Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Kikuchi Center at Kaua'i Community College has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects. They have established a cultural affiliation between these items and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation of these items to the identified groups may occur on or after January 13, 2025. The Kikuchi Center will handle any requests for repatriation and has established a process to ensure the remains are returned to the appropriate cultural groups.

The Federal Subsistence Board has proposed new regulations for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 hunting and trapping seasons on federal lands in Alaska, aiming to revise the rules for subsistence wildlife management. These regulations, which happen every two years for wildlife and every other year for fish and shellfish, involve setting harvest limits, seasons, and methods for taking wildlife. Public meetings and comments are scheduled throughout 2025 to gather input from local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that any changes consider the needs and traditions of local subsistence users. Once finalized, the new regulations will replace previous rules and ensure sustainable use of wildlife resources.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to establish a new fee program for using a rental cabin called Tarpons Roost, located on the Continental Divide near Lemhi Pass in Idaho. Starting July 17, 2025, there will be a $75 per night fee to cover maintenance and operational costs, as approved by the BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council. The plans comply with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and have been detailed in a business plan available at the BLM offices. The purpose is to ensure the cabin remains well-maintained and provides quality experiences for visitors.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is seeking public comments on the renewal of a form that collects information from people applying to join Resource Advisory Councils. This is being done under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are making small changes to the form, such as removing unnecessary questions and clarifying others, and they want feedback on whether the form is necessary, accurate, and easy to understand. The public can submit comments until January 17, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the blue tree monitor, a rare lizard native to Indonesia, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This proposed rule is due to the lizard's shrinking population, caused by habitat loss from deforestation, climate change, and overcollection for the international pet trade. The service has identified that the blue tree monitor faces an immediate risk of extinction throughout its entire range. Public comments are invited until February 24, 2025, and a temporary 240-day emergency listing is also concurrently in effect.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is calling for public nominations to fill vacancies on the Western Montana Resource Advisory Council (RAC). This council advises the BLM on land use planning and management in the Western Montana District. Nominations are open until January 13, 2025, and must include a completed application, reference letters, and information about the nominee's qualifications. Prospective members should be Montana residents and fit into one of three categories: users of public lands, representatives of groups with environmental or historical interests, or those holding certain public offices or roles in resource management.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Record of Decision regarding the proposed oil and gas Lease Sale 257 in the Gulf of Mexico. This decision highlights BOEM's preferred plan, known as Alternative A, which would allow leasing of most unleased areas in the Gulf, except for certain protected zones and areas with ongoing legal issues. The lease sale is expected to cover approximately 79.7 million acres, potentially yielding up to 1.118 billion barrels of oil and 4.424 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, BOEM has adopted various environmental and operational stipulations to protect sensitive underwater features and ensure responsible development.

The National Park Service is seeking nominations for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee. The Secretary of the Interior will appoint one member from those nominated by Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or traditional Native American religious leaders, and the member must be a traditional Indian religious leader. Nominations need to be submitted by February 3, 2025, and must follow specific guidelines, including providing a resume and affirming the nominee's qualifications. Members of the Committee serve without pay but are reimbursed for travel expenses related to Committee activities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comments on a 2023 analysis about the northern population segment of the scarlet macaw. This analysis reevaluates if this group of birds is considered threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The public has until January 27, 2025, to submit their comments. The Service will consider the feedback to potentially update the 2023 analysis and make a final decision on the listing status of the macaw.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation has announced the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, specifically noting a connection to the Modoc Nation and the Klamath Tribes. The repatriation of these remains may occur on or after April 17, 2025. Reclamation invites written requests for repatriation from the tribes, organizations, or any lineal descendant who has evidence of cultural affiliation with the remains.