AGP Executive Report

Heat & health: A massive July 4 heat dome is putting more than 200 million Americans under heat alerts, with major/extreme heat risks and a key gap: the federal government still lacks disaster tools built for extreme heat. Wildlife & public safety: In Jackson County, residents report a recurring black bear near White City/Phoenix; officials say don’t approach, secure trash, and report sightings to ODFW. Wildlife crime: A former Oregon prison officer, Christopher Matson, pleaded guilty to poaching big game including a black bear and was sentenced to probation, fined $114K+, and banned from hunting for life. Water & recreation: Detroit Lake’s rapid drawdown will force marinas to pull docks earlier than planned, hitting summer tourism. Oregon outdoors after fireworks: Surfrider is hosting post–July 4 cleanups across Oregon on Sunday to tackle holiday trash. Invasive species watch: East Asian jumping worms are being reported as quietly wrecking Oregon soil, adding pressure on gardeners. Wolf update: ODFW says the Metolius wolf pack likely failed to reproduce this spring while another pack appears to have added pups.

Energy affordability fight: Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon’s POWER Act will shift electricity costs from households to data centers and other large users, with the PUC set to consider a first rate change proposal July 7 that would raise data-center rates and lower most residential and business rates. Invasive species in Oregon: Oregon gardeners are being warned about East Asian jumping worms, which strip leaf litter and can leave soil drier and less healthy for plants and ecosystems. Water safety alert: Oregon Health Authority issued a health precaution for Thief Valley Reservoir near North Powder due to cyanotoxins from blue-green algae—swimming and risky water contact are discouraged, and boiling or basic filters won’t remove the toxins. Wildlife monitoring: ODFW and local deputies are tracking a wandering bear in White City neighborhoods after multiple sightings. Boating enforcement: The Oregon State Marine Board joins Operation Dry Water July 3–5 to crack down on boating under the influence, including impairment from alcohol and drugs. Arctic shipping impacts: Two new studies find bowhead whales and ringed seals overlap less with ships during ice-covered seasons now, but warn future sea-ice loss could raise risk. Wildlife crime: Oregon State Police report a former DOC officer received a lifetime hunting ban and $114K+ in fines after pleading guilty to multiple poaching and weapons-related charges.

Heat & water risks: Oregon is seeing the kind of record warmth that’s become more common as climate change drives hotter summers, with July ranking among the hottest on record in the state. Aquatic life under stress: New research finds warm streams are increasing heat stress and risk for juvenile salmon, and separate work shows tire pollution can harm fish and shrimp growth and behavior in estuaries. Invasive species in Oregon gardens: East Asian jumping worms are spreading and can rapidly degrade soil by eating leaf litter, leaving ground drier and less healthy for plants and ecosystems. Public health advisory: Oregon Health Authority issued a precaution for Thief Valley Reservoir due to cyanotoxins from blue-green algae—swimming and water exposure are discouraged, and boiling won’t remove toxins. Wildlife & outdoor safety: OSP reports a former Oregon DOC officer pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife crimes, while local officials also remind residents to keep distance from bears and watch for rattlesnakes during summer hikes. Infrastructure & environment: Federal approval clears the way for the I-5 Interstate Bridge replacement project to move toward construction, and Oregon senators are pressing the state’s data center advisory committee to address energy demand, costs, and environmental impacts.

Interstate Bridge Milestone: Federal agencies issued an amended record of decision clearing the way for the Interstate 5 bridge replacement between Portland and Vancouver—Oregon and Washington can now move into permitting and contractor selection for the $14.4 billion project. Wildlife Crossings: Oregon is pushing ahead with wildlife overpass work, including a federally funded $37 million Mariposa Wildlife Crossing over I-5 south of Ashland, plus broader efforts to fund animal crossings across the state. PFAS Watch: The FDA says it will limit PFAS in bottled water, aligning standards with EPA’s drinking-water limits. Oregon Zoo Conservation: The Oregon Zoo released 1,304 Oregon silverspot larvae along the coast to help restore a threatened butterfly tied to early blue violets. Wildlife Crime: Oregon State Police report a former Eastern Oregon prison guard pleaded guilty to major poaching cases, losing a hunting license for life and facing $114,000+ in fines. Local Governance & Energy: Wallowa County swore in a new commissioner as Portland considers reducing fuel storage at its Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub.

Wildlife Connectivity: Federal agencies approved the amended environmental decision for the Interstate Bridge replacement, clearing the way for construction planning on the I-5 Columbia River crossing between Portland and Vancouver. Habitat Safety Boost: Oregon also secured $37 million for the Mariposa wildlife overpass over I-5 south of Ashland, with Southern Oregon University using camera-trap research to guide design. Conservation in Action: The Oregon Zoo released 1,304 Oregon silverspot larvae to coastal sites to help restore a threatened butterfly tied to early blue violets. Enforcement: Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife wrapped up a multi-county poaching case, sentencing a Umatilla man to lifetime hunting license revocation and $114,000+ in fines. Wildfire Readiness: Oregon marked five years of Fire Adapted Oregon and Response Ready Oregon, highlighting defensible-space training and new response equipment. Climate & Oceans: A voluntary vessel speed reduction program expanded statewide off Oregon to cut whale risk and ocean noise, with record participation from shipping lines. Energy Grid Push: Western governors, including Oregon’s Josh Green, advanced a regional effort to streamline transmission permitting across state lines.

Aquatic Invasives: Oregon’s Prineville Reservoir got a scare after a single dead adult quagga mussel was found on the shoreline, though testing found no other mussels in the reservoir—raising the stakes for early detection. Marine Wildlife Protections: ODFW is taking public comments on proposed commercial Dungeness crab rule changes aimed at reducing whale entanglements, including electronic monitoring and gear-related updates. Public Health & Air Quality: Oregon Health Authority released tougher outdoor air guidance for kids and teens during wildfire smoke, noting smoke can harm children at lower exposure levels than previously thought. Wildlife Health: Benton County reported its first 2026 rabies-positive bat case, urging residents to avoid direct contact and vaccinate pets. Coastal Ecosystem Risk: Researchers warn an invasive fox tapeworm may now be established in the Pacific Northwest, with precautions for people and dogs. Water Safety: Oregon stepped up boating enforcement for the Fourth of July with Operation Dry Water patrols targeting impaired boating. Local Infrastructure: Portland International Airport finished its $2.15 billion terminal reconstruction, a major Oregon public works project completed without full-day closures.

Port of Coos Bay: The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay inked a $25 million federal grant to push its Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project forward, moving toward environmental review and permitting for a new container terminal. Nuclear cleanup oversight: Washington’s Department of Ecology is taking public comment on a draft renewal permit for 52 waste sites at the Hanford Nuclear Site, a key step in how hazardous and radioactive waste is stored and disposed. Air pollution fight: Oregon’s and other states’ attorneys general joined a coalition opposing EPA changes that would let major polluters start construction without first getting New Source Review permits. Invasive species alert: A single dead adult quagga mussel was found on the shoreline of Oregon’s Prineville Reservoir, prompting rapid-response surveillance and outreach. Water safety: Oregon Health Authority downgraded the Lake Billy Chinook recreational advisory to “precaution” after toxin levels dropped, while warning pets to stay away from bloom areas. Public health: Benton County reported its first confirmed rabies case of the year after a bat tested positive, urging people to avoid bats and contact officials quickly after any exposure. Local land-use pressure: Crook County leaders discussed a possible temporary moratorium on commercial solar development amid concerns about farmland, wildlife habitat, and proximity to Prineville. Wildlife and disease: Oregon’s Prineville Reservoir mussel finding and Benton County rabies case both underscore how quickly risks can surface—and why monitoring matters.

Oregon Climate & Energy Policy: The University of Oregon set aside $15 million in student building fees to eventually replace its natural gas boiler with an electric one, aiming to cut Eugene’s biggest greenhouse gas source. Wildlife & Invasive Species: Oregon officials are responding to a first-time discovery of a dead quagga mussel at Prineville Reservoir, with more surveys underway to protect waterways and recreation. Water & Cleanup Oversight: Washington’s Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a draft renewal of the Hanford sitewide permit, expanding coverage to 52 waste sites and setting standards for DOE cleanup. Local Conservation in Action: Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation is building a nearby demonstration farm so landowners can see conservation practices work for water quality and wildlife. Public Safety on Water: Oregon’s State Marine Board joins “Operation Dry Water” to crack down on boating under the influence July 3–5. Community & Outdoors: Oregon Department of Forestry is urging people to try less-crowded state forest campgrounds for the 250th July 4 weekend.

Air Quality Enforcement: Oregon DEQ fined Portland General Electric $260,700 for air quality and greenhouse gas violations at its Boardman plant, citing miscalculated emissions and reporting failures. Invasive Species Alert: A single dead quagga mussel was found at Prineville Reservoir, the first such discovery in Oregon, prompting additional surveys and DNA testing. Salmon Policy Shock: BPA will end funding for the SAFE hatchery program Sept. 30, creating a projected $2.4 million gap and putting more than 7 million hatchery salmon at risk. Water Quality Fixes: Researchers say they have a path to reduce the Willamette River’s Ross Island algal bloom by restoring water circulation, but a proposed planning grant stalled in the Legislature. Conservation on the Ground: Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is turning a rural property into a demonstration farm so landowners can see conservation practices that protect water and wildlife. Local Cleanup Culture: The Gambler 500 returns to Madras public lands with a junk-car “race” model to pull trash from the landscape. Brownfields Cleanup: Oakridge won a $500,000 EPA grant to assess contamination at old log ponds, including PCBs and dioxin concerns. Recycling Fight in Court: Lollicup USA sued Oregon DEQ over the state’s packaging extended producer responsibility law, seeking to block enforcement.

Oregon Conservation & Wildlife: Van Duzer Vineyards in Dallas is using sheep grazing to restore habitat for the endangered Fender’s blue butterfly, helping the species rebound after it was once thought extinct. Columbia River Fisheries: The Bonneville Power Administration is ending funding for the SAFE salmon fisheries program, putting decades of Lower Columbia River mitigation work at risk and leaving Oregon and Washington hatchery efforts exposed. Coastal Wildlife & Fireworks: Lincoln City is bringing back its Fourth of July fireworks, but moving the show to over Devil’s Lake instead of Siletz Bay due to wildlife, environmental, and fire-safety concerns. Marine Life Protections: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration to finalize long-delayed protections for the imperiled sunflower sea star, a species Oregon’s coast has lost heavily to wasting disease. Invasive Mussels: Oregon officials confirmed a new quagga mussel discovery in Prineville Reservoir, raising fresh concerns for freshwater ecosystems. Climate & Oceans: The National Science Foundation reversed course and will keep hundreds of Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments in place, including in Alaska waters, after plans to dismantle parts of the system sparked backlash.

Wildlife & Fire Safety: Lincoln City is bringing back its Fourth of July fireworks over Devil’s Lake (near Regatta Park) instead of Siletz Bay, citing wildlife, environmental impacts, and fire danger; parking will be tight and a shuttle will run from the Community Center to the park. Salmon Conservation Funding: The Bonneville Power Administration is ending funding for Oregon and Washington’s Select Area Fisheries Enhancement program, leaving native salmon mitigation work in limbo and putting millions of hatchery salmon at risk, according to ODFW. Toxic Algae in the Willamette: A Ross Island Lagoon algae bloom is expected to be especially bad as drought and heat boost toxin-producing cyanobacteria; Oregon State University and partners say a $20 million channel project could help, but legislative funding stalled. Energy Efficiency in Eugene: Eugene City Council is moving toward requiring home sellers to disclose a Home Energy Score in listings, aiming to give buyers clearer info on efficiency and upgrades. Wildfire Readiness: Nearly 200 trainees finished an Oregon wildland fire school with a controlled burn simulation, as officials warn the state faces elevated fire risk into late summer.

Wildfire readiness in Oregon: Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Fire Marshal are urging people to use fireworks responsibly as burn restrictions kick in ahead of a potentially active season, with fireworks banned on state forest and ODF-protected lands and officials warning that even small sparks can ignite fast-moving blazes. Toxic algae in Portland-area waters: A $20 million plan to improve circulation in the Ross Island Lagoon is stalled in the Legislature, leaving the Willamette River’s summer cyanobacteria bloom poised to be especially bad as drought and heat worsen stagnant conditions. Energy efficiency for homebuyers: Eugene City Council advanced a proposal that would require home sellers to include a standardized Home Energy Score in listings, aiming to help residents understand costs and upgrades. Wildland fire training: Nearly 200 trainees just finished a five-day Oregon wildland fire school, ending with a controlled burn simulation to prepare for elevated fire risk later in summer. Recycling momentum: Eugene-area programs highlighted continued progress, including a mattress recycling effort that diverts beds from landfills and a broader push to keep textiles out of dumps. Drought pressure: Commentary notes Oregon’s drought emergency actions are likely to grow as below-normal snowpack and warm, dry conditions strain water supplies. Conservation beyond Oregon: A Eugene-based nonprofit is fighting the return of M-44 cyanide bombs, warning they kill indiscriminately and harm wildlife and pets.

Home Energy Scores in Eugene: Eugene City Council advanced a proposal that would require home sellers to include a standardized Home Energy Score in listings, aiming to help buyers understand efficiency, estimated costs, and upgrade options. Wildfire readiness in Oregon: Nearly 200 trainees finished a five-day Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Wildland Fire School with a controlled burn simulation, as officials warn elevated fire risk is coming later this summer. Waste reduction in Eugene: St. Vincent de Paul’s mattress recycling program is diverting about 250 mattresses a day, with Oregon totals reaching 130,000 beds recycled since it began. Drought pressure on Oregon: Commentary highlights how Oregon’s snowpack shortfalls and warm, dry conditions are driving drought emergencies and tougher water realities for communities and farms. Invasive mussels in Central Oregon: Oregon continues to respond to newly detected destructive mussels, including reports of quagga mussels and other invasive freshwater threats. Outdoor heat protections: Coverage notes that only a few states, including Oregon, require water/heat breaks for outdoor workers, while others are rolling back protections.

Dungeness Crab Rules: Oregon Fish and Wildlife is taking public comment through July 24 on proposed changes to the commercial Dungeness crab fishery, including electronic vessel monitoring aimed at reducing whale entanglement risk and updates tied to experimental gear permits. Aquatic Invasives: Oregon officials report a destructive mussel discovery in the state for the first time, with agencies moving to contain the threat. Willamette River Health: Oregon State University and a local nonprofit are pushing a plan to reduce the Ross Island algal bloom by reopening water flow in the lagoon, but lawmakers have yet to fund it. Wildfire Policy: A new federal proposal would merge wildland firefighting into a single agency, and former officials warn it could create chaos as climate-driven fire seasons intensify. Ocean Monitoring: After criticism and a Senate pushback, the federal ocean observatories program is set to be redeployed rather than dismantled. Klamath Basin Watch: Grasshopper outbreak fears are prompting monitoring efforts in the Klamath Basin, with a state reporting portal now fully operational.

Invasive Species Alert: Oregon wildlife officials found a dead adult quagga mussel at Prineville Reservoir, the first discovery in/near an Oregon water body, triggering sampling and surveillance as the invader can clog dams and water systems and strip the food web. Wildlife & Fisheries: The Klamath Fish Hatchery reopened June 1 after a rebuild following the 2020 Two Four Two Fire, with a reported $8.1 million restoration and a pilot effort that helped reintroduce about 10,000 spring Chinook. Climate in the Headlines: A new ranking shows Oregon just had its hottest Junes since 1895, underscoring how rising temperatures are becoming the new normal. Community & Food Resilience: Homestead 1839 in Oregon is expanding into a preservation kitchen to help residents learn how to preserve locally grown food year-round. Public Safety & Heat: Oregon officials are urging firework caution amid a risky wildfire season, while extreme heat remains a growing concern for workers and communities. Local Governance: Oregon’s Prosperity Council report challenges Gov. Kotek to replace the Climate Protection Program with smaller tax-code changes to avoid economic stagnation.

Water & Drought Impacts: A new report from Central Oregon shows how the Deschutes River’s shrinking flows and Oregon’s century-old water rules are hitting farmers hardest, forcing some to fallow land and pile up debt. Invasive Species Threat: Oregon wildlife officials say invasive snapping turtles have been spotted in the Lower Rogue River, where they can prey on juvenile salmon and native turtles and spread new parasites. Wildfire Risk & Public Safety: Oregon officials are urging firework caution as burn restrictions and bans kick in on state forests and ODF-protected land, warning that even small sparks can ignite fast-moving fires. DEQ Enforcement: Oregon DEQ issued 11 penalties in May, including fines tied to unpermitted waste tire storage and wastewater monitoring/reporting violations in North Powder. Community Stewardship: Central Oregon groups are organizing Deschutes River cleanups to protect water quality for fish, plants, and wildlife, with volunteers removing litter and invasive weeds. Conservation & Policy: Oregon’s PEACE Act push is gathering signatures for a ballot measure that would tighten animal-use exceptions, raising alarms from hunters and anglers.