AGP Executive Report

Glacier Research: A new study finds glaciers across six Western states have lost 35% of their area since the mid-20th century, with more than 300 disappearing. Montana’s remaining glaciers are among the shrinking ice the researchers tracked. Water Infrastructure: Clancy’s water district is testing two new wells to measure their capacity. Results will help determine whether deeper drilling is needed; water-quality tests, including for uranium, are expected by late November. AgTech: Montana State University has a $1.5 million grant for a statewide adaptive-grazing study. Researchers will use satellite imagery, drones and virtual fencing to track effects on cattle, plants and soil carbon. Restaurant Robotics: Great Falls restaurant Zesty Eatz has opened with Montana’s first Flippy robotic fry cook, which handles frying work aimed at reducing burns and repetitive strain for kitchen staff.

Ranchland Research: Montana State University researchers won a $1.5 million grant for a statewide adaptive-grazing study, with fieldwork planned for 2027–28 and funding supporting graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher. Algorithms and News: A University of Montana survey found 71% of Montanans now use social media for news, up from 34% in 2015, raising concerns about algorithm-driven feeds and news quality. Dam Engineering: A $34.8 million upgrade at Libby Dam will install a new generator unit to improve operating flexibility, reliability and conservation. Ancient Montana: Archaeologists found possible 13,000-year-old Clovis sites at 9,500 feet near Yellowstone, a discovery that could reshape ideas about how people lived alongside ancient glaciers.

Glacier Change: A new study finds more than 300 glaciers have vanished across the Lower 48 since the mid-20th century. Montana is among six western states with glaciers, which are shrinking as temperatures rise. Ranching Research: Montana State University received a $1.5 million grant to study adaptive grazing with ranchers statewide, using tools such as satellite imagery and drones. The project runs through 2029. Quantum Partnerships: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India trip focused on expanding research and business ties in quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and agriculture. Yellowstone Archaeology: Researchers found possible 13,000-year-old Clovis sites at 9,500 feet near Yellowstone, challenging assumptions about where people lived during the last ice age. Quantum Training: Montana State’s QCORE held an intensive cryogenics boot camp for students, building skills relevant to advanced research.

River Restoration: Milltown Dam’s removal reconnected the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers and helped address a century-old legacy of mining waste: the reservoir held an estimated 6.6 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment. Ranch Research: Montana State University received $1.5 million to study adaptive grazing with ranchers, using tools such as satellite imagery and drones to track pasture conditions. Wildfire Technology: Drones are helping crews spot hidden hotspots and map fires in Montana’s rugged terrain, while researchers and agencies explore AI forecasting and firefighting robots. Research Partnerships: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India visit promoted Montana ties in quantum technology, aerospace and agriculture. STEM Training: MSU’s QCORE cryogenics boot camp is giving students intensive, hands-on training in the field.

Cybersecurity: Montana joined a 21-state coalition suing TP-Link, alleging the router maker misled consumers about its China ties and security risks. Wildfire Technology: Drones helped crews locate hidden hot spots during southwestern Montana’s Sand Creek Fire, while the Forest Service tests robots and AI for future firefighting. Climate Research: A University of Montana researcher contributed to a study finding heat can sharply slow photosynthesis in coast redwoods, raising concerns as heat waves intensify. Quantum Workforce: Montana State’s QCORE hosted a cryogenics boot camp to train students and industry professionals in the ultra-cold systems needed for quantum technology. Archaeology: A Montana team’s possible Clovis-era sites at 9,500 feet in the Beartooth Mountains could challenge assumptions about where people lived during the last ice age.

Archaeology: A Montana team reports possible 13,000-year-old Clovis sites at 9,500 feet near Yellowstone, a find that could challenge ideas about how glaciers shaped early human movement. Wildlife Research: Montana State’s work on African wild dogs has earned international recognition. Ancient DNA: A University of Montana researcher is exploring whether stress leaves traces in ancient genetic material. Biotech: A biopharmaceutical company has broken ground in Hamilton, while an MSU doctoral student has received an inaugural cancer-research fellowship. Research Partnerships: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India visit highlighted potential collaboration in quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and agriculture.

Archaeology: Researchers report possible 13,000-year-old Clovis sites at about 9,500 feet in the Beartooths near Yellowstone. If confirmed, the finds could challenge assumptions about how glaciers shaped early human movement; further research and Indigenous perspectives remain important. Quantum Research: During a trade mission to India, Gov. Greg Gianforte discussed potential partnerships with the Indian Institute of Science in quantum computing, communications, sensing and photonics, connecting Montana researchers with international collaborators. Wildlife Science: Montana State ecologist Scott Creel’s study of African wild dogs’ long-distance movements drew international attention. The research shows how links between protected areas may help endangered populations recover, while highlighting threats from snares. Biotech: A biopharmaceutical company has broken ground in Hamilton, marking a new development for Montana’s bioscience sector.

Archaeology: A Montana archaeologist reports finding possible 13,000-year-old Clovis sites high in the Beartooth Mountains near Yellowstone. If confirmed, the discoveries could challenge assumptions about how glaciers shaped early human life there. Fossils: Museum of the Rockies marked National Fossil Day with hands-on activities and talks, connecting visitors with Montana’s prehistoric past and paleontology research. Research Partnerships: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission promoted potential Montana collaborations in quantum technology, photonics and aerospace, including discussions with researchers at the Indian Institute of Science. Wildlife Science: Montana State University research on endangered African wild dogs drew international attention for documenting long-distance movements that may connect isolated populations and aid recovery. Plant Research: A Montana Tech study found invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors, offering insight into how these species spread. Ancient DNA: A University of Montana researcher is exploring whether stress can leave detectable clues in ancient DNA.

Research and Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s trade mission to India sought research ties in quantum technology and photonics, plus aerospace opportunities with Boeing; meetings in Sri Lanka focused on agriculture, critical minerals and security. Wildlife Science: An MSU study documenting African wild dogs’ long-distance movements across Zambia drew international attention, showing how connections between populations could aid recovery while highlighting threats from snares. Biotech: A biopharmaceutical company broke ground in Hamilton, adding to Montana’s bioscience sector. Plant Research: Montana Tech scientists found invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors. Water Infrastructure: Missoula County advanced plans to upgrade Lolo’s aging wells and pipes, addressing capacity shortfalls and state compliance issues.

Quantum & Aerospace: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India trade mission pursued research ties between Montana State University and the Indian Institute of Science in quantum technology and photonics, while also pitching Montana suppliers to Boeing. Cybersecurity: Montana joined a lawsuit and a 21-state request for federal scrutiny of TP-Link routers, alleging misleading claims about security and privacy. TP-Link denies wrongdoing; the states’ complaints describe Chinese access to customer data as a risk, not a proven breach. Water Infrastructure: Missoula County is moving ahead with a Lolo project to upgrade wells, aging pipes and backup power, aiming to restore regulatory compliance and increase water capacity. Plant Science: A Montana Tech study found invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors, raising concerns about how they may spread and affect local ecosystems.

Quantum Partnerships: Montana is exploring technology ties with India in quantum computing, photonics, aerospace and agriculture as Gov. Greg Gianforte promotes the state’s innovation sectors. Research Funding: Montana’s noxious-weed grants are open, offering up to $75,000 for research, management and education projects; applications are due Jan. 7. Wildlife and Water: A golden eagle released near White Sulphur Springs may have died from lead poisoning, prompting a tribal aviary to urge hunters to use non-lead ammunition. Near Ravalli, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have begun a project to replace aging irrigation works and improve fish passage on the Jocko River. Montana Discoveries: New artifacts from the Beartooth Mountains are raising questions about whether Clovis people lived in the high country near Yellowstone 13,000 years ago, when glaciers were thought to cover the area. Montana Tech researchers also found that invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors. Tech Security: Attorney General Austin Knudsen has sued router maker TP-Link over alleged misleading privacy and security claims and joined a coalition urging federal scrutiny of the company.

Quantum & Industry: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India mission explored research and business links in quantum technology, photonics, aerospace, precision agriculture and bioscience. The talks included possible university and private-sector collaboration with Karnataka. Aerospace Manufacturing: Janicki Industries named former Malmstrom commander Daniel Voorhies to lead operations at its new Great Falls campus. The company expects the facility to support more than 1,000 jobs within five years, with further growth planned. Research & Training: Montana Tech researchers report that invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors. A University of Montana program is also preparing rural high school students for health careers, while new grants aim to help low-income students pursue STEM degrees at UM and MSU. Water & Wildlife: The CSKT has started work near Ravalli to replace aging Jocko River irrigation infrastructure, improve fish passage and restore habitat.

Advanced Manufacturing: Janicki Industries named retired Malmstrom commander Daniel Voorhies to lead operations at its new Great Falls aerospace and defense campus, which could employ more than 1,000 people within five years. Quantum and Photonics: On his India trade mission, Gov. Greg Gianforte promoted partnerships in quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and biotech, including university research collaborations. Cybersecurity: Montana joined Florida, Iowa and Nebraska in suing TP-Link, alleging the router maker misled consumers about product security and its China ties; the company has not been found liable. STEM Education: A new grant will support low-income STEM students at Montana State University and the University of Montana. Research and Discovery: A Montana Tech study found invasive plants can evolve into stronger competitors. Big Timber library patrons can also borrow telescopes through a NASA-supported statewide program.

Cybersecurity: Montana is among four states suing TP-Link, alleging the router maker misled consumers about its China ties and product security; a separate coalition of 21 attorneys general has asked the FCC to scrutinize the company’s bid to sell new models. Quantum & Photonics: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s India trade mission is exploring university and business partnerships in quantum technology, photonics, aerospace and defense. Space Science: Big Timber’s library now lends tabletop telescopes through a University of Montana program backed by a $250,000 NASA award to make telescope kits available statewide. Critical Minerals: A $9.6 million regional research effort led by the University of Utah will assess whether coal seams, mining waste and wastewater could yield minerals used in electronics, clean energy and defense. Energy Grid: NorthWestern Energy and Smart Wires won federal support to test technology that could increase power transfers between Montana and Wyoming using existing lines. Agriculture: DNA testing confirmed Palmer amaranth in a Pondera County field; the plants were removed, and Montana is offering grants for weed research and control.

Water & Climate: Montana’s snow drought left rivers peaking at just 60% of normal, while summer heat hurt spring-planted crops; recent rains helped, but low-elevation snow loss also reduced groundwater recharge. Cybersecurity: Montana is suing TP-Link alongside three other states, alleging the router maker misled consumers about its China ties and risks to personal data. TP-Link disputes the claims. STEM Funding: New NSF-backed scholarships at UM and MSU will support low-income students in science, technology, engineering and math, with awards up to $15,000 for undergraduates and $20,000 for graduate students. Student Research: A Montana student tested banana and plantain starch to develop stronger bioplastic. Paleontology: A fossil found in Montana’s Hell Creek Formation preserved feathers and bird remains in dinosaur dung, offering a rare glimpse of birds shortly before the mass extinction 66 million years ago. River Research: A study warns spring runoff may carry surges of microplastics into Western rivers.

Montana-India Tech Push: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s trade mission in New Delhi is pitching Montana strengths in quantum tech, photonics, bioscience and ag, with meetings that include U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor and Montana BioScience Alliance partners—while critics at home call it a costly “junket.” Firefighter Mental Health Network: North county fire chiefs are building a peer support and conversation culture to help volunteers handle depression, anxiety and PTSD risks highlighted by a Montana State University survey. Data Centers vs. Water: Lawmakers heard how data centers in North Dakota can buy water through local utilities—avoiding separate state permits—raising questions for residents as AI infrastructure expands. Housing Supply in Great Falls: Bay View broke ground on 90 new riverfront units (apartments plus townhomes), aiming to ease a shortage that local leaders estimate at about 600 homes per year. Wildlife Management Planning: FWP is launching a Southwest mountain lion panel meeting Oct. 19-20 in Whitehall to shape future harvest recommendations with public input. UM Stroke Rehab Meets Birding: A UM program is using bird-watching activities to support speech recovery for stroke survivors with aphasia, with researchers planning to expand the model. Hemp Fiber Upgrade in Fort Benton: IND HEMP is adding an in-house fiber refining line to produce spinnable hemp fiber quality directly at its facility. Election Admin Focus: Montana election administrators are fielding voter questions and preparing absentee ballots as Election Day nears, including how they handle pressure and security concerns.