AGP Executive Report

Invasive Plants & Lake Health: Volunteers on New Hampshire’s Suncook Lake are battling variable milfoil with surveillance boats, divers, and early-morning removals—aiming to keep the invasive plant “at bay” since eradication is nearly impossible once established. Tick-Borne Risk: A 66-year-old New Hampshire man has been hospitalized for weeks after contracting Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne illness that’s most common in the Northeast and Great Lakes during late spring through mid-fall. Sustainable Seafood: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a new five-year effort to boost sustainable domestic seafood production, building on local aquaculture work that already grows steelhead trout for Portsmouth-area markets. Pollinator Gardening: NHPR highlights how to start a pollinator garden, with local guidance to focus on native plants and reduce mowing to support bees and other pollinators. Weather & Flood Watch: Another round of rain is expected Thursday across western Maine and New Hampshire, with totals near one inch and a reminder that recent storms left streams and rivers near bankfull. Air & Heat Context: A new report notes extreme heat is becoming more frequent nationwide, underscoring why New Hampshire residents are being urged to plan for hotter summers and heat safety.

Severe Weather Watch: A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of northern New Hampshire and western/northern Maine, with heavy rain that could trigger flash flooding, plus a separate hail and tornado risk across the Northeast that includes northern NH and Vermont. Cyanobacteria Alerts: NH’s “Healthy Swimmer” list adds several southern lakes and reservoirs—Pawtuckaway, Swains, Arlington Mill, and Haunted Lake—warning that warm weather and recent heavy rain can boost harmful blooms. Sustainable Seafood Push: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a new five-year effort to grow sustainable domestic seafood production, building on its existing aquaculture work in New Castle. Recycling Facility Cleanup Concerns: In Londonderry, residents are still watching a proposed 60-unit plan tied to a former S&S Metals Recycling site, with questions about contamination cleanup, wetland impacts, and traffic. Pollinator Gardening: A beginner-friendly guide highlights how to start a pollinator garden in NH using native plants and simple steps like reducing mowing. Local Animal Fundraiser: The Mae-West Memorial “For the Love of Pets” Ride in the Lakes Region raised about $100,000 since 2014 and is now supporting Funds4Paws. Heat Extremes Context: A national roundup notes record-setting heat is becoming more common, with climate change making extreme heat more likely.

Pollinator push: NHPR spotlights how to start a pollinator garden in Canterbury, urging residents to focus on native plants and even “stop mowing” to let local species return. Business climate: Executive Councilor John Stephen says a Dunbarton cigar maker chose New Hampshire because it’s “business-friendly,” pointing to low government intervention and supportive economic policies. Water safety & health: The state lists four southern NH waters with reported cyanobacteria blooms—Pawtuckaway Lake, Swains Lake, Arlington Mill Reservoir, and Haunted Lake—warning conditions may favor more blooms after recent heavy rain and warm weather. Storm risk: A Flood Watch is up for parts of northern NH and western/northern Maine, with heavy rain that could trigger flash flooding, plus an expanded tornado and hail threat across the Northeast. Outdoor tragedy: A 20-year-old hiker died after a medical incident on Monadnock State Park’s Cascade Link trail; CPR was attempted before rescue crews arrived. Recycling concern: Londonderry weighs a 60-unit plan near a former recycling facility, with residents raising ongoing environmental contamination worries.

Cyanobacteria Watch: June is bringing reported toxic algae blooms back to southern NH lakes. The state’s “Healthy Swimmer” list now includes Pawtuckaway Lake (Nottingham), Swains Lake (Barrington), Arlington Mill Reservoir (Salem), and Haunted Lake/Scobie Pond (Francestown), with blooms reported May 26–27. Storm & Flood Risk: A Flood Watch is up for northern New Hampshire and western/northern Maine, with flash flooding possible from heavy rain Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Tornado Threat: The Storm Prediction Center expanded the area for tornadic thunderstorms, including northern NH and parts of Vermont and Maine, with damaging winds also possible. Heat & Humidity: Another stretch of 90-degree heat hit parts of NH, but humidity is expected to drop over the weekend, making conditions more comfortable. Disaster Relief Steps: NH officials requested FEMA help after flooding in Madison, seeking a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to support a possible disaster declaration. Forever Chemicals (PFAS): A new explainer revisits why PFAS—used in nonstick, waterproof gear, packaging, and firefighting foam—are so persistent and why they’re under renewed scrutiny. Aquaculture Research: UNH is leading a NOAA-backed effort to boost U.S. seafood supply through aquaculture research, including work on more sustainable, efficient fish farming.

Severe Storm Watch for NH: Another round of thunderstorms is possible late Sunday into Sunday night, with damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. Flooding Risk: Forecasters warn flash flooding could hit parts of the state, especially where earlier rain left the ground saturated. State Seeks FEMA Help: After flooding in Madison and surrounding towns, New Hampshire officials requested a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with FEMA to support a possible disaster declaration. Hail Threat in the Region: The Storm Prediction Center flags a hail risk across parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including northern New Hampshire. Heat + Humidity Shift: Weekend heat is easing as humidity drops, but another warm stretch is expected to return. NOAA Seafood Research: UNH is leading a NOAA-backed aquaculture effort to boost U.S. seafood supply with more sustainable fish farming. PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Explained: A new explainer looks at where PFAS show up—from food packaging to firefighting foam—and why they persist for generations. Wildlife + Outdoor Nuisance: Black fly season is underway in northern New England, with hikers warned to expect painful bites. Coastal Shark Tracking: Researchers are placing acoustic receivers along NH beaches to listen for tagged great white sharks.

Severe Storm Alert for NH: The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center is flagging a Sunday risk that includes Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine for tornadoes, with damaging wind gusts also possible across parts of the Northeast. Heat & Humidity Safety: New Hampshire is in the middle of a heat wave with heat advisories and air quality alerts in the region, and forecasts point to humidity easing over the weekend even as temperatures stay hot. Flood Damage, FEMA Step: After heavy rain and flooding in Madison, New Hampshire officials have requested a FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine whether the state qualifies for federal disaster help. Clean Energy on Reused Land: Jaffrey is moving ahead with a community solar project on top of a former municipal landfill, aiming to bring it online in early 2027. Coastal Research: UNH researchers are deploying acoustic receivers along NH beaches to track great white sharks this summer.

FEMA Flood Response: New Hampshire is asking FEMA for a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment after flooding in Madison washed out roads and damaged homes, with officials seeking a disaster declaration and federal help. Heat & Air Quality: Another stretch of sweltering weather is hitting the Granite State, with heat advisories and air-quality concerns tied to humidity and pollution, while forecasts point to a drier, less muggy weekend. Severe Weather Watch: A flood watch was issued for parts of northern and western New Hampshire and nearby Maine, warning of slow-moving storms and possible flash flooding. Clean Energy on Reused Land: Jaffrey is partnering with ReVision Energy to build a community solar array on a capped former landfill, aiming for clean power by early 2027. Aquaculture & Ocean Research: Dauphin Island Sea Lab harvested its first redfish from an offshore aquaculture platform, and UNH is also tied to a new $13.5M federal aquaculture research push to strengthen U.S. seafood supply. Wildlife & Night Skies: Local coverage highlights NH’s “pure wilderness” and firefly diversity, while northern lights alerts suggest auroras may be visible farther south than usual this weekend.

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.