AGP Executive Report

Flood Recovery & FEMA: New Hampshire is asking FEMA for a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment after heavy flooding in Madison and nearby towns washed out roads and damaged driveways, with state officials saying the results will support a possible federal disaster declaration. Heat & Air Quality: Heat advisories are in effect across New England as temperatures push into the 90s and humidity makes it feel hotter, with air quality alerts also flagged in parts of the region. Weekend Weather Shift: Forecasts point to lower humidity over the weekend, bringing a break from the worst of the muggy conditions even as the heat lingers. Storm Watch: A flood watch remains posted for parts of northern New Hampshire and western/central Maine, warning that slow-moving thunderstorms could bring repeated downpours and flash-flood risk. Clean Energy on Reused Land: Jaffrey is partnering with ReVision Energy to build a community solar array on a capped former landfill, aiming to bring it online in early 2027. Local Water & Wildlife Research: UNH researchers are placing acoustic receivers along New Hampshire beaches to track great white sharks this summer.

Solar on capped landfill: Jaffrey is partnering with ReVision Energy to build a community solar array on top of a former municipal landfill, with the project expected online in early 2027 and paying the town $10,000 a year (with an escalator). Heat + flood risk: A Heat Advisory and oppressive humidity are pushing temperatures into the 90s across New Hampshire, while a Flood Watch covers parts of northern NH and western/central Maine as slow-moving storms could dump more than 3 inches in a short period. Weather whiplash: Forecasters warn Friday’s storm setup is hard to pin down as fronts collide with heat and moisture, raising the odds of hit-or-miss thunderstorms. PFAS cleanup delayed: The Pentagon has again pushed back “forever chemical” cleanup timelines at nearly 200 military sites, extending some plans by about a decade. Seafood research push: UNH is helping lead a new NOAA-backed aquaculture research effort aimed at boosting domestic seafood supply with a focus on safer, more environmentally friendly finfish farming. Rural investment: Northern Border Regional Commission grants totaling $8.1M will fund 16 projects across seven rural NH counties, targeting housing, workforce, infrastructure, and forest products.

Heat & Humidity Alert: Friday stays brutally warm and muggy across New Hampshire, with heat advisories continuing and “feels-like” conditions pushing into the 90s; a few showers may pop up, but the bigger story is staying safe in the heat. Flash Flood Aftermath: Overnight downpours triggered a “100-year flood” in parts of central NH, washing out roads including Route 113 in Madison and prompting closures and damage assessments. Drought & Water Limits: Severe drought persists in parts of southern NH; Exeter is under Level 4 water restrictions, and officials are urging conservation as limited rainfall continues. Local Resilience Planning: Salem planners unveiled an Open Spaces Master Plan aimed at protecting natural areas as development pressure grows, with goals that include flood mitigation and better access to nature. Aquaculture Push: NOAA-backed aquaculture research is expanding, with the University of New Hampshire named the host for a new $13.5M national seafood research consortium. Business Growth (Road Access): Winchester opened “Opportunity Drive,” a new access road to Stone Mountain Business Park, unlocking additional commercial lots for future development.

Flash Flood Damage: Torrential rain hit central New Hampshire late Wednesday into Thursday, with Madison reporting multiple washed-out roads and closures on Route 113 and other local streets as crews assessed damage after rapid, heavy downpours. Emergency Road Repairs: In Portland, Maine, part of High Street washed out overnight, prompting a multi-day closure while crews repaired the affected stretch. Open Space Planning: Salem planners unveiled an Open Spaces Master Plan aimed at protecting natural areas amid fast population growth, linking preservation to flood mitigation and better access to nature. Heat & Storm Watch: Hot, humid conditions continued with a Heat Advisory in the southern half of New Hampshire and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms that could bring brief heavy rain. Northern Lights Alert: A coronal mass ejection could spark auroras visible from up to 25 states, including New Hampshire, overnight Saturday into Sunday. Solar Myths: A solar roundup warned readers about common misconceptions around savings and safety, urging careful planning before going solar. Recycling Expansion: TerraCycle Commercial acquired NLR Inc. to expand Northeast recycling operations. Community Conservation: Pembroke Academy graduates highlighted how school-led environmental projects can turn into real-world conservation plans.

Flash Flood Watch & Heat Risk: Slow-moving downpours and storms are raising flash-flood risk across parts of New Hampshire and western Maine, with torrential rain possible even without severe storms. Heat Wave Watch: A hot, humid stretch is building across New England, with heat index values topping 100 in spots and heat alerts in place. FEMA Reform Backlash: State disaster agencies warn proposed FEMA changes could hit small, rural communities hardest by capping homeowner assistance and shifting recovery costs to states and local governments. Nuclear Policy in Concord: New Hampshire lawmakers are pushing nuclear-forward bills after earlier proposals stalled or were vetoed, with energy funding and ratepayer concerns driving the debate. PFAS & Wastewater: A feasibility push is underway for biosolids disposal as PFAS concerns and a planned landfill closure force wastewater systems to find new options. Recycling Deal: TerraCycle Commercial expands in the Northeast by acquiring NLR Inc., adding more regulated waste recycling capacity, including facilities in Concord. Local Water Advocacy: Wolfeboro Rep. John MacDonald received the NH LAKES Reverend Sidney Lovett Memorial Award for lake and water protection work. Kids Count: New Hampshire ranks #1 for child well-being again, but youth depression remains a weak spot in new reporting. Alpha-Gal & Ticks: RFK Jr. says HHS is responding to an “explosion” of tick-borne alpha-gal, including tick-control efforts tied to deer populations.

Heat & Storm Outlook: A warm, humid stretch is building across New England into the weekend and Monday, with highs mostly in the 80s to low 90s inland and scattered afternoon showers or thunderstorms—first Friday evening, then again Saturday and Sunday. Solar & Water Rules: New Hampshire’s stormwater permitting rules can treat ground-mounted solar as “impervious cover,” potentially raising costs unless projects qualify for a high bar exception—an issue that matters as businesses plan more solar. PFAS & Biosolids: States are still wrestling with how PFAS in biosolids should be handled, as regulators and communities weigh feasibility and disposal options amid proposed limits and shifting guidance. Aquaculture Boost: NOAA launched CIFARM, a five-year aquaculture research and markets effort funded with $13.5 million, with UNH hosting and partners including University of Hawaiʻi—aimed at expanding sustainable seafood production. Local Environment Spotlight: Cobble Pond Farms is set to reopen its Canterbury convenience store and gas pumps after years of upgrades, including work tied to septic and environmental approvals. Wildlife Movement: Vermont is working to preserve forest corridors as climate change pushes species northward, trying to connect fragmented habitat across state lines.

Aquaculture push for New Hampshire: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new five-year aquaculture research and markets institute funded with $13.5 million for year one, hosted by UNH and including the University of Hawaiʻi as a core member—aimed at expanding sustainable U.S. seafood production. Solar permitting friction in NH: A report highlights how New Hampshire’s stormwater rules can treat ground-mounted solar as “impervious cover,” potentially triggering costly retention requirements unless projects qualify for narrow exceptions. Grid upgrade impacts across the region: National Grid is starting a major Massachusetts transmission modernization, replacing century-old towers and removing about 130 acres of trees, with costs shared across New England ratepayers. Ticks and allergy risk: Maine experts say lone star ticks carrying alpha-gal syndrome are approaching, but established populations and widespread risk remain uncertain. Heat and storms: A heat dome is expected to bring muggy conditions and scattered thunderstorms midweek into New Hampshire and the region. NH Gives spotlight: New Hampshire’s record-setting NH Gives fundraising drive runs June 9–10, with local nonprofits including environmental groups counting on community support.

Severe Weather Watch: New Hampshire is heading into a warm, muggy stretch with heat building toward the upper 80s to near 90, plus storm chances midweek as humidity rises. Drought Confusion: Even with “drought” talk, some areas are seeing greener lawns after recent rain; NOAA says surface conditions have rebounded, but the key question is how much water is recharging groundwater. Wildlife & Forests: A tick threat is growing for NH moose as winter ticks spread; researchers say changing how forests are logged could help reduce impacts. PFAS & Water: A new U.S. soil model is mapping PFAS contamination risks, with implications for how groundwater managers plan for protection. NH Gives: The state’s big online giving event kicks off June 9–10 with a record number of nonprofits—hundreds—seeking support, including groups working on environmental protection. Local Crime: Police say an 18-year-old shot and killed his sister in Thornton; the case is under investigation. Energy & Growth: A Tilton-area energy infrastructure moratorium is being discussed as utilities say the system is at capacity, pushing debate over long-term upgrades.

PFAS & Groundwater: A new U.S. Geological Survey study finds PFAS in shallow soils across Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire is largely driven by air deposition—not nearby industrial sources—while low soil pH strongly boosts the odds of exceeding state cleanup thresholds. Wildlife & Forest Management: UNH and Fish and Game researchers are testing whether changes in how forests are logged could help moose better survive winter tick pressure, a major factor in long-running moose health declines. Weather & Northern Lights: NOAA issued geomagnetic storm watches for June 8-9, with a chance the northern lights could be visible across northern states including New Hampshire. Climate & Skiing: Ski New Hampshire reports the 2025-26 season was the busiest since 2011, with 2.28 million visits, even as warmer winters continue to challenge ski areas. Community Giving: NH Gives kicks off, with local news highlighted as a key driver for clean water, environmental protection, and other community priorities. Tourism: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen met Lakes Region tourism leaders aboard the Winnipesaukee Spirit, hearing concerns about costs and fewer Canadian visitors but also optimism for summer.

Forest & Climate Policy: A Concord Monitor opinion warns the federal government’s Forest Service reorganization could slash staffing and disrupt long-term research in New Hampshire’s northern hardwood forests, including experimental forests that track precipitation, temperature, and ecosystem health. Wildlife & Forest Management: UNH and New Hampshire Fish and Game researchers are testing a new idea for “zombie moose” by looking at whether different forest logging practices could change how moose encounter winter ticks. Water Quality & Pesticides: An Ag/Horticulture update urges NH growers to check herbicide label requirements and water traits like pH and hardness before spraying, warning that mismatched water can reduce effectiveness and risk crop damage. Severe Weather Watch: WMUR reports a pleasant start to the week in NH before heat and humidity return, with storm chances later in the week; another forecast notes weekend severe thunderstorm risk with gusty winds, heavy rain, and lightning. Marine Debris: York Harbor installed the first fishing line recycling bins in York, aiming to prevent entanglements of fish and wildlife. Local Land-Use & Data Centers: A Nottingham planning board special meeting is set after a data center proposal sparked backlash over water quality, electricity costs, and noise concerns. Community & Conservation: A Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts event will feature turtle conservation artist Matt Patterson, highlighting endangered turtles and habitat protection.

Weather Watch: New Hampshire starts the week with a quiet stretch and a “top ten” Monday—sunny, around 80, and much less humid—before heat and humidity build again later in the week with storm chances returning midweek and again Friday. Severe Storm Risk: A broader Northeast system is set to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, with tornado potential in parts of the region as storms fire up ahead of a cold front. PFAS & Water Safety: New Hampshire continues to see fallout from “forever chemicals,” including more cleanup money for towns and renewed attention after federal moves that could weaken drinking-water safeguards. Clean Water & Wildlife: York Harbor installed fishing line recycling bins to prevent marine entanglements, and Vermont reminded people to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin. Land & Forest Protection: As the Roadless Rule rollback looms, grassroots hearings are taking shape, including renewed calls to protect roadless forest areas. Local Governance & Pollution Control: A court fight continues over New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing contract, with the state arguing federal law doesn’t force states to run such programs.

Severe Storm Watch for NH: A weekend setup is priming the Northeast for damaging thunderstorms, with New Hampshire in the mix for gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning as warnings expire and new threats shift through the region. Data Center Backlash in Nottingham: After a proposal sparked major community pushback, Nottingham’s planning board is holding a special meeting to dig into what state law and local zoning can do about data centers, including concerns about water quality, noise, and power costs. Emissions Testing Fight: Gordon-Darby is pressing a court challenge to keep New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing program alive, arguing federal law should require the state to maintain it—while the state points to limits on federal mandates. Wildlife-Friendly Recycling: York Harbor installed its first fishing line recycling bins to prevent discarded line from entangling fish and birds, part of a broader coastal effort. PFAS Cleanup Pressure: New Hampshire advocates are pushing back against weakening federal safeguards tied to “forever chemicals,” warning that more contamination could reach drinking water. Sea Lamprey Reminder: Vermont and New Hampshire are urging people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin, noting the fish’s ecological role.

Severe Weather Watch: New Hampshire is bracing for strong storms Saturday afternoon into the evening, with the main hazards gusty winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning; warnings have already expired in some areas, but conditions can still knock down trees and power lines in spots. Drought Update: After late-May rain, drought conditions are easing in the Granite State, though some southern areas still remain impacted. Local Water & Wildlife: York Harbor installed its first fishing line recycling bins to keep discarded line out of local waters and reduce wildlife entanglements. Recreation Rules & Noise: Benson Park in NH is updating park regulations after residents raised concerns that deed-restricted, low-impact recreation rules haven’t kept up with today’s visitor traffic and noise. PFAS Fight: New Hampshire advocates are pushing back against federal moves they say weaken safeguards against “forever chemicals” contaminating drinking water. Data Centers & Local Control: Nottingham residents continue to challenge a proposed data center, with planning discussions shaped by concerns about water quality, electricity costs, and noise.

Severe Weather Watch: New Hampshire is bracing for scattered strong storms Saturday afternoon into the evening, with thunder, heavy rain, gusty winds, and an isolated hail risk—plus a separate air-quality note as pine pollen stays high. Drought Update: After late-May rain, drought conditions are easing in more of the state, though some southern areas still remain impacted. Recycling That Helps Wildlife: York Harbor, Maine installed its first fishing line recycling bins to prevent discarded line from entangling fish and birds. Local Governance & Data Centers: Nottingham’s backlash to a proposed data center is still driving public meetings and legal questions about what state law allows. PFAS & Drinking Water: Commentary and reporting continue to focus on “forever chemicals” and the health stakes for Granite State communities as federal safeguards shift. Conservation on the Ground: A grassroots “Roadless Rule” rollback fight is taking shape through grassroots hearings, while a separate wildlife reminder urges people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey. Community Climate Work: NHPR’s By Degrees Climate Summit highlighted PFAS and community resilience efforts. Outdoor/Health: HHS is pushing tick and mosquito bite prevention as tick pressure rises.

PFAS Fight in NH: Three New Hampshire mothers renew pressure on the federal government after reporting “forever chemicals” in local water tied to the former Pease Air Force Base, warning safeguards are being rolled back. Climate & Community Resilience: NHPR’s 2026 Climate Summit spotlighted community resilience, with a focus on water quality and PFAS accountability. Waterway Wildlife: Vermont Fish and Wildlife urges people in the Connecticut River basin to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey, noting they’re a conservation species in NH and VT. Severe Weather Watch: Meteorologists flag a Saturday risk of strong storms across parts of New England, including damaging wind gusts and possible hail. Drought Update: Rain at the end of May is improving drought conditions statewide, though some southern areas still remain impacted. Moose & Ticks: A new study aims to test whether forest logging practices could change how moose encounter winter ticks. Health Care & Addiction Treatment: Dartmouth Hitchcock plans to use $900,000 in federal funds to create an inpatient substance use treatment program inside its birthing pavilion. Northern Lights: NOAA says New Hampshire could see aurora activity tonight, though clouds may interfere.

PFAS Fight: Three New Hampshire mothers say Trump’s EPA rollback would weaken safeguards after PFAS contamination was found in the Haven Well and nearby seacoast communities, pushing for cleanup and medical monitoring for people exposed through everyday water. Climate & Community Resilience: NHPR’s By Degrees Climate Summit focused on community resilience, with panels on PFAS in communities and what comes next for water quality and accountability. Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flags a Saturday severe-storm setup across parts of the Northeast, including southern New Hampshire, with damaging wind gusts the main risk and hail possible. Drought Update: After late-May rain, drought conditions are easing in New Hampshire, though some southern areas still remain impacted. Northern Lights: NOAA says New Hampshire and Maine have a chance to see the aurora tonight as geomagnetic activity continues. Local Land & Water Protection: Vermont and New Hampshire are urging people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin, noting the fish’s ecological role. Ticks & Moose: A new UNH/Fish and Game study aims to test whether forest logging practices could change how moose encounter winter ticks, as tick pressure worsens moose declines. AI & Public Concern: A Granite State Poll finds most residents expect AI to hurt the U.S. overall, even as more people use AI at work and at home. Data Centers: Nottingham residents are pushing back hard on data centers, with a proposed temporary moratorium while zoning changes are considered. Health & Safety: A Q&A for summer activities highlights injury-prevention tips as outdoor recreation ramps up across New Hampshire.