Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

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) has made available the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, which was approved by the Department of the Interior (DOI). This decision allows Magic Valley Energy to build and operate a wind-power facility with up to 231 turbines on public lands in Jerome, Lincoln, and Minidoka counties. The project will take place on a designated area managed by the BLM and will follow specific conditions and mitigation measures as outlined in the ROD. This approval is the final decision by the DOI and cannot be appealed.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of Tennessee's Department of Anthropology has finished an inventory of human remains and determined a cultural connection between them and certain Native American tribes and organizations. These remains, representing at least 16 individuals, were originally removed from various sites in Kansas and later transferred to the university. The cultural affiliations have been determined to include the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, based on archaeological, geographical, historical, and traditional Native American knowledge. Repatriation of these remains is set to begin after May 19, 2025, upon requests from the tribes or lineal descendants who meet certain criteria.

The Bureau of Land Management has announced public meetings for the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Advisory Council. These meetings will take place on February 17, 2021, and on April 7-8, 2021, at the Emery County Courthouse in Castle Dale, Utah. They will discuss various topics, including updates on resource management plans and council leadership nominations. People interested in attending the meetings can participate in person, virtually, or via teleconference, and will have an opportunity to provide comments during specified periods.

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 established a cultural connection with certain Native American tribes. The remains, in the form of hair clippings, were collected between 1930 and 1933 from various institutions and are linked to the Klamath Tribes. Repatriation of these remains to the appropriate tribes or individuals is set to begin as early as April 17, 2025. If multiple requests for repatriation are received, the museum will determine which request is most suitable.

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.

The U.S. Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, has finished an inventory of human remains found in Chernabura Island, Alaska, with the help of Vassar College and several Native American tribes or organizations. These remains are believed to be affiliated with present-day tribes, including the Agdaagux Tribe of King Cove and Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point. The National Park Service has issued a notice inviting other tribes or organizations not mentioned to request control of these remains before March 1, 2021, after which the remains may be transferred to the identified tribes if no additional requests are made.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced they have received applications for permits related to activities that help endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are asking for comments from the public and various agencies on these applications by February 22, 2021. These permits would allow certain activities for the scientific purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of these species. All public comments, including those with personal information, may be made available publicly, so commenters should be aware of this when submitting feedback.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District in Montana. This plan sets out the strategies and objectives for managing the wetland areas to benefit wildlife and promote recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft documents by February 13, 2025, with copies available online or in person at the management district office. The plan seeks to comply with relevant laws and includes special considerations for consulting with Tribal entities regarding their interests and responsibilities.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has requested the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew an information collection regarding onshore oil and gas operations. This collection, under OMB control number 1004-0137, involves oil and gas operators on public and some Indian lands, with an estimated 864 annual respondents providing 102,439 responses. The public is invited to comment on various aspects of the information collection, including its necessity and ways to reduce the burden on respondents, by January 9, 2025. There are no policy changes, but the BLM seeks to clarify burden estimates and extend the approval for three more years.