AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: The Northeast is bracing for another round of storms Sunday, with a Level 2/5 risk and damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph affecting more than 50 million people, after recent heat-fueled events. Road & Travel Disruptions: Vermont drivers should plan for ongoing construction impacts, including major I-89 paving delays, I-91 lane closures, and I-89 bridge work near Exit 3; plus a separate US Route 2 St. Johnsbury lane reduction tied to downed power lines. Tourism & Recreation Rules: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reminding anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at state fishing access areas—important for visitors planning lake and river days. Lake Champlain Water Quality: Shelburne broke ground on a $46M wastewater consolidation project to combine two treatment facilities and improve downstream water quality. Local Spotlight for Visitors: HGTV named Horsford Gardens and Nursery in Charlotte as Vermont’s best garden center—an easy add-on for travelers looking for a scenic stop. Summer Safety & Planning: With heat and storms in the mix, visitors are urged to check conditions before heading out.

Vermont Outdoor Rules: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reminding anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all state fishing access areas—fires leave unsafe remnants and swimming conflicts with boating/launching uses. Public Lands Costs: With agencies weighing fee increases, a new push could mean higher costs to access recreation sites in Vermont’s state parks and federal forests, raising the question of what services stay affordable. Tourism & Fishing Impact: Officials warn Vermont tourism may take a fishing hit as access rules and rising costs collide with visitor expectations. Local Infrastructure for Visitors: Shelburne broke ground on a $46M wastewater project to consolidate treatment facilities and protect Lake Champlain—good news for water quality and the tourism economy. Grants for Communities: More than $8M in federal grants is headed to Vermont, including $3M for Newport’s downtown water/sewer and streetscape upgrades plus $500K to move the long-vacant “pit” toward redevelopment. Road & Travel Planning: Construction and traffic updates include major I-89 and I-91 work with lane closures and speed limits, plus a St. Johnsbury Route 2 lane reduction due to downed power lines. Arts & Culture: The Green Mountain Shakespeare Festival opens its 2026 season with “Hamlet” in Plainfield.

Flood Recovery & Resilience: Vermont and FEMA are nearing a deal for about $200M to speed Montpelier Capitol Complex flood recovery, with major repairs tied up in how to raise critical systems out of the flood plain. Federal Grants for Vermont Communities: More than $8M in federal funding is headed to Vermont, including $3M for Newport to replace downtown water/sewer lines and improve streetscapes, plus $500K to move the long-vacant “pit” property toward redevelopment. Outdoor Recreation & Weather Watch: Experts are weighing what Vermont’s hotter, wetter summers could mean for this season, pointing to rising temperatures and heavier precipitation trends. Local Travel & Events: Rutland is hosting World Cup watch parties downtown, building a match-day vibe in local venues. Road Trip Planning: Vermont’s planned highway construction for the week of June 15 includes major I-89 and I-91 paving and bridge work that could mean delays and lane closures. Family Fun: Quechee’s Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for Father’s Day weekend, with rides, music, and balloon glows. Sports & Community: Stowe is breaking ground on a new 12,000-square-foot athletic training facility to help athletes train year-round, rain or shine.

Summer travel weather: A heat advisory hits most of Vermont Friday (12 p.m.–8 p.m.) with heat index values in the low to mid 90s, and Montpelier opens multiple cooling centers (City Hall Council Chambers, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Transit Center, and a senior-only option at the Senior Activity Center). Gas prices: AAA reports pump relief as the national average for regular drops for a third straight week, down to about $4.12 (from $4.56 since May 21), easing summer road-trip costs. Burlington river cruise season: Burlington’s port schedule is set for Viking River Cruises with eight docking visits starting June 29, plus volunteer-led welcomes and guided tours. Border tourism update: The Haskell Free Library and Opera House on the Quebec-Vermont line reopened a new “Canadian Door” after U.S. authorities ended a prior arrangement restricting Canadian entry from the U.S. side. Outdoor & family fun: Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury is a 150-acre off-leash paradise for pups, and Vermont’s Trophy Trout season is underway for anglers targeting big stocked fish. Community events: Wilmington’s Vermont 250 committee has June talks and history programming, and Bennington hosts a free Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration June 19 at Merchants Park.

Holiday Deals: Balsam Hill kicks off “Christmas in July” early with discounts of up to 50% on artificial trees and décor, running June 1–July 31. Community & Culture: Milton Elementary students painted a Vermont-themed mural at the school, leaving a lasting “Class of 2034” legacy. Travel & Local Tourism: Burlington is lining up for Viking river cruise stops, with multiple dock dates and volunteer-led welcomes. Outdoor & Family Fun: Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury opens its 150-acre, off-leash paradise for pups (plus the touching Dog Chapel). Health & Access: Vermont regulators approved a freestanding multi-specialty surgery center in Hartford, aiming to open next year and cut wait times. Fishing Season: Vermont’s Trophy Trout stocking is underway, with anglers targeting big hatchery-raised trout in rivers and streams. Energy & Cost Watch: Gas prices keep sliding for a third straight week, with the national average down to about $4.12/gal. Public Art: North Bennington’s Outdoor Sculpture Show expands year-round public art, starting this season.

Resort Leadership: Smugglers’ Notch Resort named ski-industry veteran Brandon Swartz as its new general manager, bringing deep Vermont roots and decades of mountain operations experience. Outdoor & Family Fun: Vermont Days are bringing free entry to all state parks and six historic sites this weekend, plus family-friendly activities and free fishing without a license on Saturday. Local Arts on the Move: Burlington celebrated “Lakebone,” a 48-foot timber tree sculpture that traveled by rail from Charlotte and was unveiled with a parade and giant puppet creatures. Visitor Safety Rules: Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reminding anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all state fishing access areas. Community Sports Debate: CVU’s proposed athletic complex and artificial turf field are back in focus as the Community Field Project lays out its case. Food & Jobs: Franklin Foods’ Enosburg Falls plant closure later this summer is expected to hit nearly 100 workers, with a new business hoped to take over afterward. Health Care Impact: UVM Health announced 142 job eliminations, prompting union concerns about patient-facing cuts. Ski Economy Watch: New Hampshire reported a banner ski season with nearly 2.3 million skier visits and about $280 million in direct spending.

Resort Leadership: Smugglers’ Notch named ski veteran Brandon Swartz as its new general manager, bringing deep Vermont roots back to the Northeast Kingdom. Outdoor & Conservation: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and volunteers used a National Park Service view-rating method to identify the best scenic spots along the trail in Hanover—helping guide future visitor experiences. Local Tourism Picks: HGTV spotlighted Horsford Gardens and Nursery in Charlotte as Vermont’s top garden center, a 133-year-old destination for plant lovers and travelers. State Park Fees Watch: Vermont officials are starting work on a long-term management plan for Willoughby State Forest, with the possibility of future fees for parking, trails, and the south beach. Lake Champlain Research: SUNY Plattsburgh’s Lake Champlain Research Institute launched a new research boat, the R/V Leptodora, to upgrade scientific work on the lake. Safety on the Water: Vermont Fish & Wildlife reminded anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at state fishing access areas. Community & Culture: Bennington Theater debuts a Revolutionary-era reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” tying the play to local history for summer audiences. Travel Disruption: Route 100 closures are causing hardships for travelers and locals, with impacts tied to ongoing road work. Food & Community: A Vermont Congolese community celebration is building around the World Cup, with local shop owners selling jerseys and hosting excitement ahead of kickoff.

State Parks Pricing Shake-Up: Vermont officials want easier fee changes for the 55-state-park system, including more frequent updates and 90-day notice—critics worry “demand-based” pricing could raise costs with less say for visitors. New Trails for Summer: Vermont Land Trust and local partners are opening fresh routes for birders, hikers, and mountain bikers, including an accessible loop at Pratt Refuge in Duxbury and the Heart of the Greens Loop in the Green Mountain National Forest. Bear Safety in Stowe: A black bear repeatedly broke into a Stowe restaurant cooler and was shot after entering the premises again, highlighting rising human-bear encounters. Local Culture & Learning: Smithsonian’s “Spark! Places of Innovation” lands in Bellows Falls (June–July) with interactive exhibits on rural innovation, and Vermont students picked Youth Book Award winners statewide. Health Care Workforce Cuts: UVM Health is eliminating 76 roles and restructuring 66 more across Vermont and Northern New York to address a projected $100M gap. Community Calendar: Milton’s July 4 celebration returns with a parade and fireworks for the nation’s 250th anniversary, and Brattleboro hosts Amy Goodman for independent media fundraising.

Fourth of July in Milton: The town’s big July 4 celebration returns with a Grand Parade (11 a.m.), then fireworks and live bands at Bombardier Park West (5–10 p.m.), with “Celebrating 250!” as the theme. New Trails for Summer: Vermont Land Trust and local trail groups are opening fresh routes for birders, hikers, and mountain bikers, including an accessible loop at Pratt Refuge in Duxbury and the Heart of the Greens Loop for riders. Green Mountain Power Court Win: Vermont’s top court backed Green Mountain Power in a lawsuit over a child’s severe burns after entering a locked substation area in Springfield. State Park Fees Update: Vermont officials want easier changes to state park pricing, moving toward more frequent updates with 90-day notice—critics worry about higher costs for visitors. Outdoor & Wildlife Notes: Loons are nesting again on Caspian Lake, and a new report highlights Vermont’s ongoing recovery in loon numbers. Community College News: CCV says tuition will stay flat for 2027/28 at $290 per credit for in-state students. Red Cross Blood Drive Call: The American Red Cross is urging Vermont-area donors to book appointments as summer travel threatens supply.

Vermont Tourism Honors: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe earned a spot on Historic Hotels of America’s “Most Magnificent Gardens” list, with its alpine-inspired grounds and historic family-designed landscapes drawing national attention. More Vermont Garden News: Historic Hotels of America also recognized Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Cavendish, putting two Green Mountain destinations on the same national bloom list. Outdoors for Families: Machia Wilderness Camp in Milton is leaning hard into screen-free learning—campfire cooking, track identification, and archery—aimed at reconnecting kids with nature. Local History for Visitors: Salisbury unveiled a new roadside marker honoring Ann Story, the “Mother of the Green Mountain Boys,” adding another stop for Revolutionary War–era travelers. Maple Season Spotlight: Burke Mountain Maple Company in East Burke shared how its wood-fired, family-run operation keeps Vermont’s summer maple traditions alive. Travel Safety Watch: New England immigration advocates issued a World Cup travel advisory warning international visitors about possible device searches and stricter enforcement at ports of entry.

Historic Lodging & Gardens: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe earned Historic Hotels of America’s Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens nod, joining Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Cavendish for their historic, family-rooted landscapes. Local History Marker: Salisbury unveiled a new roadside marker honoring Ann Story—“Mother of the Green Mountain Boys”—with a ceremony at her cabin site and a play recounting her Revolutionary War role. Outdoor Youth Camp: Machia Wilderness Camp in Milton is drawing families with screen-free, hands-on nature learning—campfire cooking, track ID, and archery—built around founder Larry Machia’s mission to reconnect kids with the outdoors. Public Lands Access & Costs: Vermont is weighing higher fees and more gradual price hikes for state parks and federal forest recreation access as agencies face rising maintenance costs and demand. Health & Travel Safety: U.S. measles cases are on pace to surpass the 2025 high, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people—an important reminder for travelers and families planning summer outings. Community Support: The Vermont Bar Foundation announced its largest annual grant investment yet for FY27, backing organizations expanding access to justice statewide. Electric Aviation Watch: Burlington-based Beta Technologies is ramping up production for its electric Alia aircraft, a sign Vermont’s tourism-and-travel story may soon include new aviation innovation.

Vermont Tourism: Vermont tourism is still feeling the pinch from a Canadian boycott that’s been going on for more than a year, with businesses saying there’s little sign of it easing—though some visitors are trickling back to places like Plattsburgh. Winter Sports Spotlight: Vermont’s offseason is getting a boost with a live Sports Rapport debrief featuring Olympians Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Ben Ogden and Julia Kern, plus rapid-fire Vermont favorites. Outdoor & Hiking: Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert is gearing up for its Oct. 3 Hike-a-thon across 3,644 acres, with routes from a 1.5-mile family loop to a 6.9-mile ridge traverse and an end-of-day celebration. Road & Safety: Vermont State Police reported a one-car crash on Route 9 in Woodford after a driver briefly fell asleep, and a separate fatal horse collision on Willoughby Lake Road in Brownington. Local Travel Planning: Smugglers Notch is set to get tougher on oversized vehicles, with steep fine increases starting July 1 for trucks that illegally pass through the mountain pass. Travel Costs: Gas prices remain a concern for road trips, with Vermont averages still elevated compared with last year.

Outdoor & Tourism: AllTrails just dropped its 2026 “Travel-Worthy Trails” list, spotlighting eight bucket-list hikes across three continents—plus a broader trend toward inn-to-inn walking routes that includes Vermont-style scenic trail travel. Nature Events: Merck Forest & Farmland Center’s Merck Forest Hike-a-thon is set for Oct. 3 in Rupert, with four route options (1.5 miles to 6.9 miles) and trails open to the public on event day. Ski Economy: Ski Vermont says the 2025-26 season drew over 4 million skier visits—its highest in 11 years—helped by consistent cold and natural snow. Road & Safety: Vermont State Police reported a fatal one-car crash on Route 5A in Brownington involving a horse, plus other Route 9 and Route 105 crash updates. Travel Costs: GasBuddy data shows Addison County’s lowest regular price hit $4.29 (week ending May 30), while premium and midgrade prices also eased. Local Planning: North Bennington area roadwork includes lane reductions and a Depot St. bridge closure expected to last through mid-July. Policy Watch: A veto fight over Vermont data-center rules is back in the spotlight, with critics warning of higher bills and environmental impacts.

Data Center Fight: Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to curb the impacts of large AI data centers on electric bills and the environment; lawmakers tried to override, but the vote fell short. Road & Travel Disruptions: Expect ongoing construction delays around North Bennington and Route 7/9 areas, plus a Depot St. bridge closure lasting through mid-July at minimum. Outdoor & Wildlife: A horse was euthanized after a car crash on VT Route 5A in Brownington when animals broke from a fence. Ski Tourism: Ski Vermont reports one of the best seasons in years—over 4 million skier visits and nearly 200 inches of snowfall. Local Fuel Watch: Addison County’s lowest regular gas hit $4.29 (week ending May 30), with statewide regular averaging $4.51. Lake Champlain Mystery: New footage claims to show “Champ,” the lake monster, moving behind a boat—another twist in the Nessie-style legend. Agritourism Push: Vermont launches “Seek & Savor,” a statewide campaign to spotlight farm stays, food producers, and visitor experiences through fall 2027.

Data Center Fight: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout from large AI data centers; lawmakers tried to override the veto on the final day but fell short 83-52. Road & Bridge Updates: Expect major delays around North Bennington and Route 7/9 areas, plus a Depot St. bridge closure lasting through mid-July at minimum. Gas Watch: Addison County’s lowest regular gas hit $4.29 (week ending May 30), with midgrade lowest at $4.89; statewide averages eased slightly. Ski Tourism Boost: Ski Vermont reports one of its best seasons in years—over 4 million skier visits and record participation, fueled by strong early snow. Lake Champlain Mystery: Filmmakers say new footage behind a boat may be the strongest “Champ” proof yet in the long-running Nessie-style legend. Local Nature & Travel: A Vermont agritourism push is underway with “Seek & Savor,” expanding farm experiences and content on VermontVacation.com through fall 2027. Northern Lights: Alerts and viewing tips are circulating for tonight and the next few nights across New England, including Vermont.

Ski Tourism Boom: Ski Vermont reports a banner 2025-26 season with over 4 million skier visits—up 4.7% from last year—helped by early snow, consistent cold, and big holiday storms. Aviation & Travel Tech: Vermont-based Beta Technologies says its all-electric Alia CX300 could reshape short regional travel, with cargo flights expected later this year and certification targeted for late 2027. Agri-Tourism Push: The Vermont Agency of Agriculture launches “Seek & Savor,” a statewide agritourism marketing campaign running through fall 2027, with expanded trip ideas on VermontVacation.com. Family-Friendly Outdoor Learning: Smokey House Center in Danby received a Farm to School grant to install a new Berry Alley Cropping system, bringing 300+ students from 14 schools to its campus. Road & Safety Notes: A Derby-area crash on VT Route 5A involved a car and a horse; no human injuries were reported, but the horse was euthanized. School Commute Disruption: A GM school bus ran into a ditch on Route 103 near Proctorsville/Gulf area; 14 students were evaluated, with one transported as a precaution. Local Public Service Career: Otter Valley Union High School’s work-based learning coordinator Kris Roberts retires after 27 years.