Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The National Park Service announced its plan to return human remains found at the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Nevada to the descendants or tribal group with the strongest claim. According to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), these remains, identified as Native American, can be claimed by any lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations. The remains are primarily intended for the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of the Fallon Reservation and Colony, Nevada, but other parties can also submit claims based on evidence. If no claims are received by April 20, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Oklahoma-Texas Area Office (OTAO) has completed its inventory of human remains as required by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). They have determined a cultural affiliation between these remains and certain Indian Tribes, specifically the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, among others. Requests for repatriation of these remains can be made by tribes mentioned in the notice or others with evidence of cultural affiliation. The repatriation process may begin on or after April 17, 2025, following evaluation of any competing claims.

The University of California, Berkeley plans to return certain cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items are considered sacred and have significant cultural importance. Nine Pomo cultural items, including a headdress and dance regalia, have been identified for repatriation. Requests for repatriation can be made by eligible tribes or organizations, and competing claims will be carefully reviewed before returning the items.

The National Park Service has announced a notice involving the nomination of properties for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. They are seeking public feedback on the importance of these properties, with comments due by May 5, 2025. The notice features a detailed list of properties from various states, including Arkansas, Colorado, and New York, among others. Also, some properties have been requested for removal or received additional documentation.

The Gilcrease Museum, in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), plans to return cultural items classified as unassociated funerary objects to their rightful Native American or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items, including various kinds of beads and a tar mat headrest, were originally acquired in California, likely around the mid-20th century. The Tejon Indian Tribe has been identified as having a cultural link to these items. Requests for repatriation can be made by other organizations showing a cultural connection, starting May 19, 2025.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is requesting public comments on a proposal to renew and revise an information collection, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection involves the Hydrography Addressing Tool (HydroAdd), which helps users link their data with the National Hydrography Dataset. This collection is voluntary and aims to minimize reporting burdens while providing necessary data in an efficient format. The USGS is especially seeking feedback on the utility, clarity, and burden of this information collection.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comments on permit applications for certain activities involving foreign species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These activities typically require Federal authorization but can be permitted for scientific research or to help the species survive. Public comments are accepted until April 30, 2025, and can be submitted online or by mail as detailed in the document. The notice includes various applications, such as importing biological samples for research and exporting live animals for species propagation, which are open for public reviewing and commenting.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), History Colorado has completed an inventory of human remains, identifying a cultural link between these remains and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado. The inventory includes locks and braids of human hair taken in the 1890s and a shirt with attached human hair. Repatriation of these remains to recognized tribes or lineal descendants may begin after January 6, 2025. Competing requests for repatriation are resolved by History Colorado, and they are responsible for notifying the relevant tribes and organizations.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on its request to renew surveys and focus groups used to gather information from visitors and nearby community members of public lands. This information aids in planning decisions related to recreation services. The request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public can send comments or recommendations until January 9, 2025, and the collected data will support the BLM's visitor services planning for three more years.

The National Park Service has issued a notice regarding the disposition of certain Native American cultural items held by the Navy at the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Detachment Fallbrook in California. These items, which include tourmaline crystals, a quartz crystal, ceramic pipe fragments, and shell beads, were collected from various historical sites. The notice outlines that these items are intended to be returned to appropriate lineal descendants or Native tribes, with several Native American groups given priority. Interested parties may claim these items by March 17, 2026; otherwise, they will become unclaimed cultural items. The process follows guidelines set by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).