AGP Executive Report

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.

Weather & Heat: After a hot stretch, New Hampshire is watching for strong storms Saturday, with forecasters noting a warm, mostly dry Friday before the weekend system moves in. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm (G3) watch for tonight and Friday, with New Hampshire among the states that could see aurora if skies cooperate. Aquatic Wildlife Safety: Vermont and New Hampshire are reminding people not to disturb spawning sea lamprey in the Connecticut River basin—these fish are native, ecologically important, and should be left alone. PFAS Cleanup Funding: New Hampshire received another $4.68 million from PFAS “forever chemicals” makers, with grants aimed at well contamination prevention and remediation in communities including Derry and Londonderry. Recycling & Waste: TerraCycle Commercial expanded in the region by acquiring NLR Inc., adding more regulated waste recycling capacity tied to electronics and lighting. Local Land-Use Pressure (Data Centers): Nottingham residents pushed back hard against data centers, and the planning board is drafting a temporary 12-month moratorium while zoning changes are pursued. Public Health (Ticks): Health officials continue urging tick and mosquito bite prevention as tick activity rises and more people seek care after bites.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA upgraded aurora odds for Thursday night into Friday, with a strong G3 geomagnetic storm (Kp 7) and a chance to see lights as far south as far northern New Hampshire and Vermont, plus much of the northern U.S. PFAS Cleanup Funding: New Hampshire received another $4.68 million from PFAS “forever chemicals” makers, with towns including Derry, Londonderry, Windham and Plaistow eligible for well and groundwater remediation grants. Cyanobacteria Safety: Officials reported cyanobacteria blooms on Swains Lake, warning the water isn’t suitable for swimming and urging residents to watch for bloom conditions and reduce phosphorus runoff. Tick Season Push: Health officials say tick bites and Lyme-related ER visits are rising, and New Hampshire is rolling out reminders on bite prevention. Moose Under Attack: A new study will examine whether forest logging practices affect winter tick exposure for moose, as researchers look for ways to help “zombie moose” recover. Energy & Solar: A growing push for plug-in solar is spreading to more states, including New Hampshire, as residents look for ways to cut rising power bills.

Military & Public Lands: A New Hampshire National Guard-led exercise will take over the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone for six days starting Sunday, with multiple Air National Guard units from NH and Maine plus others from across the region. PFAS & Water Safety: New Hampshire continues to pursue cleanup funding tied to “forever chemicals,” with more money flowing to local towns as PFAS work advances. Tick & Lyme Prevention: Federal health officials rolled out a new plan targeting Lyme and other tick-borne illness, including support for alpha-gal syndrome prevention efforts in hard-hit states like New Hampshire. Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife Management: NH Fish and Game canceled June 3 and June 10 public hearings tied to fee adjustments and Fis 400-series fishing rules, saying it will pause rulemaking and focus on re-adopting expiring rules through Jan. 1, 2027. Climate & Weather: Heat is building across New England with 90s possible, while another rainy weekend pattern is expected to return. Community & Environment: Meredith residents and former campers are pushing back on a proposed sale of Camp Menotomy, arguing the deed limits the property’s use and should keep it available for camping. Energy Transition: New England states are challenging a federal offshore wind settlement that canceled a lease, arguing the deal was unlawful.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says geomagnetic storms could bring auroras to as many as 23 states this Thursday into Friday, with a possible G3 or even G4 display—though forecasts can shift fast. Weekend Weather: After a warm Friday, New Hampshire and nearby areas face a cooler, showery weekend pattern, with rain chances increasing late Saturday into Sunday. PFAS & Water: New Hampshire continues to see fallout from “forever chemicals,” including more cleanup money and payouts tied to PFAS makers, while reporting highlights how PFAS exposure often starts with drinking water. Tick Season Push: The state health department is urging Granite Staters to protect themselves as tick and mosquito activity ramps up, noting multiple diseases spread by bites. Gulf of Maine Stewardship: Two New Hampshire environmental leaders—Chris Peter and Todd Selig—won Gulf of Maine Council Visionary Awards for salt marsh science and watershed resilience. Data Center Backlash: In Nottingham, a proposed data center sparked major opposition and led to the application being withdrawn, with residents citing water quality, power costs, and noise. Invasive Ash Removal: Norwich is cutting nearly 400 ash trees over the next four months to reduce emerald ash borer risk on busy roads. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Northeast states are challenging a federal settlement that canceled an offshore wind lease, arguing the process was unlawful. NH Rulemaking Pause: NH Fish and Game canceled June 3 and June 10 hearings and will pause fee and Fis 400 fishing-rule changes until later, focusing meanwhile on re-adopting expiring rules.

PFAS Funding for Drinking Water: New Hampshire received another $4.68 million from PFAS “forever chemicals” makers, with money routed to the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund to help communities clean up and protect wells. Tick-and-Mosquito Season: The state DHHS is urging Granite Staters to prevent bites as tick and mosquito activity rises, noting diseases spread by both and offering practical protection steps. Hurricane Season Prep: Eversource says it’s strengthening the grid and stepping up vegetation management as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, even with forecasts calling for a quieter season. Local Waste Policy Shift: New Hampshire’s new disposal surcharge brought in more than $1.2 million in Q1, and the state is planning more support for organics reduction and recycling. Invasive Species Response: Norwich is removing nearly 400 ash trees after emerald ash borer infestations, aiming to reduce dangerous road hazards. Weather Watch: After a cool start, New Hampshire is trending warmer with highs in the 80s midweek and a weekend shower chance.

PFAS Funding for Towns: New Hampshire received another $4.68 million from PFAS chemical makers, with communities including Derry, Londonderry, Windham and Plaistow set to get grants for well protection and cleanup. Waste Policy Shift: The state’s new disposal surcharge brought in more than $1.2 million in Q1, and officials say future grants will support organics reduction and recycling as a food waste ban takes hold. Cyanobacteria Watch: June is bringing back lake-and-pond bloom concerns, with Pawtuckaway Lake, Swains Lake, Arlington Mill Reservoir and Haunted Lake listed after recent reports and warm, nutrient-friendly conditions. Health Alerts for Ticks: Tick bites are driving more ER visits this time of year, with warmer weather boosting activity across the Northeast; quick removal is key. Weather: After a cool start, NH is set to warm into the 80s midweek, with weekend showers possible. Space Rock in the Region: NASA confirmed the May 30 meteor that caused a loud New England boom likely left fragments in Cape Cod Bay.

Citizen Science for Pollinators: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is kicking off three butterfly programs this summer, including Butterfly Count Field Training (June 11), weekly Monarch Monitoring Mondays (June 29–Aug. 31), and the first-ever Squam Lakes Butterfly Count (July 8), with data meant to track habitat loss and climate impacts. Meteor Mystery Solved: NASA confirmed a large meteor exploded over the region May 30, with fragments likely landing in Cape Cod Bay; the event was about 5 feet wide and released energy equivalent to roughly 300 tons of TNT, triggering a loud boom felt across New England. Cyanobacteria Watch on NH Lakes: June brings renewed concern for toxic cyanobacteria blooms, with four southern NH water bodies (including Pawtuckaway Lake and Swains Lake) on the state’s Healthy Swimmer list after reported blooms late May. Tick Season Spike: CDC reports tick-bite ER visits are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, driven by warmer conditions, with Lyme disease the most common illness. Weather and Rainfall: Concord logged 6.08 inches in May—its ninth-wettest May on record—highlighting a trend toward warmer, wetter conditions that can worsen lake and pond problems.

Meteor Boom Explained: NASA confirmed the “double boom” heard across New Hampshire and New England Saturday was a natural meteor fireball that fragmented about 40 miles up over northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire, releasing energy estimated at about 300 tons of TNT—no reports of damage. Weather Watch: After a cool, unsettled weekend, New Hampshire is set for a warmer week with mostly dry conditions at times, plus scattered showers early and a return toward near-summer temperatures by midweek. Hazardous Waste Enforcement: The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab (CRREL) agreed to pay a $200,000 fine in New Hampshire for hazardous waste disposal violations tied to a 2021 inspection, with penalties going to the state hazardous waste clean-up fund. Ticks & Allergies: MaineHealth says lone star ticks are creeping north and could eventually reach Maine and nearby areas, raising concern for alpha-gal syndrome—an allergy triggered after tick bites. Flood Insurance Costs: A new analysis highlights how the National Flood Insurance Program’s rules and subsidies can push housing costs higher by encouraging rebuilding in flood-prone areas.