AGP Executive Report

Fourth of July Safety: Missoula is stepping up patrols and partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to cut down on drunk driving, urging people to plan ahead with designated drivers or rideshares. Big Sky Travel & Tourism: Montana is set to spotlight its industries, recreation, and paleontology at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., with a Montana exhibit featuring an interactive fossil dig and a route-themed design. Local Outdoor Access: Big Sky adds a new beginner-friendly bike trail, giving families and casual riders another easy option for summer outings. Montana Driving Risk: A new national crash analysis ranks Montana 5th most dangerous for July 4th travel, based on holiday deaths per miles driven. Pipeline & Health Concerns: A Montana-focused critique renews attention on the Bridger Pipeline, arguing unaddressed health risks and spill cleanup challenges. National Park Planning: A guide highlights the best national park in every U.S. state, with Montana positioned as part of the broader NPS road-trip and camping conversation. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Montana regular and diesel prices easing in the week ending June 27, with multiple counties posting low points.

Bridger Pipeline Health Concerns: A new report says the Bridger Pipeline was authorized without environmental analysis, raising alarms about tar-sands dilbit chemicals and spill risks in Montana waterways. Independence Day Travel Safety: A study finds Montana among the nation’s most dangerous states for July 4 driving, with rural roads and holiday traffic contributing to higher fatality rates. Holiday Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of a heat dome across much of the West plus storm chances elsewhere, with some areas likely to adjust fireworks plans due to wildfire risk. Flathead Valley 4th Plans: Northwest Montana communities are gearing up with parades and events for the 250th anniversary, including major July 4 celebrations in Bigfork and Kalispell. Local Tourism Boost: Livingston’s Fourth of July lineup is drawing an estimated 10,000–12,000 visitors for rodeo, parade, and the Festival of the Arts. Park Visitor Alerts: Wyoming health officials confirmed a measles case tied to exposure spots around Grand Teton and Jackson, urging unvaccinated travelers to watch for symptoms. Montana History on Display: The Montana Tapestry Project is bringing 250th-era stories to the Red Lodge Carnegie Library, spotlighting diverse Montanans and eras. Outdoor Access & Wellness: A new beginner-friendly bike trail is slated to open in Big Sky Country, while IV wellness interest is rising in Flathead Valley communities.

Road & Trail Updates: MDT and Jeffery Contracting will resurface 15 miles of Secondary Highway 324 west of Grant in Beaverhead County starting the week of July 6, with temporary traffic lights, pilot cars, reduced speeds, and about 15-minute delays. Outdoor Access & Safety: Big Sky is adding a new beginner-friendly Hot Dog Trail, a 3.5-mile multiuse route designed to be a mellower alternative to the Mountain to Meadow Trail. Local Tourism Events: Livingston’s Fourth of July lineup is drawing an estimated 10,000–12,000 visitors, anchored by the 102nd Livingston Roundup Rodeo, plus the Festival of the Arts and parade. Public Health Alert: Wyoming confirmed measles in Teton County and is warning of possible exposure at Grand Teton National Park locations and in Jackson, urging people to watch for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure. Conservation Watch: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stopped a zebra mussel–fouled wake boat from Minnesota from launching toward Georgetown Lake after decontamination at an Anaconda boat check station. Campus & Community: Jeremiah Shinn began his tenure as University of Montana president, prioritizing making life easier for students across campus.

Wildlife Safety: A Montana nurse, Leah Lokan, was killed in a grizzly bear attack while camping near Ovando on the Great Divide Mountain Bike route—another stark reminder to store food properly and stay alert on overnight trips. Northern Lights: Aurora chances are elevated for parts of Montana and other northern states as NOAA forecasts geomagnetic activity from a solar flare and coronal mass ejection, with the best viewing likely around the night-to-early-morning hours. Outdoor Health & Preparedness: Simulation in Motion-Montana brought burn simulation training to Roosevelt Medical Center and local EMS, using realistic manikins and hands-on scenarios to improve emergency response. Travel Planning for the 4th: Butte’s Town Pump fireworks draw big crowds, and this year traffic may be tighter due to a Centennial Avenue Bridge closure—plan routes and expect heavy pedestrian activity. Montana 250 Spotlight: Red Lodge Carnegie Library is hosting “Montana Tapestry,” a Montana250 exhibit highlighting eight Montanans’ contributions since 1776, tied to the Dakota phrase Mitakuye Oyasin. Camping Basics: A Montana rattlesnake bite guide cites Montana’s long record of no reported deaths since 2008, emphasizing that fast medical care is the key.

Big Sky Conference move: Utah Tech’s men’s basketball is getting ready for Big Sky play, with coach Jon Judkins saying the new league means fresh travel plans and a chance to compete against familiar Montana-area opponents. 250th anniversary tourism push: Montana is joining all 50 states at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with a Montana exhibit aimed at driving future visits. Fourth of July travel and events: Butte’s Town Pump fireworks are set for Friday, with traffic headaches expected due to the Centennial Avenue Bridge closure; Choteau’s July 2-5 Independence Day lineup includes parades, rodeo events, and fireworks booth fundraisers. Outdoor access and community upgrades: AARP Montana awarded nearly $180,000 in Community Challenge grants for trail and park improvements, plus accessibility and aging-in-place projects. Health watch for travelers: Wyoming confirmed measles exposure tied to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson locations, urging people to monitor symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure. Local adventure spotlight: Ennis cyclist Cory Hardy is gearing up for a cross-country ride starting July 14 in honor of the Sept. 11 anniversary.

Glacier National Park Travel Alert: Yellowstone’s rare summer snow is already forcing unexpected closures, and with July 4 crowds ramping up, travelers are being urged to double-check conditions before heading out. Road & Access Updates: US 2 work near Glacier Airport has wrapped up in Kalispell, but Beartooth Pass remains closed at the Montana/Wyoming line due to unseasonal snow and extreme travel conditions. Public Lands Safety: The BLM is reminding visitors that fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited on BLM-managed public lands across Montana and the Dakotas, with fire restrictions varying by county. Local Events for the Holiday: Bozeman is kicking off July 4 festivities with an early morning ceremony at the Bozeman Public Library, and Belgrade is planning a July 3 downtown block party with music, vendors, and family activities. Montana Tourism & Community: A new documentary, Montana Grind, highlights how skateparks are bringing communities together across the state. State Policy Watch: Montana’s Medicaid work requirements begin July 1, with a short grace period and questions still swirling about system gaps.

Glacier National Park Flooding: Heavy rain has forced evacuations and closures across Many Glacier, including the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and all valley campgrounds; the Going-to-the-Sun Road is also disrupted with access restricted and major detours expected as crews respond to fast-moving water and rockslides. Road & Travel Disruptions: U.S. 287 is closed near West Yellowstone after a rock slide, with travelers urged to use alternate routes until it clears. Yellowstone River Restoration: Simms Fishing Products is releasing a new wader with proceeds supporting Yellowstone River stewardship work through Montana Freshwater Partners, aiming to improve water quality, habitat, flows, and floodplain connectivity. Health Alert for Park Visitors: Wyoming health officials confirmed a measles case in Teton County and flagged possible exposures in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, urging unvaccinated visitors to watch for symptoms. Community & Culture: Montana Grind’s documentary is premiering a skatepark story built around volunteers and families, showing how parks strengthen local communities. Outdoor Events: Bridger Bowl hosted the first Cross Cut Junior Trail Championship, giving young runners a challenging new trail race experience.

Glacier National Park Flooding: Heavy rain has forced a full closure of the Many Glacier Valley, including the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and all nearby campgrounds; Going-to-the-Sun Road access is restricted with major detours as crews respond to fast-moving water and rockslide risk. Road-Trip Disruption: The park is warning visitors to check updates and use text alerts (“GNPROADS”) as conditions are expected to stay hazardous through Tuesday. Trail & Community Events: Bridger Bowl hosted the first Cross Cut Junior Trail Championship, giving ages 11–14 a tough-but-fun 5-mile course and a push to make it an annual event. Rodeo Spotlight: Orin Larsen took the lead at Ponoka with an 88 on June 29, setting sights on the Ponoka Stampede finals. Montana Camping Fees: Montana FWP is proposing fee increases for campsites and commercial users, a move that could affect summer travel plans. Weather Watch: A rare late-June storm system is also bringing winter-like conditions to parts of the northern Rockies, adding uncertainty for travelers heading into the Fourth of July weekend.

Montana travel weather: A late-June system is dumping snow in the mountains and wind across central/eastern Montana, with rain moving in at lower elevations and daily storm chances ramping up midweek—so plan for fast-changing conditions. Park access costs: Montana’s Glacier is among parks now charging a new $100 foreign visitor surcharge (on top of standard fees), and Yellowstone is also on the list—important for international travelers budgeting for summer. FWP fees for recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on proposed fee increases, including higher costs for commercial filming/photography and guided recreation, while resident camping hikes are smaller. Road closures: Beartooth Highway is closed at the Montana-Wyoming line due to extreme travel conditions, with Yellowstone’s northeast entrance still accessible via Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Local summer fun: The Big Sky Country State Fair returns July 15–19 in Bozeman with three concert nights featuring Chase Rice, Morgan Wade, and Stone Temple Pilots. On-the-ground wildlife reminder: Yellowstone reported a bison-related injury near Fishing Bridge—stay at least 25 yards from wildlife. Family travel spotlight: Three Missoula youth soccer teams qualified for USYS National Championships, bringing more Montana pride to Salt Lake City and Nashville.

Late-June Snowstorm Disrupts Montana Travel: A rare winter-like system hit early in the summer season, dumping snow in the mountains and prompting closures, including the Beartooth Highway at the Montana-Wyoming line due to “extreme travel conditions.” Weather Alerts for Holiday Travel: The same pattern is driving winter storm warnings and advisories across parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, with hazardous backcountry conditions and cold snaps just ahead of July 4. NorthWestern Energy Public Input Cut Back: Montana’s Public Service Commission is reducing public meetings on NorthWestern Energy’s plan to just two hearings in Helena (July 21 and 23), drawing criticism from groups who want more statewide access. Tourism Spotlight—Music on Main: Teton Valley Foundation’s 2026 Music on Main returns as a donation-based summer concert series with free national acts, running June 18 through August 13 in Victor. Local Events in the Spotlight: Makoshika State Park in Glendive is set for the inaugural Badlands Live concert on July 12, aiming to draw visitors and support local businesses.

Northern Lights Watch: A coronal mass ejection is expected to bring a possible G2 aurora Monday night into Tuesday, with the best odds for Montana and other border states if skies clear. Weather & Travel Safety: Forecasters warn a rare late-June winter storm could dump heavy snow and gusty, hazardous conditions in higher elevations across Montana and the northern Rockies through June 29. Ski Season, Even in Summer: Showdown Montana—Central Montana’s long-running, family-friendly ski hill—highlights its “Ski Kind” culture and wide beginner-to-advanced terrain for winter travelers planning ahead. Local Energy Governance: Montana’s Public Service Commission is set to limit public meetings on NorthWestern Energy’s plan to just two hearings in Helena, drawing criticism from groups that want more statewide input. Outdoor & Wildlife Tourism: The BLM unveiled a 10-year management plan for Pryor Mountain wild horses, targeting 107–120 animals via relocations and fertility control. Historic Travel Moments: Crazy Horse Memorial announced donations tied to the “Custer Survivors” painting collection and rare battle interview manuscripts for the Little Bighorn’s 150th anniversary. Community Tourism: Ortenstone Gardens and Sculpture Park in Detroit Lakes unveiled “Dancing for Joy,” a bamboo giant egret sculpture on display through September 2027.

New Hotel Opening (Idaho/Montana travel): Courtyard by Marriott Pocatello held a grand opening this week, adding 98 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a bistro—another option for road-trippers heading through the region. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says aurora chances rise Monday night after a coronal mass ejection, with the lights potentially visible farther south than usual during minor geomagnetic storms. BLM & Public Lands (Pryor Mountain): The BLM unveiled a 10-year wild horse plan for Pryor Mountain, targeting a herd size of 107–120 and using relocations plus fertility control with Zoo Montana. Wildlife/Travel Safety (Montana livestock): Montana’s Department of Livestock and MSU Extension issued guidance after New World screwworm was detected in Texas, including import requirements for animals entering Montana. Local Culture & Tourism (Livingston): A downtown Livingston bronze bison and red-tailed hawk sculpture are back on display after reconstruction work—small public art that makes walking around town more fun. Weather Watch (travel disruptions): Severe storm monitoring continues in the region, with Environment Canada warning of damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain that could affect travel plans.

Historic Stays: Terry’s Kempton Hotel, Montana’s oldest continually operating hotel, is still welcoming travelers since 1902 and recently finished a long-awaited roof replacement while keeping its original character. Local Sports & Community: After nearly 25 years, Lady Cougars assistant coach Kay Faust is stepping away, leaving behind a reputation for calm, caring support. Tennis in the Big Sky: Terry’s boys’ tennis program is growing fast, with Terriers competing at the Class B/C state tournament in Missoula despite limited local courts. Outdoor Arts in the Wild: “In a Landscape” brings classical music outdoors—this time to Banff—using a grand piano and wireless headphones so audiences can roam and soak in the scenery. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches were active around southern Saskatchewan, with Environment Canada warning of damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and possible travel delays. Travel Costs: Hotel prices are falling in several popular summer destinations, and travelers are booking smarter—often waiting closer to departure for better deals. Montana Golf Win: Park High’s Anna Lende captured the Montana Class A girls golf state championship at Sidney Country Club. Family-Friendly Fun: Pony Bar’s annual rubber duck race returned after more than 20 years, drawing locals and visitors for a community tradition.

Road Safety: A 44-year-old Great Falls motorcyclist died after a head-on collision on Hwy 87 near Hobson when a Chevy Silverado tried to pass multiple vehicles and didn’t see the bike; the 77-year-old driver was treated for injuries and investigators say alcohol, drugs, and speed weren’t suspected. Local Events (Judith Basin): Stanford and the surrounding area are gearing up for community happenings, including a Monday Main Street flower planting day, a Red Cross blood drive June 23, and free Little Wranglers youth rodeos June 23 and June 30 at the Judith Basin County Fairgrounds. Travel & Tourism (Montana): Montana’s property tax relief bills cleared the House and head to the Senate, including measures that would boost relief for homeowners and renters and potentially redirect some lodging tax dollars toward a permanent tax relief fund—an issue that could affect how tourism dollars are used. Outdoor Access & Community: Sister-Corps is spending the week in Crow Agency repairing homes and building wheelchair-accessible ramps after last year’s windstorm, aiming to restore mobility and stability for residents.

Youth Sports & Travel: Montana Youth Rugby’s Great Northwest Challenge is set for June 12-14 at Bozeman Sports Park, with nearly 40 teams and a scouting combine that could feed into college recruiting and USA Rugby junior national team camp. Heritage & Tourism: Little Bighorn Battlefield marks 150 years since the Battle of the Little Bighorn, with hundreds gathering for commemorations and living-history storytelling. Rodeo Weekend: Sweet Grass Fest & Rodeo returns June 26-27 in Big Timber with an NRA-sanctioned rodeo, downtown music, a Boulder River 5K, vendor booths, and a classic car show. Outdoor Safety: A local hiking guide shares practical foot-care tips for summer trails—sock choices, treating hot spots early, and using orthotics to prevent blisters and overuse injuries. Road & Park Updates: US 2 work near Glacier Airport has wrapped in Kalispell, and a Winter Storm Warning is posted for Montana’s high country with snow possible above 6,500 feet—plan ahead for changing conditions. Local Business Growth: Montana’s Commerce Department announced $800,000 in SBA STEP grant funding to help small businesses expand international sales.

Eastern Montana Tourism Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s 56-county tour stopped in Terry to spotlight the “Badlands to Badlands Trail” and expand tourism infrastructure in an “underutilized gem” region. State Fair Spotlight: Montana will join all 50 states and six territories at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall for the U.S. 250th anniversary, with a self-guided exhibit built around eastern badlands and a westward route through central Montana. Outdoor Concerts: KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner made AARP’s list of six amazing outdoor concert venues, praising its Blackfoot River setting. All-Inclusive Luxury (Montana on the List): Travel + Leisure ranked two Montana resorts back-to-back—The Ranch at Rock Creek (14th) and Triple Creek Ranch (15th)—for all-inclusive dining. Family Fun & Local Sports: Big Sky State Games kicks off July 17 in Lockwood, with Big Timber music teacher Jaclyn Terland set to sing the National Anthem. Weather Watch: A few light showers and late-day thunderstorms are possible across SW Montana, with conditions shifting into the weekend.