AGP Executive Report

Road & Access Updates: Dickinson drivers are shifting to a temporary paved bypass on the I-94 West Business Loop while crews work on the west/southwest half and set up roundabout construction at 23rd Ave/CR 10. Wildlife & Outdoor Travel: North Dakota is reminding animal owners about new World Screwworm requirements after USDA confirmed the pest in Texas; imported animals need proper documentation and extra steps if coming from quarantine areas. Park News: A bipartisan Senate bill would keep a genetically diverse wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), with the measure now headed to the House. Community & Tourism Events: Medora-area visitors can plan around Theodore Roosevelt Library’s volunteer corps kickoff in Medora, plus North Dakota’s June 26 Softball Classic at the State Penitentiary in Bismarck. Ethics & Travel Rules: The ND Ethics Commission hosts a June 16 webinar on new third-party travel disclosure rules taking effect July 1. Northern Lights: Aurora forecasts point to possible sightings across parts of the northern U.S. this weekend, including North Dakota.

Mobile Health Access: North Dakota HHS is launching a $1.5 million funding opportunity to expand breast cancer screenings in rural and underserved western communities using a mobile mammography unit with 3D technology. Wildlife & Parks: A bipartisan Senate bill would keep a genetically diverse wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, with the House next. Animal Health Watch: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, and North Dakota officials are reminding animal owners that CVIs and extra import requirements (including pre-entry permit numbers) apply for animals coming from active quarantine states. Medora Travel Buzz: The Northern Lights Council is recruiting up to 350 Scouts and adult volunteers for a weeklong camp and service project tied to the July 4 grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Family-Friendly Community Events: Drake volunteer firefighters recently delivered a baby girl after a late-night call, a feel-good reminder of how local services can show up fast. Local Sports Tourism: DOCR will host a 4th Annual Softball Classic at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck on June 26, featuring the USA Patriots in exhibition games.

Federal Settlement: North Dakota will receive nearly $28 million to settle a lawsuit over federal policing costs tied to Dakota Access pipeline protests nearly a decade ago, with the U.S. also dropping appeals and issuing an acknowledgment of intimidation and violence faced by state law enforcement. Northern Lights: A “strong” aurora alert is in play for the weekend as a coronal mass ejection is expected to glance Earth June 13–14, with NOAA forecasting possible G1 geomagnetic storm conditions. Camping & Outdoors: Summer camping season kicks off with a guide to hidden gems near western North Dakota, including Van Hook Resort on Lake Sakakawea. Medora Volunteers: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in Medora is driving a volunteer push—up to 350 Scouts and adult leaders are being recruited for a weeklong camp-and-service project June 30–July 5. Local Travel Planning: Grand Forks is set to host public meetings on the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue project, while Medora and other tourism spots keep gearing up for peak-season visitors. Road & Weather Watch: Drivers should expect construction-related lane and sidewalk closures in the region, and North Dakotans are also being reminded to stay alert for severe weather.

Medora Tourism & Volunteering: The Northern Lights Council is recruiting up to 350 Scouts (ages 12+) and adult volunteers for a weeklong Medora camp and service project tied to the July 4 grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, with sign-ups open until June 15. National Parks Visitor Backlash: An AP review of 35,000 public comments says most people who responded to the Trump administration’s “report negative portrayals” request at national parks used the chance to criticize the policy—prompting fresh debate over how history is presented. Outdoor Trails & Accessibility: Turtle Mountain’s Sky Chief Park Trail bridge linkage project earned a 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program award for accessibility enhancement, highlighting safer, more connected hiking and wildlife viewing. Local Heritage Event: Pickstown will host “Journey Into Uncovering Historic Pickstown” Saturday, a free, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. celebration tied to the nation’s 250th birthday. Health Access for Travelers: North Dakota HHS is launching a $1.5 million funding opportunity to bring mobile mammography to rural and underserved western communities, reducing long-distance screening trips. Road Trip Planning (Fuel): GasBuddy reports the lowest Dickey County diesel hit $4.79/gal (week ending May 30), with statewide averages easing slightly. Driver Safety: SmartAsset’s “Best and Worst States for Drivers” ranks North Dakota among the best states, while Arizona lands in the worst group. Grand Forks Construction Updates: NDDOT and the City of Grand Forks will hold biweekly public open houses starting June 11 for the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue underpass project.

Trail Access Win: Turtle Mountain’s Sky Chief Park trail bridge linkage project earned the 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Award for Accessibility Enhancement, boosting safer, more connected walking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural learning. Road & Traffic Updates: NDDOT and the City of Grand Forks will host biweekly public open houses (starting June 11) for the 42nd Street and DeMers Avenue underpass project, with Q&A and project-team updates through construction season. Visitor-Friendly History: Fort Benton unveiled a new mural honoring the Fort Shaw Indian School girls basketball team—celebrating the “World Basket Ball Champions” story from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and tying it to local tourism grant-funded beautification. Travel Planning Tip: A new guide highlights how to streamline trips by loading tickets into Google Wallet for easier boarding and faster airport security with digital IDs. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending May 30 saw low prices in parts of North Dakota, including $3.89 regular in Dickey County and $4.74 premium in Rolette County.

Whooping Crane “Whooper Highway” Ride: Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg and International Crane Foundation director Andy Caven are biking the migration route, stopping along the way to spotlight Great Plains habitat loss and the cranes’ 2,500-mile journey. Accessibility & Trails: North Dakota’s Sky Chief Park Trail bridge linkage project in Turtle Mountain Country earned a national Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program award for accessibility enhancements, boosting safer connections for walking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural learning. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported premium fuel deals across the state for the week ending May 30, including a low of $4.59 in Burleigh County and $5.29 in Bowman County, with North Dakota’s premium average at $4.87. Severe Weather at the Polls: Election officials urged North Dakotans to check forecasts and vote early if possible as high winds and thunderstorms were expected, noting paper ballots mean outages shouldn’t stop voting. Local Tourism Moment: Fort Benton unveiled a mural honoring the Fort Shaw Indian School girls basketball team, part of a broader tourism push supported by a pilot tourism grant.

Severe Weather & Voting: North Dakota election officials are watching Tuesday’s forecast for severe thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts, urging voters to plan ahead and check vote.nd.gov for any polling changes while noting paper ballots mean power outages won’t stop voting. New State Park for Campers: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla is set to open Tuesday, June 9, bringing fresh outdoor recreation options to the Grand Forks region. Outdoor Wildlife Travel: The International Crane Foundation is documenting the whooping crane migration corridor, sharing habitat updates and stories as the rare birds move through the Great Plains. Local Events in Valley City: Project Constellation, a husband/wife singer-songwriter duo, will perform at Music in the Park on Wednesday, June 10 (7:15 p.m.), with a freewill offering and an indoor backup plan if weather turns. Road Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports some of the lowest fuel prices in the state for the week ending May 30, including regular at $4.04 in Wells County and diesel as low as $5.05 in Golden Valley County. Construction Update (Bismarck): Tyler Parkway work continues in Bismarck with aggregate columns and upcoming storm sewer pipe installation expected to take much of the summer.

New State Park Opening: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens for camping and activities Tuesday, June 9—another reason to plan a Grand Forks-area getaway. Aurora Watch: NOAA is forecasting geomagnetic storms that could boost northern lights visibility into parts of the Lower 48, with chances along the U.S.-Canadian border. Travel Planning Spotlight: A fresh guide to visiting Medora highlights what to do now, with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library set to open July 4. Outdoor Adventure Tips: A look at the Petrified Forest Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park shares what hikers should know before heading out. Local Culture & Events: Fargo Theatre hosts actor Stephen Tobolowsky June 11, and Valley City’s Music in the Park lineup includes Project Constellation. Road Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports North Dakota’s regular average at $4.04 for the week ending May 30, with some counties seeing notably lower single-station deals.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a coronal mass ejection could boost aurora visibility farther south than usual, with strong storms possible Monday into Tuesday—great timing for border-state stargazers. New State Park for Outdoor Fans: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla is set to open Tuesday, June 9, bringing camping plus hiking and snowmobiling, and it’s the first OHV state park in North Dakota. Medora Travel Guide: A fresh visitor rundown highlights what to do in Medora, from Badlands drives and Old West-style downtown stops to upcoming July 4 plans. Trail Time in Theodore Roosevelt NP: A guide to the Petrified Forest Loop shares what to expect on the under-11-mile hike and why it’s worth the effort. Local Recreation Spotlight: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County is featured for year-round hiking, biking, fishing, and winter fun. Road Trip Practicalities: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Ward County at $3.44/gal (week ending May 30) and low regular prices in Mercer County at $3.89/gal—handy for summer travelers. Safety First: Severe storm alerts hit southeast Saskatchewan near Estevan, with damaging winds and hail possible; travelers should plan around weather.

Severe Weather Alert: Environment Canada updated an orange severe thunderstorm warning for the Estevan area, with damaging wind gusts up to 130 km/h, hail and heavy rain possible, and officials urging immediate shelter. Tornado Watch: A tornado watch remains in effect for southeast Saskatchewan as storms move north from North Dakota, with residents told to get to basements or small interior rooms on the lowest floor. Northern Lights Forecast: NOAA says geomagnetic storms tied to a coronal mass ejection could boost aurora visibility farther south than usual, with strong activity possible Monday into Tuesday. Outdoor & Parks: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla is set to open Tuesday, June 9, offering camping and OHV-friendly trails plus hiking and snowmobiling connections. Local Travel Picks: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County highlights year-round hiking, biking, birding, fishing and winter snowshoeing. Road Trip Safety: North Dakota DOT registration is open for a free teen driving skills event in Minot (Aug. 5) focused on safer habits and real-world practice. Community Events: Project Constellation will play Music in the Park in Valley City on June 10 at the bandshell. Tourism/Travel Economy: A new ND tourism economic impact report points to a 2025 visitor dip tied to fewer Canadian travelers, with early signs of momentum for 2026.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a coronal mass ejection could bring stronger auroras farther south than usual, with a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm possible Monday into Tuesday—great timing for North Dakota skywatchers. Tourism Economy: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism impact report shows a dip tied largely to reduced Canadian travel, but domestic visitors stayed strong and early signs point to momentum for 2026. New State Park: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens for camping and more on Tuesday, June 9, including OHV-friendly features and access to hiking and snowmobiling trails. Outdoor & Local Fun: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County highlights year-round trails, fishing, and winter activities. Community Events: Project Constellation plays Music in the Park in Valley City on Wednesday, June 10, with lawn chairs encouraged. Road Trip Reality Check: Gas prices vary by county in the week ending May 30, with several low points reported across regular, midgrade, premium, and diesel. Safety Notes: North Dakota also saw DUI-related crashes this week, plus a free teen driving skills event set for Aug. 5 in Minot.

Outdoor Hiking: Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Petrified Forest Loop is getting a spotlight with practical tips for first-timers, including what to pack for an ~11-mile loop that can take about six hours. New State Park: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens for camping and OHV-friendly stays Tuesday, June 9, with bigger pads and access to a wider trail network for hiking and snowmobiling. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is tracking a geomagnetic storm that could push auroras farther south than usual, with possible minor tech disruptions alongside the sky show. Local Events: Valley City’s Music in the Park brings Project Constellation to the bandshell Wednesday, June 10, and Minot’s Fourth of July Parade rolls out July 4 with food trucks, music, and fireworks. Tourism Economy: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism impact dipped as Canadian travel fell, but early 2026 signals point to momentum—especially in arts and recreation and accommodation/food services. Road Safety: Registration is open for North Dakota’s free teen driving program, Vision Zero Driving Skills for Success, with sessions in Minot and Bismarck.

Trail Time: A new hike guide for Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Petrified Forest Loop shares what to expect on the just-under-11-mile loop and the key prep tips (including sunscreen). Park Spotlight: Turtle River State Park in Grand Forks County is open year-round and offers hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, and winter snowshoeing. New Outdoor Access: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla is set to open Tuesday, June 9, with camping and OHV-friendly features plus a trail system for hiking and snowmobiling. Family Fun Calendar: Valley City’s Music in the Park brings Project Constellation to the bandshell Wednesday, June 10, with lawn chairs encouraged and a freewill offering. Aurora Watch: NOAA is tracking a geomagnetic storm that could push Northern Lights farther south than usual over the next couple nights. Road & Safety: A driver was airlifted after a crash near Hankinson and arrested for DUI; another DUI arrest followed a vehicle rolling into a slough in Ransom County. Tourism Economy: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism impact report shows a dip tied to reduced Canadian travel, while early 2026 signs point to momentum. Gas Watch: Diesel and premium/regular prices vary by county in the latest GasBuddy updates, with several low points reported around the week ending May 30.

State Parks & Trails: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla is set to open for camping and activities Tuesday, June 9, after heavy rain postponed the ceremony; it’s North Dakota’s first OHV state park and sits on an extensive trail system for hiking and snowmobiling. Wildlife & Outdoor Travel: A new focus on the plight of piping plovers highlights how North Dakota’s Great Plains bird habitat connects to broader conservation efforts, with a travelogue-style book proposal blending natural history and science. Tourism Watch: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism economic impact report shows a dip tied to a 23.9% drop in Canadian travel, with 25.6 million visitors and $3.4 billion in spending; early 2026 signs point to momentum, especially in arts, entertainment and recreation. Bridge & Road Updates: Crews are rebuilding Backwater Bridge (Canta Peta Creek Bridge) on Highway 1806 north of the Standing Rock Reservation, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving. Family Safety for Summer: Registration is open for the free Driving Skills for Success teen program in Minot (Aug. 5) and Bismarck (July 28), offering hands-on practice and safety training. Local Summer Fun: Williston’s ATV season is back, and police are reminding riders to follow rules on licensing, registration, helmets, and safe passenger limits.

Tourism Economy: North Dakota’s 2025 tourism report shows a dip as Canadian travel cooled—25.6 million visitors (down 2.6%) and $3.4 billion in spending (down 1.2%), with domestic travelers still driving most of the market (88.4%). New Park for Outdoor Plans: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens Tuesday, June 9, with hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and OHV trails, plus North Dakota’s first OHV campground in the state park system. Road Trip Upgrade: Crews are rebuilding Backwater Bridge (Canta Peta Creek Bridge) on Highway 1806 north of the Standing Rock Reservation, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving. Safety for Summer Driving: Minot is hosting a free teen driving safety event—Driving Skills for Success—Aug. 5 at the State Fairgrounds, plus another session in Bismarck July 28. Fuel Watch: Gas prices vary by county in the week ending May 30, with regular lows reported at $3.99 in Pierce County and $3.89 in McKenzie County, while diesel lows include $4.84 in Burleigh County and $4.89 in McKenzie County. Wildlife & Hiking Ideas: North Dakota’s stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail totals about 460 miles, linking to a route that spans eight states.

New Park Opening: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens for camping and outdoor recreation Tuesday, June 9, with trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHVs—plus an OHV campground and a big trail network already partly open. Tourism Update: North Dakota’s latest tourism impact report says visitation and spending dipped in 2025, driven largely by reduced Canadian travel, but early signs point to momentum heading into 2026. Long-Distance Hiking: North Dakota is home to the start of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,600+ mile route spanning eight states and drawing hikers, snowshoers, skiers, cyclists and equestrians. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show lower fuel prices in parts of the region, including diesel at $4.90 in McHenry County and regular gas as low as $3.89 in McKenzie County—useful for summer travel planning. Skywatching: NOAA upgraded the northern lights outlook for Thursday, June 4 through Friday, June 5, with a rare chance of auroras visible across up to 23 states. Local Culture & Fun: Dakota Wesleyan dinner theatre returns for a second season, and a Walhalla column highlights the town’s charm for travelers.