Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology at the University of Kentucky plans to return a collection of 227 cultural items to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items, which are mostly artifacts associated with ancient burial practices, are believed to be linked to tribes such as the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Shawnee Tribe. The return of these objects is in line with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Requests for repatriation by other recognized groups can be submitted by January 6, 2025, at the earliest.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University has completed an inventory of human remains and identified a cultural connection with Indian Tribes, specifically the Onondaga Nation. Two individuals' remains were identified, and the museum is preparing to repatriate these remains. If multiple requests for repatriation arise, the museum will decide the appropriate recipient before proceeding. The repatriation can start after April 17, 2025.

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has submitted a request to obtain public land and mineral rights as compensation for lands not received under Montana's Statehood Act. This action is pursuant to the Taylor Grazing Act and involves the classification of 5,816.63 acres as suitable for transfer to the state. Any land not needed for this purpose will be opened to public land laws. The public can comment or request a review of this classification by February 22, 2021.

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the Interior Department, has issued a public land order that partially revokes two withdrawals from 1928, which were initially set aside for the Avalon Reservoir Carlsbad Project in New Mexico. These lands, covering 335.25 acres, are no longer needed for their original purpose. As a result, the lands will be open for new uses under public land laws, while still respecting existing rights. This order will take effect on January 7, 2025, allowing the lands to potentially be sold or transferred out of federal control.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is seeking public comments on renewing an information collection process as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves the certification of blasters in states with federal programs and on Indian lands. The agency is interested in feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and potential burden reduction of this information collection. Comments are due by February 16, 2021, and may be submitted through the specified website or via email to Mark Gehlhar, the Information Collection Clearance Officer.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing updates to regulations governing Federal financial assistance programs under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The changes aim to align regulations with recent legislation, ensure consistency across the nation, and respond to prior feedback on rulemaking. The proposal includes clarifications on eligible activities, agency responsibilities, and administrative processes to improve program clarity and efficiency. Public comments will be accepted until early 2025, and the updates are meant to enhance management of wildlife and sport fish restoration and related activities.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to their ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. This platform helps the Service manage and share geographic data for projects concerning endangered species, migratory bird conservation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and more. They invite comments on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden of this information collection. The submission deadline for comments is May 20, 2025.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) plans to return a cultural item, a stone pipe, that is considered a sacred object, to the rightful descendant or affiliated tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The stone pipe was originally associated with Yonaguska, a known Cherokee leader, and donated to the park in 1937. Repatriation could occur on or after February 18, 2025, and any additional claims need to be supported with evidence showing cultural affiliation or lineal descent. If multiple requests are made, GRSM will determine the most appropriate requestor before proceeding with the repatriation.

The National Park Service (NPS) has drafted Director's Order #20 to outline its policies and processes for forming formal agreements with other entities using six specific types of agreements. Once implemented, it will replace the previous guidelines from July 23, 2003. The public can view and comment on this draft until January 27, 2025, through the NPS website. This document helps guide NPS managers and staff when they create, review, and approve agreements with both federal and non-federal entities, including tribes with self-governance.