AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes Invasive Species: The Army Corps says it’s resuming work on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project aimed at stopping invasive carp, after a July pause and new reports of silver carp found far upstream in the Illinois River. Local Landfill Fight: Over 150 people packed Seymour Town Hall to question GFL’s plan to buy county forest land and expand the Seven Mile Creek Landfill, with residents raising concerns about access and environmental impacts. Energy & Pollution Watch: Clean energy advocates warn Wisconsin’s data center boom could push utilities toward new natural gas plants, arguing the current utility business model may steer investment away from cheaper clean options. Wildlife Health: The Wisconsin DNR is reminding hunters that baiting and feeding bans are required in counties with confirmed CWD-positive deer (and nearby areas), since congregating deer can spread the fatal disease. Community & Animals: Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee is featuring “Coco,” a shy but sweet 3-year-old pup ready for a calm home with children older than 5. Weather: Scattered showers and storms are possible this morning, with rain chances lingering into the week.

Diesel shock for harvest: Wisconsin farmers say $6+ diesel and trade pressures are driving up costs just as harvest ramps, with one dairy operation estimating fuel bills that could hit hundreds of thousands. Great Lakes restoration: Volunteers helped restore manoomin (wild rice) on the St. Louis River estuary by distributing seed by canoe, aiming for long-term habitat recovery. Lake Superior algae focus: Experts are urging swift action to address harmful algal blooms threatening the region’s waters. Line 5 fight heats up: Enbridge says Line 5 is back in service via a temporary bypass after an Iron County leak, while the DNR raised concerns about permits and environmental impacts. Wildlife and habitat: Wisconsin leaders marked a Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area historical marker dedication, tying local history to ecology and species habitat. Weather watch: Widespread rain and storms are moving in, with possible flooding in low-lying areas and gusty winds. Public health outdoors: Researchers warn of tickborne-illness risk as autumn migration and tick activity rise. Rural resilience: UW Health expands plant-based, locally sourced options as part of a sustainable food system push. Community support: United Way’s Mobile Community Closet brings free clothing to Mosinee for National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day.

Gene Therapy Breakthrough: Two northeast Wisconsin sisters became the first in the U.S. to receive a newly approved gene therapy for rare genetic hearing loss at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee, offering early hope even as doctors warn meaningful change may take weeks. Drought & Water Smart Farming: With Wisconsin facing dry conditions, a cranberry farm in Eagle River is using technology to track soil and water needs and fine-tune irrigation during drought. Storm Watch for SE Wisconsin: Meteorologists warn of increasing rain and gusty winds, with heavier rain likely late Monday into Tuesday morning and a localized flooding risk. Lake Wausau Plane Recovery: After Rep. Tom Tiffany’s emergency water landing, a towing company outlines a slow, weather-dependent removal plan while the DNR urges boats to stay away to prevent fuel spills. Wildlife & Invasives Risk: A Fall Creek exotic pet surrender event highlighted why releasing non-native animals outdoors can harm native wildlife and spread disease. Frost Alert: Northern Wisconsin may see its first widespread frost Monday morning, with advice to protect sensitive plants. Data & Energy Pressure: Coverage also points to growing electricity demand from data centers and the need for transmission upgrades to move power cleanly.

Water & Weather: Frost Advisory is up for parts of northern Wisconsin, with the first widespread frost possible Monday morning, so cover sensitive plants. Storm Risk: Monday brings showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m., with heavy rain possible Monday night into Tuesday morning and a localized flooding concern. Local Conservation: Milwaukee County Parks says about 100 newly planted trees were illegally removed from the Menomonee River Parkway restoration in Wauwatosa, undermining a project aimed at restoring native habitat for wildlife. Wastewater & Competition: Veolia has sued MMSD over its next wastewater treatment contract, alleging the district was “predisposed” to pick a competitor and didn’t follow procurement rules. Data Centers & Community Impacts: Wisconsin Rapids residents are set to hold a public forum on hyperscale data centers, with speakers addressing environmental impacts, noise, pollution, and energy use. Wildlife & Land: The Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program marks 75 years, protecting hundreds of sites and a large share of the state’s rare plants and wildlife. Energy/Policy: Wisconsin DNR actions around Enbridge’s Line 5 bypass work continue to draw attention as regulators and opponents push for stronger oversight after spills. Diesel Costs: Diesel prices in Southeast Wisconsin have climbed above $6 a gallon at some stations, adding pressure for truck drivers ahead of harvest.

Great Lakes & Water Safety: A diver missing on a shipwreck trip off Chicago was recovered from about 160 feet of water, underscoring the risks of deep-water searches. Weather & Flood Watch: Wisconsin is heading into a wetter early-week pattern, with Monday into Tuesday bringing widespread rain, a chance of strong storms, and localized flooding risk. Wildlife & Hunting Safety: The DNR urged waterfowl hunters to use life jackets, avoid overloading boats, and check forecasts as cooler temps and sudden weather raise hypothermia and boating hazards. Energy & Environment Policy: Wisconsin DOJ joined lawsuits challenging Trump administration endangered species rollbacks, while Wisconsin groups also called on Evers to halt Enbridge Line 5 after spill concerns. Local Land Use: Peshtigo officials sought input on the future of the Landmark property and approved related sewer and housing-related ordinances. Campus Animal Welfare Scrutiny: UW–Madison police are investigating a graduate’s video alleging CO2 pig stunning at a meat science facility, with claims still under review. Community & Health: Madison hosted the Mental Health Warrior Film Festival and an IRONKIDS Fun Run tied to IRONMAN weekend.

Lake Michigan Search-and-Rescue: A Wisconsin-based recovery team located and recovered the body of a diver missing on a shipwreck trip about 20 miles offshore, ending a difficult operation at roughly 160 feet deep. Weather Watch: Rain chances ramp up Monday into Tuesday, with localized flooding possible and a low chance of severe storms—plan for wet conditions and monitor updates. Climate & Health Push: Wisconsin health professionals are urging state leaders to treat climate change as an urgent public health crisis, citing wildfire smoke, flooding, and rising energy demands from data centers. Endangered Species Legal Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined federal lawsuits challenging Trump administration endangered species rule changes that could weaken habitat protections. Energy/Water Street: Milwaukee’s new accessible theater production, “Red Days,” brings a climate drama to local audiences. DNR Safety: Waterfowl hunters are being reminded to prioritize boat safety—life jackets, weather checks, and avoiding overloads.

Climate as public health: Wisconsin doctors and nurses are urging the next governor and Legislature to treat climate change as an urgent health crisis, pointing to wildfire smoke, historic flooding, and the rising energy demands of new hyperscale data centers. Great Lakes pipeline fight: Tribes and Great Lakes groups are calling on Gov. Tony Evers to halt Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute after a major spill, citing safety risks to the Great Lakes. Local restoration vandalism: Milwaukee County is investigating after about 100 newly planted flood-mitigation trees were cut down near Currie Park in Wauwatosa, a hit that could cost thousands and undermines stormwater and pollution-control goals. Dane County conservation win: The Dane County Board received a Sierra Club Environmental Achievement Award for buying and returning 165 acres to the Ho-Chunk Nation, protecting wetlands, wildlife, and water quality. Transmission project scrutiny: Dane County also urged more review and public input on a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line, saying the feedback timeline hasn’t given communities enough time. Weather watch: Expect a warm, humid Saturday turning cooler Sunday, with showers and storms more likely Monday into midweek.

Line 5 Standoff: Wisconsin DNR has ordered Enbridge to halt construction on a temporary Line 5 bypass after a major natural gas liquids spill near Saxon, saying the company moved without required permits and must prioritize cleanup and environmental restoration. Big Power, Big Pushback: Dane County is urging more review and public input on a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission project, arguing the current timeline and outreach don’t give landowners enough time to assess route impacts. Conservation Win: The Dane County Board received a National Sierra Club Environmental Achievement Award for approving the purchase and return of 165 acres to the Ho-Chunk Nation, protecting wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water quality. Data Center Scrutiny: In Wisconsin Rapids, residents are set for a public forum on hyperscale data centers’ environmental effects, including energy use, noise, and pollution. Local Trail Funding: Vilas County’s River Trail project hit a milestone with a $1.3M grant to build a new connection along Highway 70. Wildlife & Water Safety: Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters to avoid deer baiting and feeding to help curb CWD spread, while Great Lakes beach hazard alerts warn of dangerous swimming conditions near Lake Michigan.

Endangered Species Act Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over ESA rollbacks that loosen habitat protections for threatened and endangered species. Lake Superior Health: Experts are urging faster action on harmful algal blooms on Lake Superior, calling for more research funding and real-time monitoring. Wildlife & Habitat in Wisconsin: Wisconsin wild rice (manoomin) is rebounding after years of low production, but long-term climate and human pressures still threaten it. Pollinators Return: Restored prairie on former farmland is bringing back bumblebee diversity, including the rusty patched bumblebee in southeast Wisconsin. Transmission Line Pushback: Dane County is asking for delays and more public input on a proposed 765-kV transmission line crossing southern Wisconsin. Birds & Light Pollution: Bird watchers are tracking huge fall migrations over southeast Wisconsin and are urging residents to turn down outdoor lights at night. Local Water Cleanup: Crews are harvesting bogs and weeds from Whitewater Lake to improve water quality while the lake stays in use. Data Center Concerns: Port Washington residents pressed Oracle and OpenAI on environmental impacts and energy use tied to a massive data center campus. Weather Watch: A “super” El Niño is forecast to shape fall and winter conditions, with potential drought relief for some areas.

Transmission Line Fight: Wisconsin lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates are lining up against a proposed 190-mile, 765-kilovolt power line through the Driftless, with calls for more public process and concerns it would disrupt local communities. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Wisconsin health officials confirmed the state’s first Eastern Equine Encephalitis case this year, urging residents to avoid mosquito exposure and seek care after symptoms. Great Lakes Pipeline Pressure: The Wisconsin DNR ordered Enbridge to stop work on a Line 5 temporary bypass after an Aug. 25 natural gas liquids spill, citing missing permits and ongoing environmental risks. Clean Energy Milestone: Milwaukee completed the largest solar expansion in city history, adding a 4.6-megawatt boost on a former landfill to power municipal buildings with 100% renewable energy. Data Center Transparency: A Dane County judge ruled the Public Service Commission unlawfully withheld records tied to Meta’s Beaver Dam data center demand, as Wisconsin pushes for more openness in the fast-growing sector. Wildlife & Public Safety: DNR reminded hunters to correctly distinguish elk from white-tailed deer, and Wisconsin issued a lights-out alert to protect migrating birds. Weather & Climate Signals: Federal forecasters say a strong El Niño is likely this fall into winter, with implications for Midwest conditions.

Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: Wisconsin DHS confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a Portage County horse and urged residents to prevent bites as risk can last into fall until hard frost. Legal Fight for Wildlife: Democratic attorneys general, including Wisconsin’s, sued the Trump administration over endangered species rollbacks, challenging changes that weaken habitat protections. Bird-Safe Night Skies: A Wisconsin Lights Out Alert runs 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to reduce migration risks, asking people to turn off outdoor lights. Local Climate & Water Education: A PFAS forum in Sparta will answer questions and share practical ways to reduce exposure. Community Resilience After Storms: Fox Cities businesses paused operations to support tornado relief after the July 27 EF3 storm, showing how local networks turn into lifelines. Outdoor Learning Boost: River Falls schools received a $10,000 grant to expand hands-on lessons in the school forest. Weather Watch: Southeast Wisconsin gets a cooler, less humid stretch before storms return later in the week.

Endangered Species Act Fight: A coalition of 20 states and DC sued the Trump administration over new Endangered Species Act rules that narrow what counts as “harm” and weaken protections for habitats and “critical habitat,” raising alarms for species tied to wetlands, streams, and forests. Great Lakes Energy Watch: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Michigan regulators to re-check Line 5 tunnel permits after a state Supreme Court ruling, and urged Enbridge to pursue transport alternatives to shut down the pipeline sooner. Wisconsin Flood Resilience: A Wisconsin legislative study committee kicked off work on floodplain restoration, focusing on restoring wetlands and native habitat to cut erosion, improve water quality, and better manage bigger, more frequent floods. Local Climate Action: Dane County recognized 73 new “Climate Champions” across sectors as it pushes toward cutting emissions in half by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Data Center Backlash: A new Marquette Law School poll finds growing opposition to data centers in Wisconsin, with many voters saying costs outweigh benefits and support for a short construction ban. Surveillance Cameras: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he won’t fund Flock license-plate cameras in the 2027 budget unless stronger privacy guardrails are in place. Weather: Expect patchy fog possible tonight, then a dry stretch before weekend storm chances return.

Data Centers & Climate Justice: Sheboygan kicked off a community speaker series on data centers after approving a 12-month moratorium on large projects, aiming to shape Wisconsin zoning rules while residents ask about impacts. Great Lakes Water: Lawmakers are racing a Sept. 30 deadline to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, with funding levels still split between House and Senate. Lake Superior Algae: Experts warn harmful cyanobacteria and blue-green algal blooms are becoming more common in Lake Superior, urging earlier detection and nutrient-source tracking. Local Water & Farming: A Wisconsin cranberry farm is using solar-powered monitoring tech to manage irrigation during drought-stressed conditions. Severe Weather Watch: Parts of the region face a slight risk of severe storms and flash flooding over the next 24 hours. Wildlife Health: Wisconsin’s EHD deer outbreak continues, with the DNR reporting hundreds of deaths in the southeast. Public Safety vs Privacy: Racine and Stevens Point are both weighing Flock license-plate camera use, as privacy concerns drive pauses and coverings. Energy Infrastructure: Alliant’s LNG plant in the Town of Rock received “verbal approval” from the PSC, despite local environmental opposition.

Pipeline & Pollution Watch: A WPR review says an Aug. 25 Enbridge Line 5 leak in Iron County released about 31,000 barrels (1.3 million gallons) of natural gas liquids—now the largest Wisconsin oil-and-gas spill reported in over 50 years—while the pipeline remains shut down. Wildlife Policy: A Trump executive order directs federal review of whether gray wolves meet Endangered Species Act recovery criteria, potentially paving the way for delisting or downlisting; Wisconsin’s gray wolf is already managed as a game animal under state rules. Power Lines & Water Protection: The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway board unanimously opposed the proposed BECI 765-kV project, warning about ecological and cultural impacts and risks to karst groundwater and riverway habitat. Public Health: Wisconsin DHS reports the southwestern measles outbreak has grown to 151 confirmed and 6 probable cases, urging residents to check vaccination status. Local Weather: Showers and a few storms are expected to move through southeast Wisconsin late Tuesday into Wednesday, with humid conditions and breezy follow-through.

Great Lakes & Water Safety: A late-August natural gas spill tied to Enbridge’s Line 5 in Iron County could be the largest in Wisconsin, with environmental groups warning of toxic releases and calling for more transparency. Wildlife & Harvest: Wisconsin’s wild rice harvest is expected to rise, with tribes and the state kicking off “Wild Rice Week” to highlight manoomin’s cultural and ecological importance. Agriculture & Conservation: Farmers say federal conservation staffing cuts are leaving them without help, just as tariffs and shifting markets squeeze costs and sales. Energy & Infrastructure: Richland Center unanimously urged extra safeguards on a proposed 765 kV transmission line, including alternatives, a stronger environmental review, and aviation risk checks. Local Environment & Health: Milwaukee neighbors reported flooding concerns after a water main failure near 38th Court and Helena; crews worked to drain and repair. Community & Sustainability: Milwaukee’s Milorganite process turns wastewater into long-running lawn fertilizer, diverting billions of pounds from landfills. Weather: Southeast Wisconsin braces for showers and storms tonight into Wednesday morning, then a drier, nicer stretch later in the week.

Water Safety: Eau Claire County beach testing wrapped up for the season, but officials are still warning people to avoid Lake Altoona after harmful algae toxins were found. Drought Impacts: Low river levels are cutting into Labor Day boating, with the Mississippi River struggling to reach normal depths. Local Air & Water Quality: Health officials urged caution as beach testing ended, noting cyanobacteria can linger into fall. Energy & Environment: Alliant Energy says it got “verbal approval” from the PSC for a $512 million LNG plant in Rock County, despite earlier local opposition. Wildlife & Climate Risk: Wisconsin DNR continues tracking deadly deer disease and reports on gray wolf monitoring. Data Centers & Community Concerns: Lawsuits claim data centers’ low-frequency noise harms nearby residents, and residents question whether standard dBA monitoring misses the problem. Public Art & Nature: Antigo is turning downtown light poles into a public art gallery, including a monarch butterfly banner.