AGP Executive Report

Public Lands & Tourism: Western Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke joined lawmakers to introduce GAOA 250, a plan to reauthorize and modernize the Great American Outdoors Act with $1.9 billion over five years for national parks, forests, and recreation sites—aimed at cutting maintenance backlogs that affect visitors and local economies. Wildlife Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warned campers and hikers near Rotary Pond and the Mount Otis trail to stay bear-aware after trail-cam footage showed a bear that may be a grizzly. Northern Lights: NOAA forecasts a chance to see aurora from parts of Montana along the U.S.-Canadian border Saturday night into early Sunday, with skywatchers urged to look north and avoid bright lights. Local Outdoor Learning: Whitefish’s Summit Nature Center opens for the summer with hands-on wildlife exhibits and ranger-led discovery walks, plus a Junior Forest Ranger program for ages 8–12. Community & Culture: Columbus’s Nitro National Pro Hillclimb drew thousands and raised money for Columbus Fire Rescue. Travel Disruption Watch: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore National Park Service interpretive materials removed since May 20, 2025, potentially affecting what visitors see at park sites.

National Parks & Public Lands: A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop censoring National Park Service interpretive materials and restore removed signs and exhibits, with weekly updates required while the case plays out. Wildlife Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warned of a bear (possibly a grizzly) near Rotary Pond and the Mount Otis trail—urging campers and hikers to stay bear-aware and keep food secured. Outdoor Travel Alerts: NOAA says northern lights could be visible Saturday night into early Sunday, with the best odds across parts of Montana and the northern U.S. Local Tourism & Community: Whitefish’s Summit Nature Center opens for the summer with ranger-led discovery walks, hands-on wildlife exhibits, and a Junior Forest Ranger program for ages 8–12. Big Sky Travel Economy: Western Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke joined lawmakers to introduce GAOA 250, aiming to reauthorize and expand the Great American Outdoors Act with $1.9B over five years for parks, forests, and recreation—supporting jobs and tourism. Wildlife Encounters (Glacier): A Billings man was sentenced to 11+ years for meth trafficking tied to a Laurel truck stop sting, while separate reporting highlights a Glacier National Park grizzly attack that left a hiker seriously injured.

Wildlife & Safety: A former Detroit Tigers employee, Daniel Crago, is recovering after a grizzly attack on Glacier National Park’s Grinnell Glacier Trail on May 28, with reports describing broken bones and an airlift rescue. Nature Education: Whitefish’s Summit Nature Center opens for the summer with ranger-led discovery walks, hands-on exhibits, and a Junior Forest Ranger program for ages 8–12. Public Lands Funding: Rep. Ryan Zinke is backing a bill to extend and modernize the Great American Outdoors Act, aiming to keep major investments flowing to national parks, forests, and outdoor recreation. Local Travel Infrastructure: Bozeman Creek’s downtown tunnel-and-culvert system is getting fresh attention as residents look to bring the creek back into the community. Community & Culture: Anaconda’s long-running Anaconda Leader newspaper has shut down, with the final edition published this week. Outdoor Recreation & History: A large Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho tipi encampment is planned on Crow land for the 150th Battle of the Little Bighorn commemoration, with events peaking June 25. Media & Hospitality: A new ski-focused hospitality brand, First Chair, has launched in Aspen with properties across Montana and beyond.

Wildfire science in Montana: NASA’s ER-2 aircraft based in Great Falls will fly a new mission (INSPYRE) to study wildfire-driven pyrocumulonimbus storms—aimed at improving forecasts and safety for aviation and firefighting. Northern Lights: NOAA says aurora viewing could be “quite pleasing” in parts of the northern U.S. Friday and Saturday, with Montana among the states that may catch it. Travel safety reminder: A Florida drowning surge has prompted new state prevention steps, including swim lesson vouchers—an urgent note for families planning pool time. Local outdoor stewardship: Crews hiked into Sluice Boxes State Park near Belt to remove graffiti, with cleanup expected to cost about $1,000. Montana visitor logistics: Beartooth Highway is temporarily closed after heavy snow, a reminder that the high pass can turn fast even in early summer. Community awards: ServeMontana Awards named five individuals and three groups honored at the Capitol June 12. Bozeman events: Alpenglow Festival announced Eli Young Band as the Saturday headliner Aug. 29 at Aspen Crossing.

Graffiti Cleanup at Sluice Boxes State Park: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks crews hiked into the canyon south of Belt to remove spray-painted graffiti found June 3, with cleanup expected to cost about $1,000; wardens are asking the public for tips. Road-Trip Reality Check: Beartooth Highway has closed again due to heavy snow and hazardous conditions, a reminder that Montana’s highest scenic routes can turn fast even in June. Summer Events in Montana: Bozeman’s Alpenglow Festival announced Eli Young Band as the Saturday night headliner (Aug. 28-29, 2026), and Missoula’s free City Band concerts return at Bonner Park starting June 17 through Aug. 12. Wildlife & Livestock Watch: Montana issued a New World screwworm animal health order after the pest was detected in Texas for the first time since 1966. Travel Safety/Health: A Browning woman is traveling to Kansas City for relief from a rare heart condition, highlighting how health needs can reshape travel plans.

Graffiti Watch (Sluice Boxes State Park): Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking for tips after vandals spray-painted rock walls and structures at the Great Falls-area Sluice Boxes State Park on June 3, with a possible cash reward for information. Housing & Veterans: Missoula’s Built for Zero partners with The Missoula Current on a monthly series, “Housing Veterans: Serving Those Who Served,” highlighting how local programs are helping disabled homeless veterans and their families find stable housing. Aurora Alert: A “strong” northern lights forecast points to Saturday night, June 13–14, with aurora visibility possible across up to 25 states—plus tips for photographing it with a phone. Wildlife Across Borders: A new report says cross-border U.S.-Canada wildlife conservation is weakening, even as animals like wolves and bears keep moving across the line. Travel Costs (Car Rentals): A survey finds Bozeman ranks among the priciest summer airport car rentals—second only to Anchorage—underscoring how quickly travel budgets can get squeezed. Outdoor Safety & Access: Winter weather advisories and frost warnings are popping up in parts of Montana and the West, including snow risk for the Beartooth Highway area. Montana in the Spotlight: Outside Online named Bozeman (No. 8) and Whitefish (No. 12) among the best mountain towns in the U.S., a boost for summer tourism planning.

Bear Safety & Wildlife Encounters: A second grizzly attack in Glacier National Park in less than a month left a 32-year-old hiker injured after a bear charged on the Grinnell Glacier Trail; the man was flown to Logan Health in Kalispell. Road & Weather Watch: Beartooth Highway is closed at the Montana-Wyoming border due to snow and extreme weather, with travelers routed via the Chief Joseph Scenic Bypass; south-central Montana faces rain and thunderstorms, while Glacier-area mountains could see 2–5 inches of snow (up to 12 inches at higher peaks). Tourism Pulse: Yellowstone is posting record May visitation (570,272 recreation visits), and Flathead Valley tourism is running ahead of last year, with higher hotel and short-term rental occupancy in Kalispell. Local Travel Spotlight: HGTV named The Garden Barn near Bozeman a must-visit garden center, highlighting its plants plus animal-filled visitor experience. Community & Access: BLM road repairs are set to begin on Cactus Flats and Triple Crossing Roads in Valley County, restoring public access to BLM lands. Outdoor Planning: MFWP and partners host a hands-on bear spray seminar in Great Falls on June 24.

Glacier National Park Bear Attack: A 32-year-old San Diego man, Daniel Crago, survived a grizzly encounter on the Grinnell Glacier trail after the bear bit his arm and dragged him dozens of feet; he’s recovering after broken bones and a serious arm wound. Tourism Watch: Despite high fuel prices and airfare, Flathead Valley travel demand is up—Kalispell hotel occupancy rose 11% year-over-year in April and May, with revenue up 18%, and short-term rentals up 34%. Road & Travel Planning: Montana crews begin U.S. Highway 2 pavement preservation near Essex in June, with about 12 miles of work, single-lane closures, reduced speeds, and minor delays expected for roughly six months. Wildlife Safety (Bear Encounters): Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks euthanized a black bear after it entered a tent at Beavertail Hill State Park near Missoula; officials also relocated a black bear found under a Worden family’s deck to Sweet Grass County. Local Tourism Boost: Fort Benton unveiled a mural honoring the Fort Shaw Indian School girls basketball team, commissioned through a pilot tourism grant aimed at trails, signage, and beautification. Trails Day: Whitefish and the Flathead Valley marked National Trails Day with volunteer trail building and a family-friendly Trails Fest.

Wildlife & Camp Safety: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks euthanized a black bear after it entered a tent at Beavertail Hill State Park near Missoula; officials say the bear was habituated to people and looking for food, and they’re urging “bear aware” habits like keeping scents out of tents and using bear-resistant bins. Bear Relocation: In Worden, a black bear ended up under a residential deck; after tranquilizing, FWP approved relocation to Sweet Grass County. Tourism Demand: Yellowstone hit a record May with 570,272 visitors in 2026, and year-to-date recreation visits are up as summer travel ramps. Visitor Flow at Glacier: Glacier National Park’s new shuttle reservation system for Logan Pass is drawing complaints as spots sell out fast and rules are hard to pin down. Local Travel & Events: Fort Benton unveiled a mural honoring the Fort Shaw Indian School girls basketball team, part of a tourism push that includes trails, signage, and beautification. Road Trip Reality Check: Montana seat belt use lags the national average, and officials say buckling up can prevent serious injuries as summer driving increases. Outdoor Weather: A cold front and gusty winds with scattered showers and storms are moving through southern Montana into the Dakotas, with mountain snow possible above about 7,000–8,000 feet.

Wildfire Smoke Ready Week: Gov. Greg Gianforte has proclaimed June 8–12 as Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, urging Montanans to check air-quality forecasts, plan for cleaner indoor air, and protect kids, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and anyone with asthma or COPD. Glacier Grizzly Update: A California hiker says a grizzly charged and attacked him on the Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park; he was dragged about 20–30 feet and needed multiple surgeries, and he says he had bear spray but couldn’t use it. Aquatic Invasives Training: Flathead Lake Biological Station hosted hands-on training to help people spot and report aquatic invasive species early, with emphasis on decontamination to prevent spread between waterways. Missoula Dining News: Jersey Mike’s opened on Brooks Street in Missoula, and a new sign at the Eastgate Shopping Center suggests another location is in development. Outdoor Access & Conservation: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is moving ahead on conservation easements, including the Upper Thompson Conservation Easement near Plains, which would protect 55,000+ acres while keeping public access for hunting, hiking, and other recreation. Road Trip Planning for Travelers: Work is set to start on a 12-mile U.S. Highway 2 pavement preservation project near Essex, including chip seal, rumble strips, bridge repairs, and updated markings. World Cup Travel Caution: With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, some foreign governments are advising visitors to carry passports or proof of legal entry while in the U.S.

Aquatic Invasion Training: Flathead Lake Biological Station hosted hands-on public training to help Montanans spot aquatic invasive species early, with emphasis on sample collection, species ID, and decontamination to stop spread. Agri-Tourism Trail: The Western Montana Food and Farm Trail now links 80+ farms, restaurants, and breweries along Highway 93 for a 200-mile “farms, flavor, and community” road trip. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Montana agencies are warning residents that wildfire smoke can travel far and linger overnight, urging extra caution for kids and people with respiratory issues. Severe Weather Impacts: Baseball-sized hail battered eastern Montana, damaging ranches and livestock and shattering windows and windshields. Bear Safety in Glacier: A San Diego hiker, Daniel Crago, is recovering after a grizzly attack on the Grinnell Glacier Trail left him with severe arm injuries. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show Montana fuel prices easing overall in the week ending May 30, with some counties hitting notable lows. Tribal Travel IDs: The Blackfeet Nation in Browning announced Enhanced Tribal ID cards that are WHTI-compliant for travel at land and sea ports. Public Lands Shooting Closures: DNRC is weighing whether to close two state trust land parcels near Gallatin Gateway to recreational shooting after safety concerns and petitions. Space Weather for Aurora: NOAA forecasts a possible geomagnetic storm with chances for northern lights visibility in parts of the U.S. Health Alert: CDC says U.S. measles cases are on pace to surpass last year’s high, with most cases among unvaccinated people.

World Cup Kickoff (Travel + Tourism): The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts Thursday, June 11, with 48 teams and 16 host sites across the U.S., Mexico and Canada; the U.S. opens Friday, June 12 vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles, while Spain (+450) and France (+480) lead futures odds and the final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Big Sky Summer Plans (Local Events): Downtown Billings and Visit Billings are gearing up for the 35th Annual Billings Strawberry Festival Saturday, July 11 (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), with free admission and a full lineup of food trucks and vendors. Wildlife Safety (Glacier National Park): A San Diego hiker, Daniel Crago, is recovering after a May 28 grizzly attack near Glacier that left him with a severely broken arm; he says he tried to follow bear-safety guidance as the bear charged. Outdoor Economy (Fishing): Montana’s fly-fishing tourism continues to pay off, with fishing contributing $1.27 billion to the state’s economy in 2024, underscoring why river health matters to guides and outfitters. Northern Lights Forecast (Weekend Trip Idea): NOAA says aurora viewing could brighten farther south as a coronal mass ejection arrives, with strong storm conditions possible into Monday and Tuesday.

Bear Safety in Glacier: A San Diego hiker, Daniel Crago, says he’s recovering after a grizzly charged, bit through his arm, and dragged him about 20 feet on May 28 in Glacier National Park—another reminder to stay alert on Montana trails. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA forecasts stronger aurora chances along the U.S.-Canadian border Sunday night, with geomagnetic storms expected to push visibility farther south later this week. Montana Fuel Check: GasBuddy reports show Montana prices remain jumpy—midgrade hit a low of $4.48 in Cascade County, while regular in Missoula County was $4.44; diesel lows include $5.35 in Blaine County. Glacier’s Popularity & RV Travel: A national RV-visit ranking puts Glacier at the top for summer RV traffic (with Olympic National Park also high), underscoring crowding pressures for Montana’s biggest draws. Outdoor Travel Tech: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s July 4 update adds a U.S. parks-and-monuments theme featuring Glacier and Yellowstone. Local Tourism Culture: Missoula’s LDS community broke ground on the first western Montana temple, a milestone that may draw more visitors to the region.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a coronal mass ejection is expected to bring stronger aurora activity, with the lights potentially visible as far south as the U.S.-Canadian border states and beyond on Sunday night and into Monday–Tuesday. Wildlife & Travel Safety: Yellowstone’s wolf count fell to 84 wolves in eight packs in 2025, with low pup survival and disease suspected; meanwhile, a Glacier National Park hiker says a grizzly charged and mauled him on May 28, a reminder to stay alert on Montana trails. Outdoor Health & Fishing: Montana anglers are facing new PFAS “forever chemical” concerns, with state studies finding contamination in fish from major waterways like the Missouri and Clark Fork—raising questions for people who eat local catch. Local Tourism & Community: Missoula’s LDS Church broke ground on the first western Montana temple, a major milestone for the region’s visitors and faith community. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show Montana fuel prices hovering around recent levels, with regular gas averaging about $4.56 statewide for the week ending May 30.

Missoula Temple Groundbreaking: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground on its first western Montana temple in Missoula, with hundreds attending a ceremony in Lower Miller Creek and church leaders saying the new site will strengthen local faith. Glacier Grizzly Encounter: A San Diego man is recovering after a grizzly attack while hiking in Glacier National Park, sharing how quickly the situation escalated after he spotted a cub and a larger bear nearby. Montana Screwworm Response: Montana issued emergency animal health restrictions after New World Screwworm was confirmed in Texas, requiring extra steps for animals entering from affected areas. Section 504 Push: A Montana-focused op-ed warns that Section 504 protections for people with disabilities—especially in rural access to schools and services—are at risk and urges support. Gas Watch (May 30 week): GasBuddy reported the lowest regular gas at $4.28 in Yellowstone County, $4.49 in Ravalli County, and $4.12 in Valley County, with midgrade and premium deals also popping up in several counties. Outdoor Travel Tip: A guide to hiking the Petrified Forest Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park highlights what to expect and what hikers should know before heading out. Northern Lights Alert: NOAA flagged strong geomagnetic storm conditions around June 4–5, with auroras potentially visible farther south than usual.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a strong geomagnetic storm could boost auroras farther south than usual, with possible minor disruptions to GPS, radio, and satellites—check forecasts for Montana viewing chances. Roadless Rule Fight: As a rollback looms, grassroots hearings are ramping up, with public input becoming a key battleground for how Montana’s forests are managed. Forest Service Cost Cuts: Reporting raises concerns that Forest Service research hubs and offices may be closing to save money, with potential knock-on effects for wildfire and forest work. Wildlife & Travel: Montana’s emergency screwworm response tightens animal import rules after a Texas detection—important for travelers moving horses, livestock, and pets. Online Safety: Montana AG Knudsen and DOJ urge parents to talk to kids about online predators during Internet Crimes Against Children Prevention Month. Local Outdoors: A Montana wildfire smoke preparedness event is set for June 9, with experts sharing the 2026 smoke outlook and home readiness tips. Gas Prices: Week ending May 30 data shows Montana regular averaging $4.56/gallon, with Valley County’s lowest reported at $4.12/gallon.