Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University has completed an inventory of human remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains were collected at the Uintah and Ouray Agency in Utah and consist of hair clippings from four Native American individuals. The museum has determined that these remains are culturally affiliated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Requests for their repatriation can be submitted by these tribes or other eligible parties, with the process possibly beginning after April 17, 2025.

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, announced a meeting of the Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on January 14-15, 2025, which will be held virtually via Zoom. The meeting will address public land issues in Western Oregon and review proposed projects for funding under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The meeting is open to the public, with opportunities for public comments scheduled, though comment time may be limited based on the number of participants. Those needing special accommodations are encouraged to contact the bureau in advance.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, has completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and found cultural affiliations between certain human remains and associated funerary objects and Native American Tribes, specifically The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The notice outlines the types and origins of these remains and objects, which were excavated in Georgia and have been held at the University of Georgia. Repatriation requests can be made by eligible Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or lineal descendants, and repatriation could begin on or after April 28, 2025. The National Park Service published this notice, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the determinations and repatriation process.

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is holding an online meeting of the Utah Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on March 2, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, and its agenda includes discussions on various issues related to public lands in Utah, such as resource management, travel planning, and updates on different programs. Attendees can make public comments during a designated period and can also send written comments to the provided addresses. More information about the meeting, including registration details, can be found on the Utah RAC webpage.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 in Alaska's Cook Inlet. This document is now open for public review and comment until March 1, 2021, with virtual public hearings scheduled for February 2021. The Draft EIS explores potential environmental impacts of the lease sale and considers alternatives to the proposal, focusing on protecting local wildlife and important ecological areas. Public feedback can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History plans to return a cultural item, a coiled basket, as part of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This basket is considered a sacred object with cultural significance linked to specific Native American tribes, identified through traditional knowledge and expert opinions. The item is connected to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Repatriation may occur on or after April 28, 2025, and interested parties can request repatriation if they can show cultural affiliation or lineage.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is asking for public comments on its plan to renew an information collection related to State regulatory authority on coal mining inspections. This is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the burden of reporting by the public. They are gathering feedback on whether the information collection is necessary, if it will be processed timely, and ways to improve its quality and clarity. Comments are due by February 4, 2025, and the information gathered will help ensure compliance with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

The Quincy Museum Inc., located in Quincy, Illinois, plans to return four cultural items to a Native American tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items, which include a tubular pipe, an abalone shell pendant, and two beaded shell necklaces, are linked to the Wilton Rancheria tribe in California. The repatriation process can begin on or after January 6, 2025. If other tribes or descendants claim the items, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor based on evidence.

The University of California, Riverside plans to return cultural objects to Native American tribes, as stipulated under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These objects include unassociated funerary items and cultural patrimony objects linked to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Several archaeological investigations from 1965 to 2018 resulted in the recovery of these objects. Repatriation of these items can occur after February 18, 2025, once claims are validated and competing requests are resolved.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a request for public comments on permit applications involving activities with endangered foreign species. The Endangered Species Act generally prohibits certain interactions with listed species unless a permit is granted, which is why public input is important before making any decisions. Various institutions and individuals have applied for permits for purposes like scientific research, species propagation, or importing/exporting specimens. The public can view and comment on these applications via the regulations.gov website until January 21, 2025.