AGP Executive Report

Urban Green Space: Jeff Bezos’ Earth Fund is backing an eight-city greening effort that includes a 20-acre Little Rock park on land reclaimed from a highway ramp, linking the Clinton Presidential Center with Riverfront Park and other nearby green space. Air Quality: Arkansas regulators issued an ozone advisory for Northwest Arkansas, warning that levels could affect children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions. Water Funding: Arkansas voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize up to $500 million in bonds for water, wastewater, pollution-control and related projects. Pollution Cleanup: Attorney General Tim Griffin reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million and potentially up to $80 million over PCB contamination, with funds earmarked for water quality. Trails and Forests: New Lake Maumelle trails open Oct. 19, giving hikers access to 13.5 miles of routes through protected forests and along the drinking-water reservoir; meanwhile, UAM has opened a new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center.

Air Quality: Arkansas’ Division of Environmental Quality issued an ozone advisory for Northwest Arkansas on Friday, warning that pollution could affect children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions. Water Funding: Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize up to $500 million in bonds for water, wastewater, pollution-control and related projects. Energy Permitting: DEQ granted temporary approval for construction of data-center gas turbines, according to Little Rock Public Radio. Pollution Cleanup: Arkansas’ settlement with Monsanto could provide up to $80 million for water quality following PCB claims. Outdoor Access: A new 13.5-mile trail network near Lake Maumelle opens Oct. 19, linking natural areas and offering views of the watershed that supplies drinking water.

Outdoor Access: A 13.5-mile trail network near Lake Maumelle opens Oct. 19, linking Blue Mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge and Pinnacle Mountain through forest and along the drinking-water reservoir. Water Funding: Arkansas voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize up to $500 million in bonds for water, wastewater, pollution-control and related projects. Climate: September was the planet’s second-hottest on record and the hottest September for the U.S., according to NOAA; January through September also ranked second-warmest globally. Pollution Cleanup: Arkansas has reached a Monsanto settlement worth at least $32 million over PCB contamination, with funds designated for water quality. Forest Health: UAM will host a statewide forest health workshop Oct. 27–28 at its new research center, bringing together researchers, foresters and landowners.

Forest Health: UAM will host a statewide workshop Oct. 27–28 at its new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, bringing researchers, foresters and landowners together to discuss forest health. Data Center Rules: Fort Smith approved a data-center ordinance but is seeking tighter restrictions. In Pulaski County, land-use planning and resident concerns about hyperscale data centers have become major campaign issues. Water Quality: Arkansas settled Monsanto PCB claims for at least $32 million, with funds earmarked for water-quality efforts. Recycling: Southern Arkansas University was named the 2026 University Recycler of the Year by the Arkansas Recycling Coalition.

Rain and Drought: Recent storms brought at least 2 inches of rain to parts of northern Arkansas, easing dry conditions in some areas. Water Quality: Arkansas reached a settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination, securing at least $32 million, with up to $80 million earmarked for water-quality work. Forest Research: The University of Arkansas at Monticello opened its new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, focused on forest health. Pollution Oversight: Arkansas environmental regulators entered air-enforcement agreements with facilities in Pulaski and Hot Spring counties. Recycling: Southern Arkansas University was named the Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2026 University Recycler of the Year.

Wildlife Management: Arkansas’s deer program now covers 1.47 million acres across 765 hunting clubs. New drone surveys are helping biologists estimate herds and guide landowners’ management plans. Water Quality: Arkansas will receive at least $32 million in its Monsanto PCB settlement, with reported payments potentially reaching $80 million and funds earmarked for water quality. Biodiversity: Researchers, including an Arkansas State University scientist, identified five new freshwater mussel species in Southern rivers and say their limited ranges call for targeted protection. Forest Health: UAM opened a new research center focused on Arkansas forest health. Pollution Oversight: State regulators and Union Pacific agreed to a consent order over alleged unpermitted sources at a Pulaski County rail repair facility; the order assesses a $1,600 penalty. Data Center Concerns: Residents in Arkansas and Missouri are organizing against a proposed Oregon County data center, while Fort Smith approved a data center ordinance and is seeking tighter restrictions.

Air Quality: Arkansas DEQ and Union Pacific agreed to a $1,600 penalty over alleged operation of unpermitted sources at the railroad’s Pulaski County repair facility. Recycling: Southern Arkansas University was named the state’s 2026 college recycler of the year for campus waste reduction and student-led projects. Data Centers: Fort Smith approved new review requirements for data center proposals, while directors raised concerns about regional water use and called for tighter rules. Wildlife and Drought: Arkansas duck numbers are expected to remain subdued; the state is in its 14th straight month of drought, and breeding-ground pond counts remain below average. Pollution: Arkansas will receive at least $32 million in a Monsanto settlement over PCB contamination. Forest Research: UAM opened a $17.5 million Forest Health Research Center to support work on Arkansas forests. Wastewater Research: Arkansas State received a $177,108 federal grant to study ways to improve sewage-sludge processing and waste-to-energy systems.

Monsanto PCB Settlement: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the state has reached at least a $32 million settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted for water-quality work. Wildlife & Drought Watch: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reports duck numbers are similar to 2025, but hunters are still facing drought-stressed conditions as the state enters a 14th straight month of low water. Local Infrastructure & Wildlife Safety: Hot Springs Village directors discussed extending a temporary Garland County road sales tax and how coyotes are affecting pets, tying road upkeep to safer travel and local economic development. E-Waste Recycling Win: Buena Vista’s electronics recycling event diverted 13,712 pounds from a landfill, partnering with local groups to keep hazardous materials out of disposal. Forest Health Research: UAM opened the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, aiming to tackle invasive pests, disease shifts, and climate stressors threatening the state’s forests. Water Affordability Pressure: A national report says water bills have surged 62% over the past decade, calling it a “quiet emergency” for households. Data Center Rules: Fort Smith approved a data center ordinance with added barriers like opaque walls, setbacks, and utility-capacity letters, while board members pressed for tighter limits. Ballot & Water Bonds: Arkansas voters will weigh November ballot issues including a proposed up-to-$500 million water and infrastructure bond.

Forest Health Research: UA-Monticello opened a new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, a $17.5M facility aimed at spotting and stopping invasive pests and diseases before they hit the state’s $16B forestry economy. Water Quality & Pollution Cleanup: Arkansas is set to receive at least $32M from a Monsanto settlement over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted to water-quality work. Wildlife Management: Arkansas alligator hunting season kicked off with 150 alligators harvested across three zones, including a public-land quota hit at Millwood Lake that closed that area early. Local Climate Impacts: Colorado’s 2026 “water year” ended as the warmest on record, with officials linking hotter temperatures to reduced water availability and intensified drought. Diesel Costs on Farms: Fresh produce growers say sky-high diesel prices are squeezing margins and could push costs onto consumers. In-Home Pet End-of-Life: CodaPet launched in-home pet euthanasia services in Little Rock, expanding access to end-of-life care at home. Energy & Land Use: Fort Smith is set to vote on new rules adding oversight for proposed data centers, including utility capacity and load information.

Monsanto PCB Settlement: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin says the state has reached at least a $32 million settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted for water-quality work and potential to rise to $80 million. Alligator Hunting Update: Arkansas Game and Fish reports 150 alligators harvested in the first weekend of the season across three management zones, with Millwood Lake’s public quota reached early and closing that area for the second weekend. Local Water/Energy Oversight: Fort Smith’s board will vote Tuesday on an ordinance adding more review and limits for proposed data centers, including planning-commission input and utility letters on capacity and load. Forest Health Research: UA-Monticello opened a $17.5 million Arkansas Forest Health Research Center to study invasive pests and diseases and build more resilient forests, with researchers already tracking threats like brown spot needle blight. Outdoor Community Notes: Local groups are organizing hikes, wildlife education for teachers, and Ozark Society youth conservation grants across Arkansas.

Data Center Oversight in Fort Smith: Fort Smith’s Board of Directors will vote Oct. 6 on an ordinance that would tighten local control over new data center development, including planning-commission review, full board approval in industrial zoning, an 8-foot opaque perimeter wall, 500-foot setbacks, and utility letters on capacity and proposed energy load. Forest Health Research Boost: UA-Monticello opened a $17.5 million Arkansas Forest Health Research Center to detect invasive insects and diseases earlier, protect the state’s forestry economy, and train students in forest technology, wildlife management, conservation, and environmental science. Invasive Fish Warning: Missouri wildlife officials are urging anglers to kill northern snakeheads—by severing the head, gutting, or sealing in a bag—after a confirmed sighting in Oregon County, warning the invasive predator could spread from Arkansas and harm native fish. Energy Project Lawsuit Limits: Senate negotiators reached a permitting deal that would shorten the deadline for opponents to sue major energy projects to 150 days instead of six years, a move that could reshape how environmental and historic reviews are challenged. Local Housing for Adults with IDD: The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas announced “The Village of TLC,” a $6 million project in Jonesboro with 20 accessible apartments, supported by a $1.5 million gift from the Chris and Jamie Fowler family.

Invasive Species Alert: Missouri officials say the northern snakehead—an air-breathing, land-walking invasive fish spreading from Arkansas—has been confirmed in the state’s Eleven Point area, urging anglers to kill it by severing the head, gutting it, or sealing it in a bag. Local Conservation & Safety: Hot Springs National Park is hosting a free Hot Springs Water Festival Oct. 10, spotlighting local springs, watersheds, and conservation partners. Public Lands Preparedness: Buffalo National River will station volunteer preventative search-and-rescue teams at select trailheads this fall to help visitors plan safer hikes and water trips. Arkansas Research & Forestry: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and UAM leaders opened the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, a $16.8 million facility focused on forestry and waterfowl. Community Water & Resilience: A North Carolina food bank installed a solar microgrid to keep freezers and coolers running during grid outages—an example Arkansas groups may watch as extreme weather strains services.

Invasive Species Watch: Missouri officials say the northern snakehead—an air-breathing, land-walking invasive fish—has reached the state via the Eleven Point River system, urging anglers to kill any they catch by severing the head, gutting it, or sealing it in a bag. Public Lands Safety: Buffalo National River is stationing volunteer Preventative Search and Rescue teams at select trailheads this fall to help visitors plan safer hikes and water trips. Arkansas Water & Cleanup: Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Arkansas will receive at least $32 million (up to $80 million) from Monsanto to resolve PCB contamination claims, with funds restricted for water-quality work. Forestry Research Boost: The University of Arkansas at Monticello opened the Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, a $16.8 million facility aimed at tackling forest health challenges and training future forestry professionals. Wildlife & Health: A lone star tick bite is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a growing meat allergy affecting more people as tick exposure rises.

Monsanto PCB Settlement: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the state will receive at least $32 million and possibly up to $80 million from Monsanto to resolve claims tied to polychlorinated biphenyl contamination, with the funds restricted to water-quality work. Local Wildlife & Invasive Species: Missouri wildlife officials urged anglers to kill northern snakehead fish caught in state waters, warning the invasive predator could harm native fish and spread from Arkansas. Research & Forestry: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman helped open the $16.8 million Arkansas Forest Health Research Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, aimed at tackling forest health threats and training future foresters. Water & Conservation Events: Hot Springs National Park will host a free Hot Springs Water Festival Oct. 10, featuring spring-water tastings and programs focused on local watersheds and conservation partners. Urban Greening: Dunbar Garden in Little Rock is offering free trees, highlighting shade and air-quality benefits from sustainable urban planting.

Arkansas Environmental Accountability: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a settlement with Monsanto and affiliates over PCB contamination, with the state set to receive at least $32 million and potentially up to $80 million, with funds restricted to water quality work. Local Conservation & Research: The University of Arkansas at Monticello opened the $16.8 million Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, backed by state leaders, to tackle forest health, wildlife habitat, and rural forestry challenges. Wildlife at the Human Edge: A video from South Carolina shows an eastern diamondback rattlesnake swimming across a backyard pool—an eye-opener for how quickly habitat can overlap with homes. Public Land Access: Arkansas Game and Fish volunteers helped clear trails, boat lanes, and obstructions at multiple wildlife management areas, supporting hunting and access. Climate & Agriculture Impacts: A report on European hop growers links heat and drought to lower yields and reduced alpha acids—another sign of climate pressure on food and drink supply chains.

Water Quality Settlement: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination, with the state set to receive at least $32 million and possibly up to $80 million, with funds restricted to water-quality work. Forest Health & Jobs: The University of Arkansas at Monticello opened a new Arkansas Forest Health Research Center, aiming to boost forestry research, train professionals, and tackle rising forest-health pressures. Climate Impacts on Food: A Wired report says heat and drought are already cutting European hop yields and alpha-acid levels, with projections pointing to bigger losses by 2050—an early warning for climate-sensitive crops. Air Compliance: ADEQ and a Hot Springs aircraft-parts facility entered a consent administrative order over alleged air-permit violations, including recordkeeping and reporting issues. Public Land Access: Arkansas Game and Fish is expanding volunteer workdays at multiple wildlife management areas to clear access routes, boat lanes, and obstacles that hinder management and prescribed fire.