AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Crisis: Colorado’s fire season is intensifying fast, with more than 1,700 personnel battling five major wildfires and roughly 125,000 acres scorched over the past week; officials warn near-zero humidity, triple-digit heat, and strong winds could drive extreme fire behavior, and Gov. Jared Polis urged people to skip fireworks as Aspen Acres alone has destroyed an estimated 200 buildings. Smoke & Health: Pueblo residents report prolonged smoke plumes and ash fall from the Aspen Acres fire, with worsening asthma and breathing problems as air quality advisories remain in effect. Local Fire Restrictions: Douglas County moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions and canceled fireworks, while Western Slope communities are adjusting July 4 plans—some banning personal fireworks and others postponing shows. Recreation Closures: Chatfield State Park crews shifted from rescue to recovery after a person went missing in the water, and Lake County issued new road and camping closures tied to fire danger. Wildlife & Water Science: CPW and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reintroduced 3,500 boreal toad tadpoles near Leadville, and USGS is running a non-toxic dye-tracing study in Lake Fork Creek to study impacts from the Sugarloaf mining district.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties are under an air quality health advisory as wildfire smoke drifts in, with officials urging people to relocate indoors if smoke is present. Fire Risk & Fireworks Crackdowns: Aurora temporarily lifted some fireworks restrictions through July 4 (ground-based items only), while Douglas County moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions, canceling fireworks shows and banning open burning and fireworks countywide. Wildfire Scale in Southern Colorado: Multiple fires are burning across the state, with the Aspen Acres fire alone consuming tens of thousands of acres and destroying hundreds of structures as evacuations continue. Water Woes for Recreation: Low water levels are forcing closures, including the west boat ramp at John Martin Reservoir State Park, limiting summer access. Data Centers & Water: New reporting highlights how major cloud providers are pushing “water positive” goals, underscoring how drought and water accounting are becoming central to tech expansion. Recycling Pilot for Small Packaging: Pilot projects are testing how to sort small-format packaging at recycling facilities, aiming to make more of it recyclable instead of landfilled. Forest Service Hiring: The U.S. Forest Service is taking applications for 900+ temporary jobs across the region, including Colorado.

Wildfire smoke health alerts: Gov. Polis and state health officials urged Coloradans to monitor air quality and cut back on outdoor exertion as wildfire smoke pushed hazy, particle-filled conditions across the state, with extra caution for kids, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with asthma or heart/lung issues. Drought + river impacts: Colorado Parks and Wildlife added more voluntary fishing closures on the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs and enacted a voluntary afternoon closure on the Conejos River to protect fish from low flows and warm water swings. Water rights showdown: A major Colorado River tribal water settlement for northern Arizona is being blocked by Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming) as negotiations stall over how the shrinking river is divided. Recreation planning: CPW also reminded holiday weekend visitors to plan ahead for closures, low water access, and boating safety—especially life jacket use. Fireworks reconsidered: Some Colorado communities are weighing or canceling Fourth of July fireworks due to ongoing wildfire risk, while others proceed with added safety steps. Politics + environment: A Colorado primary upset tied to progressive politics is drawing national attention, while DeGette’s concession highlighted her record on cleaning up toxic waste and protecting the environment. Wildlife + human conflict: A bear broke into a Colorado handyman’s truck and ate his lunch in Steamboat Springs, underscoring how wildlife encounters are rising as conditions change.

Wildfire & public safety: Colorado’s wildfire crisis is still driving red-flag fire weather and restrictions, with multiple large blazes burning and communities adjusting access and services; Pueblo opened a Disaster Assistance Center for residents affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. Drought & water impacts: John Martin Reservoir’s west boat ramp is closed due to low water levels, a reminder that recreation is getting squeezed across drought-stressed reservoirs. Invasive species control: Longmont will use a drone survey near Lykins Pond to map List A noxious weeds hidden in dense cattails, helping target removal work. Ecosystem science debate: Researchers continue a high-profile dispute over whether Yellowstone wolf reintroduction sparked a major rebound in aspens—an argument with big implications for how people interpret wildlife recovery. Energy & grid planning: Montana joined a multi-state push to expand and streamline electric transmission permitting, with Colorado among the coalition partners. Heat risk: A major U.S. heatwave is pushing “real-feel” temperatures into dangerous territory over the July 4 stretch, raising health and power-grid concerns.

Wildfire & Public Safety: Colorado’s western-slope fires stayed hard to contain as extreme heat and “critical fire weather” persisted, with three firefighters killed and two injured during the Snyder Fire; officials also issued air quality health advisories for southern counties as smoke moved east. Fire Policy & Staffing: The Trump administration’s “full suppression” push and a newly created federal wildland fire service are drawing scrutiny after the deaths, with concerns about confusion from consolidating crews and cutting back on long-term risk reduction. Western Coordination: Western governors backed stronger wildfire coordination and a multi-state effort to improve grid planning, while Utah and other states urged faster federal action on prevention and permitting. Wildlife Updates: Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed a collared gray wolf crossed I-25 eastward for the first time since reintroductions began. Energy & Buildings: A new Colorado energy code takes effect Wednesday, pushing builders to file plans quickly, and a Western governors-backed transmission study aims to expand and modernize the regional grid. Local Sustainability: Los Alamos County sought community input on a proposed single-use plastic bag ordinance. Politics With Climate Stakes: Colorado’s primaries delivered progressive wins (including Melat Kiros over Diana DeGette) and a governor race upset (Phil Weiser over Michael Bennet), setting up major fights over climate, water, and wildfire response.

Wildfire Safety: Colorado State Patrol urged drivers to avoid smoldering areas and leave early if they’re in a fire zone, warning that heat and heavy smoke can trap people who wait. Wildfire Crisis: As multiple deadly blazes burn across the state, officials described it as a “battle for resources,” while firefighters mourn three colleagues killed in the Knowles/Snyder fire area near the Utah border. Air & Heat Impacts: Front Range communities faced smoky skies and air quality alerts as heat waves and wildfire smoke combined to raise health risks. Drought & Ranching: A new look at what the 2026 drought means for Northwest Colorado ranchers highlights shrinking forage, dry ponds, and earlier herd reductions. River Habitat Protection: Colorado Parks and Wildlife put a voluntary full-day fishing closure on the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs to protect native mountain whitefish from low flows and rising temperatures. Water Policy: Western Slope lawmakers pressed Colorado water negotiators over whether the state is positioned to avoid a Colorado River lawsuit. Local Land-Use: Larimer County commissioners extended a moratorium on new data center approvals after residents overwhelmingly opposed them, citing lack of clear review standards. EV Charging Rules: Colorado’s new retail EV charging regulations take effect July 1, setting minimum standards for publicly accessible chargers.

Wildfire Tragedy & Response: Gov. Polis, Sen. Hickenlooper, and Sen. Bennet met in Fruita as the Snyder Fire complex surged along the Colorado-Utah border, after three federal wildland firefighters died in a burnover; identities were released and officials said two others were injured and stable. Air Quality Alerts: Smoke and ozone pushed health alerts across the Front Range and into Boulder County, with residents urged to limit outdoor activity—especially kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions. Fire Danger Escalates Locally: Red Flag Warnings and evacuations spread as fires burned tens of thousands of acres statewide, including the Aspen Acres fire in southeast Colorado. Public Safety Closures: Rocky Mountain National Park issued a full fire ban, and the Colorado River from Fruita to the Utah line was closed to boating and recreation to keep people out of the way of firefighting. Policy & Environment: Colorado became the first state with a statewide law for EV battery reuse, repurposing, and recycling, and the House advanced grid and cybersecurity bills. Science & Nature: A new study suggests Earth may host 14–20 million insect species, far above older estimates.

Wildfire Tragedy: Three Helitack firefighters died in a “burnover” while battling Colorado-Utah border blazes, as extreme heat, strong winds, and low humidity kept conditions critical and prompted state emergency actions and fireworks bans. Air Quality & Health: Health experts warned that wildfire smoke can trigger coughing, asthma attacks, and heart strain—especially for kids, older adults, and people with lung or heart conditions. Fire Safety on the Ground: Colorado’s wildfire training and firefighting readiness are being shaped by prolonged fire bans and extreme drought, with more restrictions tightening how and when crews can burn for training. Water Stress & Legal Fights: Nebraska won a path to challenge Colorado over South Platte River water rights, underscoring how drought and compact disputes are driving courtroom battles across the region. Colorado River Reading List: A new roundup spotlights books on the Colorado River crisis and the stalled negotiations among basin states. Coal Ash Rollback Fight: Colorado’s AG peers joined a legal push against EPA proposals that would weaken toxic coal ash rules, citing risks to water and public health. Housing Win: Longmont’s Ascent at Hover Crossing earned a statewide Eagle Award for mixed-income, family-focused affordable housing with renewable energy features. Extreme Heat Care: Caregivers were urged to plan ahead for Alzheimer’s and extreme heat risks, since temperature sensitivity can raise danger for people with dementia.

Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters died and two were injured in a burnover while battling the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado–Utah border; the fires have merged into the Snyder Mesa Fire, with Colorado and Utah both in emergency response mode. Fire Safety & Restrictions: Delta County moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions starting June 29, as a Red Flag Warning and dry conditions raise the risk of human-caused ignitions. Smoke & Health: Mesa County issued an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke, urging residents—especially kids and seniors—to limit outdoor activity and keep air filtered. Drought Impacts: Boyd Lake State Park closed its main boat ramp for the rest of the season after drought dropped water levels by 20–25 feet. Wildlife Conflict: Residents are demanding changes to a long barbed-wire fence around Cielo Vista Ranch after an independent wildlife assessment found it disrupts elk, mule deer, and other species’ access to habitat. Water & PFAS: EPA announced $1.6 million in drinking-water grants for Colorado and other states, including help targeting PFAS and lead. Heat Watch: A dangerous, humid heatwave is building across much of the U.S., raising risks for outdoor workers and wildfire conditions.

Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters died and two were hurt while battling fast-moving Knowles and Gore fires that merged into the Snyder fire along the Colorado–Utah border, as extreme heat, wind, and drought pushed blazes across the West. Fire Weather: A Red Flag Warning again blanketed western Colorado and the mountains, with very low humidity and gusty winds priming fuels to spread any new ignition quickly. Air Quality & Health: Colorado issued an air quality alert as smoke from the expanding fires moved into the state, raising public health concerns. Drought & Recreation Impacts: Northern Colorado anglers face emergency fish salvages and boating closures as low reservoir levels and irrigation demand reshape summer outdoor plans. Water Crisis Watch: With the Colorado River negotiations stalling and Lake Mead hovering near record lows, the region’s water future remains uncertain.

Wildfire & heat pressure: Extreme fire weather is driving closures and restrictions across the West, including Colorado shooting range shutdowns tied to Stage 2 fire rules, while Utah’s Cottonwood Fire grows under hot, dry, windy conditions and evacuations expand. Air quality & climate outlook: Colorado’s climate check-in highlights heat, ozone, drought, and what a strengthening El Niño could mean for later-season weather. Water safety & drought impacts: A boil-water order in Evergreen Metro District was lifted after flood-triggered breaks and lab testing confirmed safety; elsewhere, low water is forcing boat ramp closures and limits on recreation. Wildlife safety: Colorado Parks and Wildlife warned hikers after a moose attack on a Lovell Gulch Trail user and dogs in Teller County. Energy & regulation: A federal appeals court rejected efforts to loosen Biden-era soot limits for coal plants, keeping tighter pollution controls in place. Public lands & drilling: La Plata County faces a new federal oil and gas lease sale proposal that would add 160 acres near Bayfield to December 2026 leasing. Local conservation education: Anythink Nature is opening in Thornton with outdoor gear, a loop trail, and nature-focused programming.

Wildfire & Extreme Fire Weather: A fast-moving Cottonwood Fire in Utah—now the largest in the U.S.—kept crews scrambling as winds hit about 45 mph and humidity dropped into single digits, with officials warning extreme fire behavior could continue. Colorado Fire Risk: A Red Flag Warning blanketed western Colorado and the mountains as hot, dry, windy conditions raised the odds of rapid fire growth. Boating Safety & Low Water: Two adults were rescued after a boat capsized at John Martin Reservoir; officials stressed life jackets. In Northern Colorado, Boyd Lake State Park boat ramps close Sunday night due to critically low water, with hand-launched craft still allowed. Water Stress & Drought: Colorado River strain remains a major backdrop, with drought-driven impacts showing up across the West. Local Governance & Emergency Services: Teller County commissioners criticized Colorado Springs’ plan to leave the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority, calling it unsustainable and potentially harmful. Clean Energy in Practice: Colorado’s State Land Board partnered with Pivot Energy to power state offices with community solar, aiming to cut emissions and utility costs. Wildlife & Land Management: Colorado Parks and Wildlife approved emergency public fish salvages as reservoirs face imminent drainage. Community & Climate Legacy: Eagle County held a sold-out screening honoring sustainability pioneer Adam Palmer and the push toward net-zero goals.

Wildfire & public safety: Utah declared a state of emergency and restricted fireworks as the Cottonwood Fire surged amid dry, windy conditions, with the National Weather Service issuing a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning and crews facing extreme fire behavior. Water & health: Evergreen Metro District expects its flood-related boil water order to be lifted within 24 hours after repairs and lab testing, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife approved emergency fish salvages at multiple state wildlife areas as reservoirs are drawn down for drought and irrigation. Public lands planning: The White River National Forest released a draft environmental study for Sweetwater Lake’s long-term recreation management, starting a public comment period through Sept. 23. Climate impacts on people: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is set to host a talk on worsening health effects from human-driven climate change, including heat and wildfire smoke risks in the Mountain West. Dark skies tourism: Colorado launched a self-guided Colorado Stargazing Trail connecting its International Dark Sky places with route planning and ranger-led options. Water crisis context: Reporting continues to highlight how the Colorado River system is worsening, with Lake Powell projections raising serious power and environmental concerns.

Invasive Species Control: Colorado Parks and Wildlife is using “Trojan” brook trout—engineered all-male broods—to suppress invasive fish and give native cutthroat trout a better shot in mountain waters. Wildfire Safety: CPW temporarily closed the Basalt State Wildlife Area shooting range in Eagle County due to extreme fire danger, while keeping the rest of the area open. Wildlife Encounters: Colorado is seeing hundreds more bear sightings than last year, with CPW linking the uptick to a warm, dry winter that pushed bears to search for food earlier. Outdoor Access & Equity: South Suburban’s Cornerstone Park is getting a $4.5 million redesign into an all-inclusive playground, funded in part by a $900,000 GOCO grant. Local Governance & Water/Energy Pressure: In Janesville, a chamber group is urging the city to pause a proposed massive data center at the former GM site, arguing for a broader redevelopment approach. Climate & Water Context: Lake Powell is at its lowest summer level on record, raising alarms about power and water reliability across the Colorado River system.

Colorado River Crisis: Lake Powell is at its lowest level ever entering summer, with federal projections warning it could drop to “minimum power pool” next spring—raising the risk of major power disruption and a worst-case “dead pool” scenario. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Routt County issued an air quality advisory as smoke from Western wildfires pushed conditions unhealthy, with guidance for sensitive groups to stay indoors. Water & Wildlife: Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued a voluntary fishing closure on the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs due to extremely low flows and high water temperatures, aiming to protect vulnerable native fish like mountain whitefish. Local Fire Safety: CPW temporarily closed the shooting range at Basalt State Wildlife Area because drought and extreme fire weather triggered Stage 2 restrictions. Policy Watch: A White River National Forest deficit at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is prompting calls for the agency to stop shifting costs to local taxpayers. Governance & Environment: Lawrence’s sustainability board is narrowing proposals ranging from styrofoam cup bans to anti-idling rules and “ecosystem personhood” protections for wetlands.

Wildlife & Water: Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed a collared gray wolf briefly crossed east across Interstate 25, moving through Pueblo, Otero and Las Animas watersheds before heading back west, underscoring how dispersing wolves can expand conflict risk areas. Public Lands: Larimer County dismantled two unauthorized trails at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, restoring the damage and warning that off-trail riding can quickly harm ecosystems and cost thousands. Drought Impacts on Recreation: CPW warned that low reservoir levels and drought could trigger boating restrictions, ramp closures and changing fishing access at state parks as summer progresses. River Health: CPW launched a full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs to protect mountain whitefish amid extreme low flows and high water temperatures. Western Slope Wildfire & Smoke: A Dry Creek fire near Rifle burned at least 315 acres, with air quality warnings issued for smoke across parts of the Western Slope. Colorado River Crisis Beyond the State: Arizona is exploring a desalinated water swap to offset Colorado River cuts, but costs could be steep without a long-term deal.