AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Smoke & Health Alerts: Canadian wildfire smoke is triggering Air Quality Alerts across 18 states plus D.C., including Vermont, with officials urging people to limit outdoor time and protect sensitive groups. Tourism Boost, Uneven Stress: The World Cup is lifting hotel and bar sales in parts of the region, but the Fed says lower- and moderate-income households are still cutting discretionary spending. Vermont Colleges Reborn: Several shuttered Vermont colleges are being repurposed or reopened in new forms, including a former campus shifting toward religious education. Education Funding Risk: The U.S. Department of Education says Vermont needs intervention for students with disabilities under IDEA, warning of possible federal funding losses. Local Records Dispute: Norwich is avoiding a Public Records Act lawsuit by turning over requested emails unredacted and free of charge. Bennington Traffic Tech Clarified: Police say the “white boxes” on Northside Drive are traffic sensors, not Flock license-plate cameras. Summer Travel Safety: A nationwide emergency blood shortage is affecting hospitals as summer donation lulls hit supplies. Golf & Community Events: Stowe Country Club unveiled a major redesign, while Stratton’s Community Foundation is launching its Head-to-Toe program with a Sept. 4 golf outing. Outdoor Learning: A Pownal library hosted an “Unearth a Story” talk on arrowheads and local history. Vermont Tourism Ideas: A new “historic hotels and resorts” list spotlights presidential-style getaways, plus more New England ice cream taco finds.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: The National Weather Service has air quality alerts across much of the Northeast and Midwest, including Vermont, warning people to limit outdoor activity and, in the worst areas, stay indoors with windows closed as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to spread. Local Safety & Driving: Vermont police are expanding training to spot cannabis-impaired drivers, using hands-on workshops to better identify impairment and respond to rising crash data. Conservation & Outdoor Access: Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation completed three land conservation projects, adding nearly 400 acres to state forests in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury—boosting hiking, fishing, flood resilience, and wildlife habitat. Backyard Composting: UVM Extension opened registration for a six-week hybrid course on backyard composting, with online sessions plus in-person workshops at community composting sites. Vermont Tourism Spotlight: Burlington was ranked No. 6 on CNN’s “America’s Best Towns to Visit 2026” list, praised for its mix of city life and easy access to nature. Arts & Culture: Vermont Humanities awarded $99,137 in grants to 24 organizations, including funding for All the Rivers’ music-driven storytelling initiative celebrating immigrant artists.

Vermont Outdoors & Conservation: The state Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation completed three early-2026 land conservation deals, adding nearly 400 acres to State Forests in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury—boosting hiking, hunting, fishing, clean water, flood resilience, and wildlife habitat. Community Arts: Vermont Humanities awarded $99,137 in Summer Project Grants to 24 organizations, including $5,000 to Burlington’s All the Rivers for music-driven storytelling celebrating immigrant artists across Vermont. Travel Spotlight: CNN’s “America’s Best Towns to Visit 2026” ranked Burlington #6, praising its mix of city energy and easy access to nature, plus attractions like the Waterfront Park and Church Street Marketplace. Local Culture & Events: Killington’s select board pushed back on a candidate event at Sherburne Memorial Library, while Hartford Village’s Sylvia Drake’s Books is raising funds to open a queer-focused bookstore this fall. Safety & Weather: Wildfire smoke from Canada is impacting Vermont and much of the Northeast, with air quality concerns and guidance to limit outdoor exertion for sensitive groups. Sports & Tourism: Vermont Green FC women’s team continues its strong run, and Middlebury College announced its 2027 Hall of Fame class.

State Forest Expansion: Vermont FPR completed three early-2026 land conservation deals, adding nearly 400 acres to State Forests in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury—boosting hiking, fishing, wildlife habitat, and clean-water and flood resilience. Travel & Outdoors: The Velomont mountain bike trail is getting more accessible, with organizers improving key connections for adaptive riders and overnight options like huts and hostels. Tourism Spotlight: Stowe’s Boundless Journeys earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Tour Operators list, highlighting its active, guide-led itineraries. Community Events: Pianist David Feurzeig will perform his 101st Vermont concert July 18 in every town via his solar-charged “Play Every Town” project. Local Flavor: The Vermont Creemee Passport is rolling out across 70 shops, encouraging a statewide summer “stamp and taste” route. Road & Weather Watch: I-91 northbound reopened after severe storms cleared trees near Springfield/Weathersfield, and utilities say they’re monitoring for possible strong storms. Cross-Border Travel Alert: A U.S. traveler arrested at the Canadian border for alleged impaired driving could face a future Canada ban. Rural Access: Washington County bus service is shifting from Green Mountain Transit to Tri-Valley Transit, aiming for steadier rural transportation.

State Forest Boost: Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation completed three early-2026 land conservation deals, adding nearly 400 acres to State Forests in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury—more hiking, hunting, fishing, and habitat, plus cleaner water and flood resilience. Luxury Auction in Stowe: The Preserve at Wade Pasture (about 11 acres) is set for a July 22 100% absolute auction with no reserve—an ultra-high-end Mount Mansfield-view estate in Robinson Springs. Adventure Travel Win: Stowe-based Boundless Journeys was named a Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Tour Operator, with new leadership under owner Bryan Haggerty. Tourism Fun, Vermont Style: The Vermont Creemee Passport is back as a $10 stamp program with 70 participating shops; proceeds support Voices of Vermont Children, Vermont Community Foundation, and HOPE. Transit Update: Washington County bus service is shifting from Green Mountain Transit to Tri-Valley Transit, aiming for steadier rural routes after years of cuts. Wildfire Preparedness Change: A new Vermont law makes fire chiefs town forest fire wardens unless they deputize someone else—some chiefs support it, others worry about added workload. Severe Weather Alert: Heat advisory plus a rare enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms in northern Vermont Tuesday night, with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes—especially a concern for campers on the Long Trail. Local Events: Barre Heritage Festival returns July 24–25, with a new “Taste of Barre” kickoff July 23 featuring heritage-inspired food and drink from local businesses. Fishing Spotlight: Seyon Pond’s legendary Recurve Mayfly hatch is highlighted as a key reason for outstanding wild brook trout fishing in Groton State Forest. Upper Valley Guides: Fishing guides in the Upper Valley are seeing growing demand as more visitors look for help getting on the water.

State Forest Expansion: Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation added nearly 400 acres to State Forests in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury, boosting hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife habitat while protecting floodplains and clean water. Luxury Auction in Stowe: “The Preserve at Wade Pasture” in Stowe—an 11-acre Mount Mansfield-view estate inside Robinson Springs—goes to a 100% absolute auction on July 22 with no reserve. Adventure Travel Spotlight: Stowe’s Boundless Journeys earned Travel + Leisure’s 2026 “World’s Best Tour Operators” nod, as new owner Bryan Haggerty continues its active, guide-led itineraries. Severe Weather Alert: A rare tornado-capable storm threat is forecast for parts of northern New England and Vermont on Tuesday, with damaging winds possible. Travel Disruption at the Border: A faulty fire alarm shut down the Vermont-Canada crossing at Highgate Springs for about an hour and a half, with increased U.S. screenings afterward. Outdoor Safety Reminder: A beaver attack near Lake George sent a swimmer to recovery and triggered rabies shots; Vermont Fish & Wildlife issued related advisories. Road Trip Timing: Expect delays Wednesday from a full-day I-89 North to I-91 North ramp closure near White River Junction for milling and paving. Tourism & Local Shops: The Island Craft Shop reopened in North Hero, bringing back an artisan stop for Lake Champlain visitors.

State Forest Expansion: Vermont added nearly 400 acres to State Forests via three early-2026 conservation deals in Underhill, Granville, and Roxbury—boosting hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife habitat while protecting floodplains and clean water. Outdoor Safety (False Alarm): A hiker’s dropped phone on Mount Pisgah triggered an automatic “plane crash” alert, prompting a massive multi-agency search near Lake Willoughby; officials say it was a false alarm and the search was called off. Border Travel Disruption: A faulty fire alarm at the Saint-Armand Port of Entry temporarily shut down the Vermont-Canada crossing and snarled traffic in Highgate Springs. Road Trip Planning: Expect delays Wednesday as a ramp between I-89 North and I-91 North closes for milling and paving in the Upper Valley. Community & Tourism: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s birthing center closure plan is drawing a rally ahead of the board meeting, while Swanton’s downtown streetscape work moves forward with a $1.6M federal grant. Local Events: Townshend’s 5th annual Pickle Day returns Aug. 8 (noon–6).

Tourism & Community: Burlington’s Main Street construction is nearly done, and the city is throwing a free Main Street Block Party July 17–18 with live music, public art, family activities, and new downtown amenities. Local Health Access: North Star Health is expanding in Windham County with a mobile primary-care unit launching in Brattleboro (July 14) and Bellows Falls (July 21) on alternating Tuesdays. Road Trips & Planning: Vermont’s weekly AOT road-work report flags I-89 and I-91 paving and ramp closures, with overnight delays and speed reductions in multiple areas—plan ahead if you’re driving through. Outdoor & Nature Safety: A new study is pushing back on the “baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous” myth, which many emergency responders still believe. Regional Energy: National Grid has started a multi-year, $470M transmission-line upgrade from Vermont into Massachusetts, with vegetation work and phased impacts expected over the next four years. Northern Vermont Recreation: The Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal Relay returned to the Missisquoi River and Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, mixing canoe/kayak racing with a bike ride back upstream.

MLB Draft (Vermont connection): Chester’s Kaiden McCarthy made history as the highest-drafted Vermonter ever, going 48th overall to the Atlanta Braves in the 2nd round. Community & tourism (Burlington): Burlington’s Main Street Block Party is set for July 17–18, celebrating the near-finish of the Great Streets Main Street project with music, art, family activities, and downtown business activations. Health access (Windham County): North Star Health is launching a mobile primary-care unit in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, aiming to close a local gap for walk-in care. Road safety (Vermont training): Vermont law enforcement is rolling out specialized workshops to better detect cannabis-impaired driving, after crash data showed a rise in cannabis-only suspected incidents. Outdoor recreation (Northern Vermont): The Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal Relay Race returned to the Missisquoi River, pairing canoe/kayak downriver with a bike ride back up the valley. Infrastructure & travel planning (state highways): AOT’s weekly roadwork report flags paving and ramp closures on I-89 and I-91 that could affect summer travel times. Solar viewing: A total solar eclipse is coming Aug. 12, with partial viewing possible across parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Burlington Downtown Boost: Burlington’s Main Street Block Party is set for July 17-18, celebrating the near-finish of the Great Streets Main Street project with new sidewalks, lighting, public art, and a protected bike lane—good news for visitors heading downtown. Solar Eclipse Planning: A total solar eclipse lands Aug. 12 (partial views across much of the U.S. and Canada), with NASA also flagging the Perseids peaking the night after—an easy Vermont-friendly add-on for stargazers. Road-Trip Reality Check: Expect traffic impacts from state highway work this week, including I-89 paving near Randolph/Bethel and I-91 ramp closures in Brattleboro, plus local bridge and street closures in the Burlington area. Northern Vermont Outdoors: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal Relay Race returned in Richford, mixing canoe/kayak and biking to spotlight river access. Vermont Tourism & Travel Tech: BETA Technologies says its U.S. FAA/DoT eVTOL integration program flew real commercial-class cargo missions July 10—another step toward air-taxi travel. Local Food & Community: Food for Thought’s summer food-and-books program in the Champlain Islands is winding down as school meal coverage improves, but it’s still serving families now.

Burlington Downtown Boost: Burlington’s Main Street Block Party is set for July 17-18, celebrating the near-finish of the Great Streets Main Street project with new sidewalks, public art, music, and a protected bike lane—good news for visitors planning a downtown stroll. Road & Bridge Updates: Expect ongoing construction impacts, including a Depot St. bridge closure through mid-August, plus weekly highway work that brings lane closures and overnight ramp shutoffs on I-89 and I-91. Northern Vermont Outdoors: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal Relay Race returned to the water and trail in Richford, drawing about 100 competitors for the canoe-downriver and bike-rail-trail format. Tourism Pulse: Canadian visitor spending in Vermont is up year over year, with officials pointing to more Montreal-area travelers and renewed momentum for attractions like the Champlain Valley Dinner Train. Energy Infrastructure: National Grid has started a multi-year, $470M transmission line upgrade across Vermont and New Hampshire, with phased work expected to run through late 2030. Local Culture: Springfield Community Players launches a summer lineup of local playwrights, including “Waiting for a Eulogy” in July and a staged reading in August. Sports Draft Buzz: Chester’s Kaiden McCarthy was drafted 48th overall by the Atlanta Braves, becoming the highest-drafted Vermonter in MLB history.

Downtown Burlington: The Main Street Block Party is set for July 17–18 to celebrate the near-finished Great Streets Main Street project, with new sidewalks, art, family activities, and a protected bike lane. Tourism rebound: Vermont is seeing a Canadian return—state data shows Canadian credit card spending up 40% year over year (May to May), with operators on Lake Champlain and the Champlain Valley Dinner Train reporting more visitors. New lodging on the lake: The Harborvale, Autograph Collection (161 rooms) has opened in Burlington as a rebrand of The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor, adding waterfront event space, pool, fitness, and dining. Weather & travel impacts: Northeastern Vermont towns in the NEK are cleaning up after powerful winds, including damage near Route 114 and trail disruptions around Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain access. Local events: Waterbury Arts Fest and Block Party runs July 10–11 with an Arts Market, live music, and family activities. Road work: VermontBiz lists statewide highway construction affecting traffic July 12 week, including I-89 and I-91 ramp closures and paving delays.

New Hotel Opening (Lake Champlain): The Harborvale, Autograph Collection has opened in downtown Burlington as a rebrand of The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor, adding a lakeside event space, indoor pool, fitness center, and onsite dining steps from Church Street. Downtown Burlington (Construction + Walkability): Burlington’s Main Street Block Party is set for July 17-18 to celebrate the near-finished Great Streets Main Street project, with wider sidewalks, protected bike lane, and new public art. Local Events (Arts): Waterbury Arts Fest returns July 10-11 with a new “Discover Waterbury” brand, a Friday block party, and a Saturday arts market plus live performances. Outdoor Safety (Weather): Storm reports describe possible microbursts in northern Vermont and nearby New Hampshire, with damage to trees, power lines, and a campground. Travel Planning (Canada): A new guide highlights 10 “destination swaps” for travelers looking to stay in Canada this summer as domestic bookings rise. Health & Care (Dementia Support): Neighborhood Connections launches “Remembering Together” caregiver sessions in Londonderry starting July 16 at Mountain Marketplace. Weekend Family Fun (Bennington): Bennington’s Back2School Celebration and National Night Out runs Aug. 4 with backpack giveaways, free haircuts, and activities. Food & Hospitality (Chef News): Deer Valley Resort names Sam Phelan its new executive chef as the resort expands its on-mountain culinary footprint. Nature Health (Ticks): Tick risks are shifting in Vermont and beyond, with experts warning about changing tick species and tick-borne illness threats.

Northern Lights Watch: A possible G1 aurora storm could light up northern states along the U.S.-Canada border Friday night into Saturday, with a better shot Saturday night into Sunday as conditions may strengthen. Travel Stress Check: A new travel trend is making trips harder—“self-service fatigue” as travelers get stuck in app/kiosk loops when things go wrong and staff aren’t there to help. Vermont Golf: Stowe Country Club reopened after a redesign by architect Beau Welling, positioning the historic course as a top New England 36-hole destination. Local Weather Impacts: Storms hit the Northeast Kingdom with downed trees and power lines, and Barre City saw street flooding. Healthcare & Travel: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital says it may close its birthing center in 6–9 months, pushing families to travel farther for delivery care. Affordability Pressure: A UNH poll finds most Vermonters say the state is unaffordable, with many planning to leave—especially younger adults. Outdoor & Nature: Vermont officials are sharing tips on tick prevention and on checking lakes/ponds for cyanobacteria blooms. Tourism Culture: A look at how The Sound of Music’s legacy still drives visitors to Salzburg—and how it echoes in Vermont travel.

Vermont Tourism & Outdoor Access: The Velomont project is ramping up to build a 485-mile multi-use trail across Vermont, with organizers working to make routes more welcoming for adaptive riders and specially equipped mountain bikers. Local Recreation & Trails: Two men have settled with Vermont over unauthorized mountain bike trail building in Mt. Mansfield State Forest; they’ll pay $35,000 and remove remaining features. Community Events: The Garden Club of Manchester is hosting its biennial Summer Garden Tour July 11 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), with tickets supporting scholarships and a luncheon at The Equinox Resort. Libraries & Family Fun: Seven Vermont libraries received CLiF Rural Library Grants for 2026–2027, adding children’s books and literacy programming. Sports & Summer Plans: Vermont Wild closed its inaugural season with a 4-1 win over Vermont Clover FC at Applejack Stadium, drawing 300+ fans. State Leadership (Tourism-linked): Gov. Phil Scott named Tayt Brooks as new secretary of Commerce and Community Development as Lindsay Kurrle exits for Vermont Gas.

Conservation & Access: Vermont AG Charity Clark announced a settlement over unauthorized mountain bike trails in Mt. Mansfield State Forest in Stowe, where two men allegedly cut about 327 trees and drilled rocks to anchor trail crossings; they’ll pay $35,000 in timber trespass damages and remove remaining features. Outdoor Hospitality Trend: A national travel piece highlights how hotels are leaning into glamping and “outdoor hospitality” experiences as more travelers prioritize time in nature. Flood Recovery (Plainfield): A follow-up story revisits Plainfield’s 2023–2024 flooding damage, including delays in FEMA buyouts and the still-precarious remains of the “Heartbreak Hotel.” Water Safety: DEC issued a swimming advisory for Turtle Island on Lake George after a beaver attack led to rabies treatment for two swimmers; visitors are urged to avoid beavers and report unusual wildlife. Road & Travel Planning: VTrans says Milton’s Hourglass Project is progressing with new pavement and shifting traffic patterns along Route 7 and nearby streets—drivers should expect flaggers and delays. Local Sports & Community: Upper Valley Nighthawks even the Governor’s Cup race with a win over the Mountaineers, and the VPA is recruiting schools to start girls flag football as a club program.