AGP Executive Report

Road & Access: Colchester’s Exit 16 on I-89 is getting a Diverging Diamond Interchange, with a mid-September opening that will temporarily shift traffic to the left through the crossover points; VTrans will be at the Champlain Valley Fair through Sept. 6 with updates and a driving simulator. Outdoor Recreation: Okemo Valley Trails celebrates the Sept. 12 grand opening of the Fletcher Farm Trail Network in Ludlow, adding mountain-bike-friendly routes plus hiking and cross-country skiing options. Trails & Events: Jay Peak Resort will host two September running events—its Trail Running Festival (Sept. 5-6) and the first Cirque Series mountain race (Sept. 26)—with distances from family 5Ks to a 53.1K ultra. Nature & Conservation: A proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule could affect drinking-water watersheds for about 25 million Americans, raising concerns about erosion and treatment costs. Local Travel Boost: Tourism is picking up near Quechee Gorge after the bridge construction wraps up. Costs at the Pump: AAA reports Vermont gas averages $4.27/g, up 11 cents from last week.

Fall Tourism Momentum: Central Vermont tourism leaders are gearing up for the seasonal surge, highlighting how foliage drives lodging, dining, shops, and local attractions. Cycling Event: The 25th Green Mountain Stage Race returns to the Mad River Valley this Labor Day weekend, drawing 600+ riders from across the U.S. and Canada. Golf & Visitors: Quechee Club will host the New England PGA Section Championship in 2027—an event expected to bring major regional attention and visitors back to Vermont. Road-Trip Planning: VTrans is testing the new diverging diamond at I-89 Exit 16 in Colchester with a simulator at the Champlain Valley Fair ahead of the traffic shift. Outdoor Fun for Families: Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville is offering a “Golden Retriever Experience” where visitors can play with the dogs. Community & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont celebrates the grand opening of its new recovery center in Barre on Sept. 15. Food Security: After SNAP lapsed for many Vermonters, local food shelves report continued elevated demand.

Outdoor Adventure & Records: A 91-year-old hiker, Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders, reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, finishing at Mount Katahdin. Long Trail Spotlight: A Canadian ultrarunner set a new fastest-known time for an unsupported Vermont Long Trail “yo-yo” run, underscoring how demanding Vermont’s backcountry is even for elite athletes. Tourism & Lodging: Killington Mountain Homes won a 2026 Skift IDEA Award for short-term rental property management, a win that also puts Killington on the global travel map. Local Events: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded demos, 120+ vendors, and family activities, while Plymouth Notch hosts the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival Sept. 5–6. Community & Visitor Experience: Burlington’s “situation table” model is helping connect people in crisis to housing and services faster, showing how local systems can improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Travel Safety & Policy: Federal agents say human smugglers used TikTok testimonials to market illegal crossings into Vermont, as investigations ramp up. Fall Planning: A guide to packing for New England fall road trips focuses on light layers and weather-ready footwear for fast-changing conditions.

Quechee Gorge Tourism Boost: After multiyear Quechee Gorge Bridge repairs, two-lane traffic is back and local shops say business is already improving right as foliage season ramps up. Rural Access to Care: A new look at Northeast Kingdom health care shows how specialty appointments can mean long drives, long waits, and extra burdens for older adults and families. Local Government Staffing: Middlesex has hired a new town administrator, with Liam Abbate starting Sept. 14, bringing regional transportation planning experience into municipal leadership. Community & Events: Milton’s Family Community Center handed out a record 132 back-to-school backpacks and supplies, while Brattleboro’s Source to Sea cleanup returns Sept. 18–19 to rally volunteers for the Connecticut River. Outdoor & Nature: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will host a Raptor Migration Celebration Sept. 19 with live birds and a community hawk-watch project. Health & Safety Awareness: Laconia marked the 10th overdose awareness vigil at Rotary Park, with resources and Narcan available for attendees. Travel Planning Tips: A New England fall road-trip guide focuses on packing smart with layers and weather-ready footwear for fast-changing conditions. Appalachian Trail Inspiration: At 91, “Grey Beard” Dale Sanders reclaimed the oldest thru-hike record after 71 falls, finishing at Mount Katahdin. Arts & Learning: Goddard’s Creative Campus is continuing education and lodging/event hosting after the college closure, keeping arts programming alive in Plainfield.

Appalachian Trail Feat: Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders, 91, reclaimed the record for the oldest thru-hike, finishing the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail on Mount Katahdin after 71 falls. Labor Day Travel Costs: GasBuddy’s Labor Day forecast puts Vermont gas at $4.23 and the national average at $4.03—an all-time high for the holiday weekend. Jay Peak & Canada Travel: Jay Peak Resort sent an open letter to Canadians as tariff talk ramps up, urging neighbors not to let trade policy chill travel plans. Fall Getaway Planning: Chester’s 52nd Festival returns Sept. 19-20 with 100+ vendors and family entertainment—an easy leaf-season stop. Local Food in Schools: Sen. Peter Welch pushed the Farm to School Act, highlighting Vermont’s strong local purchasing (89% of schools) and the remaining “brown box” share. Health & Access for Travelers: The Brattleboro VA outpatient clinic reopens Sept. 1 after repairs, with care options shifting back to the local site. Outdoor Safety Reminder: UVM Medical Center staff raised concerns after a policy change limiting who can serve as patient sitters, shifting toward remote monitoring.

Jay Peak & Canada Travel: Jay Peak Resort is reaching out to Canadians with an open letter as Trump’s tariff fight threatens cross-border travel ahead of ski season. Fall Events in Vermont: Chester Festival returns Sept. 19-20 with 100+ vendors, family entertainment, and local crafts at Gateway Field. Outdoor & Nature: Scientists in Vermont are using Dutch elm disease spores to test 6,000 young elms, aiming to restore disease-tolerant trees in forests and backyards. Health & Care Access: UVM Medical Center changed its patient observation approach, limiting who can serve as sitters and raising staff concerns about safety; meanwhile, the Brattleboro VA clinic reopens Sept. 1 after repairs. Local Food in Schools: Sen. Peter Welch pushes the Farm to School Act to boost Vermont’s already-strong local food purchasing for student meals. Travel Safety Note: Police in New Hampshire report an unprovoked fisher attack, urging caution near wooded areas. Community/Local Business: Union Mutual names a new Vermont marketing representative, and Tops Friendly Markets launches a “Tailgate Club” campaign.

Vermont Outdoors & Nature: Scientists in Vermont are injecting 6,000 young American elms with Dutch elm disease spores to find disease-tolerant trees for future restoration across forests, riverbanks, and backyards. Local Travel & Community: Equinox Preservation Trust marks its 30th anniversary on Sept. 4 with family-friendly activities at Mt. Equinox, including a scavenger hunt and wildlife-themed art. Vermont Tourism & Food Culture: A Boston.com feature spotlights Vermont’s maple creemee—its origin story, what makes it different from soft-serve, and why it’s spreading beyond the Green Mountain State. Vermont Election Watch: A fall election guide lays out key statewide races and two proposed constitutional amendments, including labor rights and equal protection. Visitor Safety/Infrastructure: Green Mountain Power is holding a Westminster service-center open house Sept. 1 (and a Facebook Live follow-up Sept. 2) for customers to ask questions about reliability and safety. Health & Access: The Brattleboro VA clinic will resume normal operations Sept. 1 after repairs, with care options during the closure. Big Picture Travel Impact: U.S. tourism faces another hit as Canadians push “buy Canadian” and some provinces advise against non-essential U.S. travel amid trade tensions.

Vermont Travel & Safety: The White River Junction VA clinic in Brattleboro (71 GSP Drive) is set to resume normal operations Sept. 1 after repairs, with patients directed to call (802) 295-9363 for specialty, primary care, and mental health. Road Updates: Expect lane limits and speed reductions on I-89 this week, including paving between Brookfield and Bethel, intermittent closures near Montpelier/Waterbury, and ongoing I-89 bridge work in Royalton through fall 2027. Local Events: Green Mountain Gardeners hosts Page Dickey’s free garden design talk Sept. 14 in Londonderry. Fall Planning: Vermont’s primary care doctor shortage is worsening access for many visitors and residents alike, while new fall foliage guidance highlights how timing and weather can make leaf-peeping unpredictable. Travel Context: Google Maps is renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for US users, adding fresh friction to US-Canada tourism amid the trade dispute.

VA Clinic Reopens: Brattleboro’s VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (71 GSP Drive) will resume normal operations Sept. 1 after February repairs, with patients directed to call (802) 295-9363 for primary care, specialty care, or mental health. Power & Planning: Green Mountain Power hosts a customer open house Sept. 1 (5:30–6:30 pm) at its Westminster service center, and the state posts its weekly I-89/route construction impacts for Aug. 31 week. Health Access: Vermont’s primary care doctor numbers keep slipping, with the state reporting fewer full-time clinicians and longer waits for care. Rural Economy: Sen. Peter Welch meets Vermont farmers on the rural economic crisis, as farmers say basic services and farm-support paperwork can stall progress. Tourism Watch: Fall foliage timing is getting mapped week-by-week for Vermont, with forecasts pointing to early patchy color in mid-September and stronger northern peaks soon after. Community & Culture: Green Mountain Gardeners brings Page Dickey to Londonderry Sept. 14, and Green Mountain Academy hosts a Sept. 10 talk on color in Shaker life. Weather: A mostly dry Sunday is followed by a wetter, cooler stretch with rain chances increasing later in the week.

Vermont Travel & Tourism: Fall foliage planning: Week-by-week maps and forecasts point to early, patchy color in northern Vermont around the week of Sept. 8, spreading statewide by mid-September, with peak timing shifting by location and weather. Local travel logistics: Road work updates: Vermont’s weekly construction roundup flags paving and bridge rehabilitation on key I-89 stretches (including Bethel–Brookfield, Montpelier–Waterbury, and Royalton area work), with lane closures, speed limits, and longer-term restrictions near exits. Outdoor & winter prep: Snow season buzz: Ikon Pass country got its first real snowfall hint in late August at Crystal Mountain, a sign skiers and riders are already watching. Community & culture: VA clinic reopening: The Brattleboro VA outpatient clinic is set to resume normal operations Sept. 1 after repairs, with veterans directed to call for appointments. Local arts: Barre Opera House season: The venue announced its 2026–2027 performance lineup, including major touring acts. Food & local life: Farm to Plate progress: Vermont’s Farm to Plate food system plan continues rolling out statewide, with updates on produce prescription reach and upcoming annual gathering plans.

VA Health Access: The Brattleboro VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (71 GSP Drive) is set to reopen Sept. 1 after a February repair shutdown, with appointments handled via the White River Junction VA system. Utility & Community: Green Mountain Power invites customers to an in-person open house Sept. 1 (5:30–6:30 pm) at its Westminster service center, plus a Facebook Live virtual open house Sept. 2. Road & Travel Planning: Vermont’s planned highway and interstate construction for the week of Aug. 31 includes I-89 paving and bridge work near Bethel–Brookfield, Montpelier–Waterbury, Royalton, and Waterbury–Richmond—expect lane closures and speed limits. Fall Foliage Watch: Week-by-week Vermont peak timing is mapped for early-to-late September, with patchy color starting around Sept. 8 and brighter northern hues by mid-September. Island Travel Update: The Island Runner ferry is back after a catastrophic engine failure, restoring the boat-only link between Kill Kare and Burton Island State Parks. Local Nature & Urban Forestry: Montpelier says about 80% of downtown street trees are in decline, pushing a new planting approach to help trees survive pests and stress. Food System News: Vermont’s Farm to Plate plan continues rolling out statewide, including updates from its CSA & Healthcare community of practice.

VA Clinic Update (Brattleboro): The Brattleboro VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic at 71 GSP Drive will resume normal operations effective Sept. 1 after a February closure for repairs, with patients directed to call (802) 295-9363 for primary care, specialty care, and mental health. Power & Community (Putney): Green Mountain Power invites customers to an in-person Open House Sept. 1 (5:30–6:30 pm) at its Westminster service center, with a Facebook Live virtual Open House Sept. 2 at noon. Road & Travel Planning (Statewide): Vermont’s weekly construction roundup flags I-89 paving and bridge work, including single-lane closures, speed reductions, and restrictions around Bethel–Brookfield, Montpelier–Waterbury, Royalton, and Waterbury–Richmond. Outdoor & Tourism (Lake Champlain): The Island Runner ferry is back after a catastrophic engine failure, restoring service between Kill Kare and Burton Island State Parks—key for the island’s full-service campground and marina. Conservation & Hiking (Snake Mountain): Vermont plans to reunite Snake Mountain land and timber rights by buying back logging rights for 950 acres and adding 256 acres, expanding habitat and hiking opportunities with deals expected to finish by early 2027. Local Food in Schools (Shelburne): Sen. Peter Welch highlights Vermont’s Farm to School approach, noting 89% of schools buy local food and pushing for stronger national support. Safety at a Tourist Hot Spot (Quechee Gorge): Quechee Gorge Bridge reopens with new suicide barriers and updated railings aimed at preventing tragedies at the popular overlook. Weather & Seasonal Planning: The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a mostly mild winter for much of the U.S., with some colder pockets in regions hit by earlier storms.

Road & Traffic: Vermont Business Magazine lists major I-89 work this week, including paving and bridge rehabilitation near Bethel–Brookfield, Montpelier–Waterbury, Royalton (Exit 3), and Waterbury–Richmond—expect lane closures, speed limits, and delays. Labor Day Events: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 with expanded chef demos, new vendors, and family programming downtown. Forest & Outdoors: Hinesburg Town Forest celebrates Vermont’s 2026 Tree Farm of the Year on Sept. 12 with guided forestry/birding, mountain biking, forest history, and a town hall picnic. Energy & Travel Costs: AAA says gas prices remain high nationwide; August is poised to set a new record at the pump. Cross-Border Tourism: A new look at Canadian travel to New Hampshire (and the wider region) notes a summer rebound, but warns tariffs and trade tensions could affect fall visits. Vermont in Pop Culture: Prime Video’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is set in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, starring Penn Badgley. Safety Reminder: Vermont State Police report a fatal crash on US Route 7 in Ferrisburgh involving a motorcycle and a DUI-with-death charge.

Labor Day in Bennington: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 5, with new vendors, expanded live entertainment, and a reimagined chef demonstration tent for the festival’s 31st anniversary. Road Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal US Route 7 crash in Ferrisburgh on Aug. 26 involving a car and a motorcycle; the case lists DUI with death resulting and grossly negligent operation. Local Arts & Community: Stone Valley Arts in Poultney is hosting a watercolor show opening Sept. 12, plus workshops in September and November. Vermont 250 Planning: Bennington’s America 250 committee says the focus now shifts to Vermont’s 2027 anniversary, with a January 15 kickoff and a growing calendar of events. Workforce & Housing: Vermont’s Department of Labor named Rowan Hawthorne interim director for workforce strategy, while Vermont Federal Credit Union backed the Muddy Moose project in Morristown to convert vacation rentals into permanently affordable homes and protect 150 acres. Fall Travel Buzz: Leaf-peeping forecasts and “peak color” guidance are circulating as travelers start booking October trips.

Local Safety & Justice: Burlington artist Douglas “Dug Nap” Knapp, 79, pleaded not guilty after a July crash killed 16-year-old Shiloh Skalka while she crossed at a flashing Pine Street crosswalk; police say he didn’t see her until impact. Fall Foliage Planning: Yankee Magazine spotlights Burlington as Vermont’s top fall color destination for 2026, citing Lake Champlain views and public art along Pine Street and Church Street Marketplace. Winter Travel & Research: UVM and partners won a $5.9M NSF grant to build a northern New England snowpack monitoring system, linking mountain snow data to the winter outdoor economy. Weather Watch: The Northeast faces renewed storm risk with flash flooding possible, including a Level 2 severe-storm area stretching from the NY-VT border south. Tourism & Trade: A new analysis says Vermont is among the states most dependent on Canadian tourism spending—meaning cross-border slowdowns could hit lodging and local businesses fast. What to Do: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded chef demos and family programming. Outdoor Recreation: Vermont’s youth birding boom is being fueled by apps like Merlin Bird ID and eBird, drawing more young naturalists into conservation.

Ski & Snowmaking: Smugglers’ Notch Resort is upgrading for the 2026 season with 100 new snowmaking guns, part of Bear Den Partners’ broader investment after last year’s purchase of the mountain. Food & Festivals: Garlic Town USA returns to downtown Bennington on Sept. 5 with expanded entertainment, a reimagined chef demo tent, and new programming for the Labor Day crowd. Family Fun: The 104th Champlain Valley Fair runs Aug. 28–Sept. 6 in Essex Junction, with rides, live music, exhibits, and discount days plus $10 parking. Outdoor & Wildlife: Vermont Fish & Wildlife says hunters bringing moose, deer, or elk from CWD areas must process meat before entry to protect local herds. Community & Culture: Jay Peak Resort’s leadership sent a message to Canadians amid the U.S.-Canada trade fight, emphasizing neighbors and shared ties. Local Events: Barnard, Plainfield, Brookfield, and Richmond are among the towns listing music, theater, markets, and community gatherings this weekend.