Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The Arizona State Museum, under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), plans to return certain objects of cultural patrimony to affiliated Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The items include a lot of modified bone, originally obtained by the Gila Pueblo Foundation in 1934, and now linked to the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California. The repatriation can happen after May 12, 2025, and other tribes can request the items if they show they have cultural ties. If there are conflicting requests, the museum will decide the most appropriate recipient.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comments on proposed amendments to habitat conservation plans for the lesser prairie-chicken in areas including Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. These amendments involve changes to incidental take permits following updated boundaries for the lesser prairie-chicken's range. The public and various government levels can comment until February 13, 2025. The proposed amendments aim to expand conservation efforts and permit coverage without altering the original duration or scope of the plans.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a rule to designate critical habitat for four distinct population segments of the foothill yellow-legged frog in California under the Endangered Species Act. This proposal outlines the locations and features necessary for the conservation of this frog species, covering around 760,071 acres. The proposal also considers potential impacts on land use, such as economic and national security concerns, as well as existing conservation plans. Public comments are invited until March 17, 2025, with requests for a public hearing due by February 28, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Angeles National Forest plans to return human remains and cultural objects to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, as per the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains and objects were found at two archaeological sites on federal land. The Forest Service has identified at least two individuals and determined that the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has priority for the disposition. Claims for these items can be made until April 13, 2026; otherwise, they will be considered unclaimed.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) has finished an inventory of human remains and determined a connection to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These remains represent at least eight Native American individuals believed to have been found in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California, may request repatriation of the remains starting May 19, 2025. Cal Poly will process requests from any recognized Indian Tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or lineal descendant with a valid cultural connection.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the San Francisco State University NAGPRA Program plans to return three sacred objects, which are ceremonial baskets, to the Jamul Indian Village of California. These items were part of the California Basket Collection at the Treganza Anthropology Museum and are considered important for traditional Native American religious practices. Any other Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations that believe they are culturally connected to these objects can request their return by showing evidence of their affiliation. The repatriation process may start on or after January 29, 2025, and the SF State NAGPRA Program will manage competing claims if they arise.

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. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) plans to return a cultural item, a basket, to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This decision follows the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which helps return cultural items of significance to Native American tribes. The basket was used historically for transporting infants to the agency office for adoption by non-Native families. The BIA is accepting additional requests for repatriation from other descendants or tribes who can prove cultural ties to the item, with plans to return it after February 18, 2025, if no competing requests are made.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum intends to repatriate five cultural items, including masks and rattles, to the Onondaga Nation of NY. These items are considered sacred and culturally significant according to Native American traditions. The repatriation is in line with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and could take place after January 29, 2025. The Museum will handle any additional requests and ensure the appropriate transfer of the items.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals within the Department of the Interior has announced the delay of an interim final rule's effective date. Originally set to take effect on February 10, 2025, it will now be effective on March 21, 2025. This decision aligns with a directive from President Trump's memo titled "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review," which advises delaying rules to allow further review. The delay was implemented without public comment due to exemptions allowing immediate action when feedback is impractical or contrary to public interest.