AGP Executive Report

Labor Day Travel Costs: GasBuddy says the U.S. average could hit about $4.03 a gallon on Labor Day—above the 2012 record—driven by Middle East-related supply worries, with prices already around $4.13 Thursday. Yellowstone Visitor Planning: Yellowstone will close part of Buffalo Creek (Aug. 31–Sept. 6) and use fish poison to remove invasive rainbow trout so native Yellowstone cutthroat trout can recover; the creek is set to reopen Sept. 7. Wildlife Safety in Montana: FWP is reminding people that bears are staying active longer and can show up in unexpected places, including busy trails—so focus on bear behavior and be prepared. Park Interest Spike: Yellowstone topped a list of America’s most searched national parks, with searches up 27% overall for wilderness getaways. Local Arts & Community: Helena’s Lewis and Clark County Historical Society hosts a free Second Tuesday pottery program Sept. 8, with live throwing and hands-on bowl decorating. Montana Outdoors Calendar: September events include Montana Grizzlies home games in Missoula plus KettleHouse and The Wilma concert lineups. PGA Tour Golf Travel: RBC Heritage and Truist Championship are confirmed for the PGA Tour’s 2028 Championship Series, a sign of bigger changes coming for golf fans and destinations.

Yellowstone Update: Yellowstone National Park will close Buffalo Creek in the north from Aug. 31 through Sept. 6 and use fish poison (rotenone) to remove invasive rainbow trout, aiming to protect recovering Yellowstone cutthroat trout; the creek is set to reopen Sept. 7. Wildlife Safety: Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reminding Montanans that bears are staying active longer as they pack on weight before hibernation, with recent close encounters near Manhattan and on busy Glacier trails. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set records, with the national average around $4.14 per gallon and Montana among states seeing big year-over-year jumps. Local Community & Culture: Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform two nights in Anchor Park, bringing more fall theater to the region. Montana Tourism & Outdoors: Fall foliage timing points to mid-September as a start for northern Idaho, Montana and the Dakotas, with Glacier nearing peak by late September. Montana Business/News: The Billings Gazette is moving out of its downtown Broadway building after 57 years, relocating operations to Granite Tower.

Wildlife & Staffing: The National Elk Refuge in Wyoming is down to about half its full-time staff, a drop that mirrors broader U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cuts—raising concerns for visitor services and refuge care. Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set records, with the national average around $4.14 and diesel near $5.85, driven by crude-oil volatility. Fall Road-Trip Timing: A new fall foliage outlook points to mid-September color starts in the northern Plains and PNW, with Glacier National Park near peak by late September. Montana Visitor Safety: Montana Highway Patrol is reminding drivers of school bus and school-zone rules as classes resume. Local Tourism & Events: Missoula’s September guide highlights what to do this month, while Missoula-area fall plans also include Grizzly football home games and KettleHouse/The Wilma concert picks. Community Spotlight: Hillcrest’s car show in Montana drew classic-car fans for a family-friendly end-of-summer outing. Eastern Montana Agriculture: EPEDC welcomed a new Food & Agriculture Development Center specialist in Glendive to support a five-county region.

Wildlife & Safety: Officials confirmed a grizzly was involved in a defensive bear attack near Columbia Falls, with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urging people to carry bear spray and properly store attractants. Community Alert: Bozeman posted notices about several unidentified abandoned recreational vehicles, asking owners to verify paperwork with the city. Bear Country Travel Warning: FWP is also facing public pressure over water rights and instream flow enforcement on the Beaverhead River as drought tightens reservoir releases, with groups asking courts to require clearer justification. Tourism Culture: A beloved talking myna bird, “George,” has gone missing from the Talking Bird Saloon in St. Regis; the bar is offering a $1,000 reward to help bring him back. Health Access: The University of Montana launched Montana’s first physician associate program, aiming to expand rural care by training PAs to stay in the state. Road Trip Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track for record highs, with Montana listed among the most expensive markets. Public Lands History: A new Yellowstone Trail column spotlights the early 1900s auto route and how it was marked for travelers.

Wildlife & Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says bear reports are up in Billings, mostly near the Yellowstone River, after an open winter left natural foods scarce—FWP urges residents to secure trash and avoid attractants. Public Lands & Water: Stream advocates are pushing Montana FWP to explain why it isn’t using instream flow rights to keep more water in the upper Beaverhead River as drought cuts Clark Canyon Dam releases; fishing closures and reduced irrigation were part of the response. Road & Travel Risk: A rollover near Emmett, Idaho, killed a 45-year-old Great Falls man and sent a 42-year-old passenger to a hospital by air ambulance; Montour Road was closed for hours. Local Governance: Terry City Council discussed pool security after after-hours incidents, including plans to expand surveillance video storage and adjust camera coverage. Tourism Planning: A new report highlights how more corporate travelers are blending business meetings with weekend recreation in mountain hubs like Montana. Back-to-School Driving: Montana Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to follow school bus and school-zone rules as classes resume.

Montana Hunting Prep: Helena-area archery shops are gearing up for the Sept. 5 deer and elk archery opener (through Oct. 18), with retailers reporting a late-summer rush and growing participation since 2019. Public Lands & Wildlife Safety: FWP and the U.S. Forest Service say a woman was seriously injured in a bear attack on the Cedar Flats trail complex near Columbia Falls; the area is closed while officials search. Local Roads & Getting Around: East Helena residents are being reminded that road maintenance depends on who owns the street—city crews, Lewis and Clark County, or MDT—so knowing who to call can speed repairs. Big Sky Development Funding: Big Sky leaders are holding public meetings on a Targeted Economic Development District and potential TIF to steer local taxes toward long-term infrastructure needs. Outdoor Education: Swift Fox Farms near Stevensville is expanding outdoor education beyond summer camps into year-round preschool and homeschool-friendly programs. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Montana premium prices averaging about $5.01 in the week ending Aug. 22, with some counties seeing lower single-station deals.

Wildlife Safety: A bear attacked a woman on the Cedar Flats trail complex near Columbia Falls; the area is closed while FWP and the U.S. Forest Service keep searching, and officials urge hikers to carry bear spray and avoid surprising bears. Bear Awareness in Towns: As September cools things down, Montana officials say bear sightings are rising in communities like Bozeman, driven by bears’ pre-hibernation feeding rush—secure attractants and use bear-proof bins. Food Recall for Families: Horizon Organic shelf-stable 1% chocolate milk is recalled in Montana because cartons may spoil before the printed date; parents are told to check specific UPCs and “best by” dates. Travel & Lodging Ideas: A new list highlights stargazing-focused luxury stays, including One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana with a private observatory for dark-sky nights. Local Events: Juneau’s 32nd annual Harvest Fair returns Sept. 5 at the community garden with tours, kids activities, live music, and a flower/produce show. Road Work Update: MDT construction is underway on a First Street (U.S. 2) stretch in Havre, with one lane each direction and minor delays expected for about four months.

Bear Safety in Montana: FWP says bear sightings are rising as September cools things down, with Bozeman residents urged to secure attractants and use bear-proof trash; in the Flathead Valley, a bear attacked a woman walking her dog near the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls, and the area remains closed while officials investigate. Public Lands Fight: Hunters and conservationists packed the MeatEater store in Bozeman to weigh in on the proposed rollback of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, with USDA public comments due Sept. 21. Trail-Ready Gear: A Missoula outdoor shop highlights a simple takeaway for hikers: carry bear spray where you can reach it fast, plus backup safety tools like a headlamp and satellite device when service drops. Local Infrastructure: Gallatin County officials are working with MDT on the future of the 107-year-old Axtell Bridge, currently under weight and traffic restrictions, while trying to preserve pedestrian access. Drug Enforcement: Montana continues crackdowns on meth and fentanyl trafficking, including an 11-year-plus sentence for a Billings-area man. Outdoor September Picks: Whitehall is gearing up for fall with farmers market weekends and outdoor options like fly fishing, hiking, and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park cave tours.

Drought Relief for Ranchers: Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order to speed hay deliveries to Montana farms and ranches, easing travel limits for carriers on weekends/holidays/overnights and loosening vehicle weight penalties (as long as gross weight stays within 20% of allowable). The order starts immediately and runs through Sept. 13. Wildlife Safety Alert: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Forest Service are investigating a bear attack on a woman walking her dog on the Cedar Flats trail complex north of Columbia Falls; the area remains closed while investigators search, and the bear species is still unknown. Local Travel Budget Watch: A new guide breaks down what a trip to Bozeman really costs, noting the biggest price swings come from timing and demand spikes tied to events like graduation and family weekends. Bear-Proofing Reminder: FWP also shared tips to keep bears moving this fall, focusing on securing trash and reducing easy food sources near homes. Big Sky Weekend Plans (Butte): The Covellite in Uptown Butte lists a week of events, including open mic night, a free movie night, and a Jesse, The Ocelot performance. Gas Prices Check: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium and midgrade prices in parts of Montana (including Dawson and Blaine counties) for the week ending Aug. 22.

Mountain Meetings Pitch: Western Montana tourism officials say summer planners are increasingly choosing mountain destinations for cooler temps and outdoor venues, with interest strongest in Missoula, Kalispell and Whitefish and growing demand for luxury guest ranch retreats. Roadless Rule Pushback: The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is hosting postcard-writing events in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to urge the USDA to keep the Roadless Rule, with public comment running through Sept. 21. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Montana prices are mixed week to week, including Gallatin County premium gas at a low $4.77 and Big Horn County regular gas as low as $4.14. Public Lands & Wildfire Reality: The Little Giant Fire is now Washington’s largest wildfire at about 170,783 acres, with evacuation levels reduced as mapping and containment efforts continue. Local Crime Sentences: Two Billings-area meth and fentanyl trafficking cases ended in prison terms, including 14 years for Jacob Bradley Long and 11 years, eight months for Brian John Schmidt Jr. Travel Market Notes: A new luxury travel outlook says fall is the new summer and highlights trends expected to shape 2027 travel planning.

National Parks & Tourism: Trump’s “America first” fee hike for foreign visitors at U.S. national parks brought in about half the expected revenue so far, with fewer international tourists visiting since his return. Outdoor Travel & Safety: A new look at the real cost of backcountry rescue highlights why hikers weigh self-rescue vs. helicopter help. Montana Public Lands: Montana hunters and anglers are being urged to speak up on the plan to end the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a fight that could reshape access and management. Wildlife Encounters: Drought is pushing bears into towns and homes across the West, raising the odds of lethal encounters. Travel Deals: Expedia says fall travel lodging and flights to top destinations will cost more than summer, but it flags some “cost-efficient” options including Bozeman. Local Travel Economy: Montana’s new outdoor recreation program at National Park College is building stackable credentials aimed at park and tourism jobs.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says the aurora has a low chance to be visible from parts of Montana and other northern states Sunday night, with a Kp index of 4 out of 9—best odds are farther north and in darker skies. Travel Safety (Roads): As students head back, Montana is reminding drivers to stop at least 30 feet from school buses when lights flash and never pass while they’re active. Local Tourism Spotlight: Havre’s Bear Paw Development Corporation earned two national Impact Awards for a tourism-focused podcast and a tourism enhancement project. Air Quality Update: Flathead County commissioners voted to decommission Whitefish and Kalispell air monitoring sites because they no longer meet regulatory needs, shifting focus toward PM2.5 monitoring. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices in Powell County hit a low of $5.28/g in the week ending Aug. 22, with Montana’s statewide diesel average at $5.34/g. Outdoor Caution: A Glacier National Park visitor fell about 120 feet near McDonald Falls after reaching for a phone on an overlook, but survived after hospitalization and rescue.

Labor Day Road Rules: AAA says the busiest drive times are Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4 around midday, with early mornings usually the best bet—plus reminders to watch speed, stay patient, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. Air Service Watch: Allegiant’s September 2026 network drops service to 11 airports compared with September 2025, including Great Falls (GTF) and Montana’s presence in the list—some routes may return later. Northern Montana Tourism Boost: Bear Paw Development Corporation in Havre won two national impact awards, including one tied to its “Bear With Us” podcast and a tourism enhancement project. Wildlife & Public Lands: Flathead County voted to decommission two air quality monitoring sites in Whitefish and Kalispell as they no longer meet regulatory needs, shifting focus toward PM2.5 monitoring. Safety on the Road: Montana is urging drivers to use extra caution around school buses as students return, including the state requirement to stop at least 30 feet away when lights flash. Fuel Watch: Sweet Grass County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.94 (week ending Aug. 22), while diesel lows were reported at $5.29 in Blaine County and $4.98 in Stillwater County. Travel Risk Alert: A Glacier National Park visitor fell about 120 feet near McDonald Falls and survived after a quick rescue and CPR—another reminder to watch footing on overlooks.

Public Lands & Wildlife: Conservation groups are pushing back hard against a Trump-backed rollback of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could open tens of millions of acres to logging, drilling, and road building. Montana Outdoors & Air: Flathead County commissioners voted to decommission the Whitefish and Kalispell air monitoring sites because they no longer meet regulatory needs, with DEQ focusing more on PM2.5 from wildfire smoke. Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is setting up its October commission meeting with public comment on grizzly bear release locations, recreation fee changes, and fishing regulation updates. Winter Travel: Ikon Pass country got an early taste of winter as Crystal Mountain in Washington reported first snowfall in August. Local Travel Culture: Edgewater Missoula unveiled completed renovations, adding new amenities for guests. Family Travel Safety: A UK family is urging travelers not to skimp on insurance after a bus crash in Turkey left a child facing months of recovery. Adventure & Charging: Rivian Adventure Network expands fast-charging access for road trips, including more sites open to most EVs.

Public Lands & Conservation: The Trump administration took a major step toward dismantling the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move critics say could open more than 45 million acres of national forest to logging, drilling, and road building—putting hundreds of threatened species at higher risk. Montana Outdoor Recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is set for an October meeting in Helena with public comment on grizzly release locations, recreation fee changes, and updates to 2027-28 fishing regulations, plus possible motorized-use restrictions. Trail Access Debate: A University of Montana doctoral study digs into Montana’s growing e-bike fight on natural-surface trails, where access and trail impacts collide. Travel & Road Safety: A 23-year-old Bozeman man died in a one-vehicle crash near Big Sky after running off US-191 and hitting a tree; speed and lack of a seat belt were suspected factors. Local Getaways: Vault toilets at BLM sites across Montana are getting mural makeovers by Billings artist Rilie Tané, turning basic pit stops into photo-worthy destinations. Wildfire Watch: The Nature Grove Fire near Hamilton (855 acres) is expected to stay active, with possible Highway 38 delays and evacuation warnings for nearby residents. Charging for Road Trips: Rivian’s Adventure Network guide highlights its expanding fast-charging footprint for electric road trips into outdoor areas.

Public Lands & Access: A judge halted Montana’s proposed forensic mental health facility in Laurel over water-demand analysis, a delay costing taxpayers more than $8,000 a day—another reminder that local infrastructure details can make or break big projects. Wildlife & Recreation: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks set an October commission meeting with public comment on grizzly release locations, recreation and motorboat fee changes, 2027-28 fishing rules, and possible motorized-use restrictions at Swan Lake and the Bitterroot. Outdoor Travel & Safety: The Nature Grove Fire near Hamilton (855 acres) is expected to stay active, with possible Highway 38 delays and evacuation warnings for homes east of the 1800 block. Lakes & Waterways: Lake Koocanusa is ranked among the cleanest lakes in the U.S., giving Big Sky travelers another reason to plan a summer-to-fall water trip. Charging & Road Trips: Rivian’s Adventure Network guide breaks down where its fast chargers are, who can use them, and what it means for EV road travel across the West. Local Culture: Billings artist Rilie Tané is turning BLM vault toilets into art stops with nature-themed murals—an unexpected detour for travelers. Health & Travel Impact: A national analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could mean hour-plus drives for Medicaid patients, with Montana likely feeling the ripple effects.