Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, part of the Interior Department, issued a final rule on inflation adjustments for civil monetary penalties, effective January 28, 2021. This rule is part of an annual process mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which aims to keep penalties effective in deterring violations by adjusting for inflation. Using guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Bureau calculated the 2021 cost-of-living adjustment to be 1.01182%. These updated penalties apply to violations occurring after November 2, 2015.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to renew its information collection process for the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests without any changes. These programs, which began in the 1930s and 1990s respectively, help preserve habitats and promote conservation education through art contests that allow participants to submit duck-themed artwork. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is open to adults, while the Junior Duck Stamp Contest is for students in kindergarten to grade 12, and both programs have contributed significantly to wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The Service is requesting public comments on the collection process to ensure it minimizes burdens and serves its intended purpose.

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 National Park Service, in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands plans to return human remains found on Federal or Tribal lands to their rightful descendants or affiliated tribes. The remains, identified as belonging to a Native American individual, were discovered in the Zuni Mountains of New Mexico in 1992. The Hopi Tribe of Arizona, Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Laguna, and the Zuni Tribe have priority in claiming these remains. If no claims are received by January 20, 2026, the remains will be deemed unclaimed.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to permits for free use of vegetative and mineral materials. This action is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and aims to minimize the public's burden. The permits are available for non-profit organizations and various government bodies, ensuring the materials are not used commercially. The BLM invites feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements to this process, with comments due by March 4, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Peñasco least chipmunk, a mammal found in New Mexico, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Approximately 4,386 acres in Lincoln County, New Mexico, have been designated as critical habitat for the chipmunk. This decision aims to provide protections against threats such as habitat loss, disease, and small population size. Certain areas, including parts managed by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, have been excluded from the critical habitat designation to maintain effective partnerships and recognize tribal management of their lands.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University plans to return a cultural item, specifically a sacred akua hulu manu (feathered god image) associated with Hawaiian chief Kekuaokalani, to its rightful steward. This repatriation can occur on or after February 18, 2025, and has been determined based on input from a known lineal descendant. Additional requests for repatriation may be submitted by any descendant, tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that can demonstrate a rightful connection to the item. The final decision will prioritize the most appropriate requestor and may involve joint repatriation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed removing Ute ladies'-tresses, a type of orchid, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. The decision is based on a review of scientific data indicating that the species has recovered enough and is no longer threatened by extinction. The proposal explains that conservation efforts and regulatory protections, along with the species' natural resilience to threats such as urban development and climate change, ensure its survival. If the rule is finalized, the legal protections under the Endangered Species Act for this plant would no longer apply, but post-delisting monitoring will be conducted to ensure the species remains secure.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a notice about amendments to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Liquor Ordinance. These changes, effective from March 21, 2025, update the rules for selling alcohol within the community, covering both on-sale and off-sale transactions. The amendments provide regulations on licensing, operation, and management of liquor sales on Tribally-owned property, including compliance with state and federal laws. The Community's Business Council plays a key role in overseeing on-sale and off-sale liquor operations and reporting to the General Council.

The Kikuchi Center at Kaua'i Community College has completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). They found human remains and associated cultural items belonging to Native Hawaiian individuals, along with 15 funerary objects such as fish hooks and tools. These items are linked to specific Native Hawaiian sites, indicating a cultural connection with local tribes and organizations. Repatriation of these remains and objects can begin on or after January 13, 2025, following requests from recognized tribes or lineal descendants.