking people to report ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys through Aug. 31 to track population trends and guide harvest rules. Invasive Species Watch: Minnesota DNR urged vigilance for East Asian jumping worms, which can rapidly damage soil health; the issue is spreading in other states too. River Restoration Debate: Groups are weighing whether to remove Twin Cities locks and dams to restore Mississippi River ecology and recreation, while considering risks like contaminated sediment. Solid Waste Shift: St. Louis County’s Regional Landfill in Virginia began accepting waste from five counties as Superior Landfill closed, moving toward a more regional system.