AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are now reported in 22 states, with officials in the Northeast and beyond urging people to “kill on sight” as the crop-killing pests spread through vineyards and other plants. Wildlife & Public Lands: Mount Washington’s 9/11 light beams are drawing conservation concern during peak night migration, though NH Audubon says a shutoff protocol and monitoring are in place. Local Housing & Homelessness: Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction dedicated a new 20-bed year-round shelter and resource center, with nightly sign-ups and on-site meals and support. Weather: A cool weekend is followed by Sunday rain and possible thunderstorms, with showers wrapping up after mid-afternoon. Fall Planning: Leaf-peeping may start later than usual in parts of the East if warm weather hangs on into September and October. Community Notes: Bank of New Hampshire donated $5,000 to Family Promise of the Lakes Region to support homelessness prevention and stabilization. Construction & Climate Resilience: A New Hampshire-focused “Ask the Builder” column recommends exterior-ready masonry epoxy for cold-climate repairs.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Mount Washington’s 9/11 tribute will project two beams of light into the night sky this weekend, but New Hampshire Audubon says it’s peak fall migration for songbirds and outdoor lighting can disorient migrants. Local Monitoring Plan: NH Audubon says it’s working with Cornell and bird groups plus NH Fish and Game and State Parks, including a test run and a protocol to shut lights off if birds react, with weekend observers using binoculars and thermal tools. Fall Weather & Travel: A separate report warns peak fall foliage may arrive later in parts of the East if warm temperatures linger, with timing driven by temperature, moisture, tree health, and elevation. Statewide Forecast: For New Hampshire, Saturday looks dry and cool, while Sunday brings rain and possible thunderstorms before drier weather returns later in the day. Conservation Policy: Conservationists are also pushing back against a proposed rollback of the U.S. Forest Service roadless rule, arguing it would threaten habitat and wildlife movement in a rare stretch of New England forest.

Mount Washington 9/11 Memorial: Two beams of light are set to shine from the summit this weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, but Wildlife Watch: New Hampshire Audubon and partners are monitoring concerns that the nighttime display could confuse migrating songbirds and bats, with plans to turn the lights off if needed. Shellfish Health Alert: In Maine’s Harpswell, harvesters report major clam die-offs tied to an algae bloom that isn’t toxic to people but can still suffocate shellfish; the bloom may be drifting toward New Hampshire waters. Conservation & Land Use: A proposed rollback of the federal roadless rule has conservationists warning about habitat and migration impacts in a rare stretch of New England forest. State Outdoors & Learning: NH Fish and Game is sharing classroom resources and curriculum kits to connect kids with wildlife and wild places. Energy & Industry: Vicor is expanding its ChiP chip-fab footprint with new sites in Merrimack and Hooksett, adding nearly one million square feet of capacity.

Roadless Rule Fight: A rare stretch of New England forest near Wheeler Brook in Gilead is drawing conservation attention after the U.S. Department of Agriculture filed to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would reopen road building, logging, and mining on about 30% of Forest Service lands. Wildlife & Light Impacts: Mount Washington’s 9/11 remembrance beams are set to project from the summit, but New Hampshire Audubon and partners are watching closely for effects on migrating songbirds that fly at night and can be confused by outdoor lighting. Public Health: The FDA/CDC linked a major 2026 cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with New Hampshire among the states reporting cases; the parasite’s life cycle helps explain why it isn’t spread person-to-person. Fish & Water: NH Fish and Game says summer fish kills are usually natural low-oxygen events, and it asks residents to report them—especially in shallow, vegetated ponds where algae and temperature swings can be deadly. Local Learning: NH Fish and Game is expanding classroom and home resources, including “Wild Times for Kids” and short-term curriculum kits. Coastal Food Future: UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems is running a floating offshore fish farm off Portsmouth to test domestic aquaculture, producing steelhead trout for local markets.

Wildlife & Light Pollution: Conservationists are watching a Mount Washington 9/11 memorial that will project two beams from the summit, warning the timing could disrupt migrating songbirds that travel at night; NH Audubon says it’s testing a plan to shut lights off if birds get disoriented. Aquaculture & Seafood: UNH’s Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems is running a floating fish farm off Portsmouth to grow steelhead trout as a model for “farming the ocean,” aiming to boost domestic seafood supply. Fish Kills (NH): NH Fish and Game says summer fish kills are often natural—driven by low dissolved oxygen as water warms and daylight drops—and asks residents to report unusual die-offs. Climate Resilience (NH): NH Healthy Climate is urging Governor Ayotte and all candidates for governor to prioritize climate adaptation planning across public health, safety, agriculture, tourism, and transportation. Forests & Invasives: A New England-wide look at how invasive pests and disease are reshaping forests, with beech leaf disease and other threats accelerating tree losses. Local Conservation Forum: Tilton is hosting a free land-conservation forum Sept. 14 with legal and conservation partners for landowners.

Forest Health Crisis: New England’s forests are being reshaped fast by invasive pests and disease, from beech leaf disease and hemlock woolly adelgid to emerald ash borer and southern pine beetles—pressures that are worsening as climate stress and imports keep bringing new threats. Local Conservation & Wildlife: Rye voters reversed a town plan to stop maintaining seven trails, choosing to keep them fully open after residents argued access matters—despite the original move aimed at protecting sensitive wildlife habitat. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: New Hampshire AG Dan Rayfield says Pike Industries will pay a $100,000 penalty (with $15,000 suspended) over hazardous waste management violations at its Portsmouth facility. Community Land-Use Help: A free Tilton Conservation Commission forum on Sept. 14 will walk landowners through options to conserve property, with partners from forest and land trust groups. Solar Policy Watch: A regulator in India clarified rules for rooftop solar “behind the meter,” a reminder that permitting and grid-safety processes can make or break clean-energy rollouts.

Hazardous Waste Enforcement: New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella says Pike Industries will pay a $100,000 civil penalty (with $15,000 suspended) after violations at its Portsmouth facility, including missing a certified hazardous waste coordinator, training gaps, and problems with labeling, inspections, storage, and records. Local Land & Environmental Compliance: In Lyme, a judge-ordered cleanout of a property labeled an illegal junkyard is headed for a final deadline, with the town prepared to hire a contractor if the owner can’t clear it by Tuesday. Watershed Restoration: Crews working on the Cold River in Walpole finished a biostabilization project using wood materials like logs and root wads to rebuild eroding riverbanks and reduce damage from flash-flood flows. Native Plants: A guide highlights three native northern New England sunflower species—woodland, pale-leaved, and thin-leaved—plus where they grow, including floodplains and woodland edges. Data Centers & Public Health: Nottingham voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development, citing potential impacts on the regional watershed and local infrastructure. Solar & Grid Rules (Out of State, Relevant Trend): A new decision in India clarifies how rooftop “captive” solar can proceed without certain utility approvals, reflecting broader momentum toward faster behind-the-meter solar deployment. Weather Watch: Northern New England is seeing warm, unsettled conditions with showers possible later, and gusty winds at times.

Wildlife Conservation: New Hampshire Fish and Game finalized a conservation purchase of 1,308 acres in Marlow and Alstead, creating the Theodore W. Walski Wildlife Management Area—protecting forests, wetlands, and the Grassy Brook Corridor while keeping public access for wildlife recreation. Climate & Infrastructure: A new report highlights how rising waters and flooding are driving quarry expansion in New England, with climate-linked demand for construction aggregate raising concerns about impacts from blasting on nearby homes. Water & Cybersecurity: Coverage continues to flag cyber threats to New Hampshire’s water suppliers, underscoring the growing risk to critical services. Local Politics & Environment Policy: With New Hampshire’s Senate race set between John Sununu and Chris Pappas after primaries, environmental priorities are likely to be part of the broader fight over state and federal direction. Community & Outdoors: NH entrepreneurs are promoting outdoor relaxation experiences like floating sound baths, reflecting continued interest in nature-centered activities as summer fades.

Wildlife Conservation: New Hampshire Fish and Game has finalized the purchase of 1,308 acres in Marlow and Alstead, creating the Theodore W. Walski Wildlife Management Area—protecting forests, wetlands, and the Grassy Brook Corridor while keeping public access for hunting and wildlife recreation. Outdoor Safety: Conservation officers and local fire crews rescued a 47-year-old hiker from Orange after a slip-and-fall on Mount Cardigan’s Clark Trail; steady rain made the trek slow, and the hiker was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock for evaluation. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Concord’s new state parking garage is drawing attention after its exterior lights created eerie, glowing shapes in the night sky—officials say they’ll adjust intensity as conditions change. Climate & Industry Pressure (Regional): A report highlights how rising waters and coastal flooding are boosting demand for quarries in New England, with more pits and expansions raising concerns for nearby communities. Weather Watch: NOAA is monitoring a possible G1 storm that could bring northern lights visibility across parts of the U.S. before dawn Tuesday.

Higher Ed Budget Strain: A new report on college money problems shows how cuts and staffing shortages are already delaying science degrees for students in places like Lynchburg, with federal policy shifts and loan limits adding pressure. Progressive Politics in NH: Nina Turner campaigned for Karishma Manzur at the State House, criticizing the DNC and keeping the door open to a 2028 presidential run. NH Primary Watch: Coverage of the Chris Pappas vs. Manzur race highlights tightening polling ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Cybersecurity for Water: NH DES says it hasn’t seen impacts from recent cyberattacks on water systems elsewhere, but warns systems are “always being probed,” underscoring the risk for local utilities. PFAS Settlement Money: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to forever-chemical contamination, feeding the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. Seacoast Safety: Ocean rescues at NH beaches fell in 2026, with favorable water conditions and fewer storms cited. Weather: Labor Day looks sunny and mild, then a cooler, wetter pattern returns midweek. Solar Access: A growing trend in DIY plug-in balcony solar is making it easier for households to generate power without major upfront installs.

PFAS Fallout in NH: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to “forever chemical” drinking-water settlements, bringing total PFAS settlement money collected to more than $43 million, with more payments expected through at least 2033. Water Security: A new report highlights how cyberattacks on water systems have hit multiple states this summer, and NH officials say systems are being probed even if no impacts have been identified locally. Coast Watch: Ocean rescues in New Hampshire fell in 2026—about 170 so far versus 200+ last year—helped by calmer conditions and fewer major storms. Weather & Safety: Labor Day is shaping up sunny and warm, then a cool-down with more showers possible midweek. Local Land Use: Enfield officials face a wetlands-crossing request as a developer seeks approval for a road tied to a new housing plan. Wildlife Incident: A man in Lebanon described a mystery animal attack caught on video, with the search continuing.

Cybersecurity for Water Systems: New Hampshire officials say they’re not aware of impacts from a July wave of cyberattacks on water systems tied tentatively to Iran, but they warn systems are “always being probed,” with small operators facing a tough, fast-changing threat as hackers use more capable tools. PFAS Payouts: NH is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to “forever chemical” contamination, bringing total PFAS settlement money collected to more than $43 million for drinking-water cleanup. Ocean Safety Update: New Hampshire ocean rescues fell in 2026, with 170 rescues reported so far versus more than 200 last year, as favorable water conditions and fewer major storms helped keep swimmers safer. Local Environment & Land Use: A Bow data-center proposal and related debate over growth and impacts continues to draw attention, while Enfield residents face another wetland-crossing road permit request tied to a new housing plan. Weather: Labor Day looks mostly sunny and mild for NH, with a chance of early showers Tuesday and a wetter push late Wednesday into Thursday, then a cooler weekend. Outdoor Community: The Adirondack Canoe Classic (the 90-Miler) returns Sept. 11–13, with race revenue supporting trail stewardship and access projects.

PFAS Fallout in NH: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to PFAS “forever chemical” contamination, bringing total settlement money to more than $43 million, with more expected through at least 2033; the funds go into the state’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund to help utilities respond to tainted supplies. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: A new report highlights how hackers keep probing public water systems nationwide, and NH officials say they’re not aware of impacts from a recent wave elsewhere—but operators warn the threat is constant and increasingly harder to defend against as AI boosts attackers. Energy & Grid Reliability Debate: A look at nuclear power’s “weather-proof” promise points to drought and heat forcing shutdowns in Europe, raising questions for reliability claims as extreme weather strains power systems. Local Development Pressure: In Bow, residents are split over a potential large data center on the site of the shuttered Merrimack Station, with some hoping for steadier tax revenue and others concerned about impacts. Conservation & Wildlife: A horseshoe crab outlook improves as New York moves toward a harvest ban, phasing down quotas over the next few years to help rebuild populations.

Cybersecurity for water systems: New Hampshire water operators say systems are constantly being probed, with AI making attacks harder to defend against, after a broader wave of cyberattacks hit water utilities in at least a dozen states. Court data breach: A Thomson Reuters breach tied to its C-Track software exposed sensitive court “data files” in multiple states, including New Hampshire, raising concerns about personal information. Local land-use and wetlands: Enfield developers are back before zoning to seek permission for a road crossing wetlands as they reshape a proposed housing plan. Heat and home cooling: With NH summers getting hotter and more humid, residents are turning to heat pumps and mini-splits, especially as older housing stock leaves many without central AC. Community outdoors: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s 90-Miler paddling race returns Sept. 11–13, with proceeds supporting stewardship and youth canoe programs. Weather: Labor Day weekend starts with scattered showers possible, then trends mostly dry with beach rip-current risk.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: New Hampshire water systems are facing constant probing from would-be hackers, and officials say they’re not aware of impacts from a recent multi-state cyberattack spree—but operators warn the threat is evolving fast, especially with AI. Courts Data Breach: Thomson Reuters’ C-Track breach reportedly exposed sensitive court files across multiple states, including New Hampshire, raising concerns about personal data like Social Security numbers and medical/insurance information. Local Land & Wetlands: Enfield developers are back before the zoning board seeking permission for a wetland road crossing as a housing plan shifts after earlier denials. Heat & Housing: With New Hampshire summers hotter and more humid, air conditioning is becoming a health necessity; residents are increasingly turning to heat pumps and mini-splits, with help programs available. Coastal Research: UNH deployed a cabled ocean observing system near the Isles of Shoals to boost real-time monitoring in the Gulf of Maine. Wildlife Watch: A mystery animal has attacked multiple people in Lebanon, with video capturing one attack, and police are still trying to identify it.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: New Hampshire DES says it hasn’t seen impacts from a July wave of cyberattacks on water systems tied by the U.S. to Iran, but officials warn NH utilities are “always being probed,” with small operators especially strained as AI boosts attackers. Courts Data Breach: Thomson Reuters’ C-Track hack reached appellate courts in at least 11 states, including New Hampshire, with exposed files potentially containing names, Social Security numbers, and medical or insurance info. Local Climate & Resilience: UNH deployed a cabled ocean observing system near the Isles of Shoals to expand real-time monitoring in the Gulf of Maine, supported by a $6.2M Office of Naval Research grant. Energy & Housing: Bow residents are split over a possible data center at the shuttered Merrimack Station site, with debate centered on taxes versus environmental and community impacts. Heat & Health: A new NH report highlights rising humidity and heat risk, pointing residents toward mini-split heat pumps and available assistance programs. Outdoor & Community: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s 90-Miler returns Sept. 11-13, with race revenue supporting stewardship and youth canoe scholarships.