Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Record of Decision (ROD) for managing the Greater Sage-Grouse habitat in Wyoming. After extensive planning and environmental processes over the past decade, the BLM concluded that no new land use planning is required and decided not to amend existing land use plans. This decision aligns with the 2019 Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment and is not open to appeal or protest. The ROD also summarizes considerations on a range of issues, such as environmental impacts and compensatory mitigation strategies for the habitat.

Temple University has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The university determined that these artifacts have a cultural connection to various Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation, or the return of these remains and objects, can begin on or after February 18, 2025. Requests for repatriation can be made by the associated groups or any other party proving a cultural or lineal connection.

The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, plans to return several cultural items to Native American tribes, in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items include four unassociated funerary objects and five objects of cultural patrimony, such as baskets, which have significant cultural connections to the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation in California. The repatriation of these items can start on or after February 18, 2025. Competing claims for repatriation will be resolved by the museum, and the announcement is also open for any additional claims from descendants or affiliated tribes.

The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology has completed an inventory of Native American human remains discovered at the Buick Camp Site in Elbert County, Colorado. These remains, a tooth dating back to 664-770 A.D., are identified as being culturally affiliated with the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. The museum is collaborating with Native American Tribes to ensure proper handling and transfer of these remains. Anyone from a Native American Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not listed in the notice who wishes to claim the remains has until March 26, 2021, to submit a request. If no additional claims are made, the remains will be transferred to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.

The University of Kansas plans to return a cultural item, specifically a discoidal stone, to the Chickasaw Nation in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This stone, considered an unassociated funerary object, was initially part of the Menninger Foundation's collection and transferred to the university in 1992. Repatriation of the item can occur on or after January 13, 2025. Any other Native American or Native Hawaiian organizations who believe they have a claim to the item can submit a request for repatriation.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Spring Valley Gold Mine Project in Pershing County, Nevada. This project involves the construction and operation of a new surface gold mine. Public comments on the Draft EIS are welcome and must be submitted within 45 days of the Environmental Protection Agency's publication of the Notice of Availability. Public meetings will also be held to discuss the Draft EIS and gather feedback. The project aims to minimize environmental impacts, and public participation is encouraged to help identify and address any concerns.

The University of California, Berkeley has completed an inventory of funerary objects and determined they are culturally affiliated with several Native American tribes in California. These objects, found on San Nicolas Island, include tools, ornaments, and other artifacts. According to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the objects may be returned to the identified tribes or a rightful claimant starting May 19, 2025. The National Park Service published this notice but is not responsible for the affiliations; the determinations are the responsibility of the University.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on permit applications for activities aimed at recovering and enhancing the survival of endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, many activities that could affect endangered species are prohibited unless permitted by the federal government. The public has until February 18, 2021, to submit comments on these permit requests. These permits would allow activities such as capturing or collecting endangered animals or plants for scientific purposes that support their recovery or survival.

The Prescott National Forest plans to handle the disposition of Native American human remains found on federal or tribal land, as outlined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The remains date back to discoveries in 2014 and 2020 in Yavapai County, Arizona. Disposition will go to the most appropriate Native American organization unless a claim is made by January 20, 2026, after which the remains will be considered unclaimed. The remains are currently held securely, and the process prioritizes cultural affiliations determined by consultations.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) and Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota, which goes into effect immediately as of January 8, 2025. This plan guides the management of public lands in North Dakota over the next 15 to 20 years, including about 58,500 acres of surface land and 4.1 million acres of mineral estate. It updates previous management decisions involving land use and resources like mineral leasing. After considering public feedback and consulting with various stakeholders and government entities, the BLM decided to implement Alternative D as the final plan.