Search Results for keywords:"Department of the Interior"

The Department of the Interior proposes updates to the regulations governing the probate of property held in trust or restricted status for American Indians. These updates aim to make the probate process more efficient by introducing an expedited procedure for smaller estates, improving communication through electronic notices, and clarifying the reasons for reopening probate cases. Additionally, the updates seek to streamline the "purchase at probate" process and address various identified issues, such as gaps in intestacy distribution and the handling of minor estate inventory corrections. The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes, which are designed to close probate cases faster, bringing more certainty to the distribution of estates.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program. This decision, signed by the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior, finalizes the plan to implement an oil and gas leasing program in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The decision follows the requirements set by a U.S. law to manage these leasing activities. Additional details, including the specific lands available for leasing and the rules for leasing operations, have been determined in the ROD.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, published a notice explaining why it denied Utah Governor's recommendations concerning the resource management plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The BLM decided some of the Governor's suggestions didn't align with the national interest, which focuses on protecting the monument's unique landscape and historical resources. The BLM concluded that the state's recommendations did not provide a reasonable balance between state and national interests and, therefore, could not be accepted.

The Department of the Interior is inviting nominations for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee. This Committee provides advice to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council on various issues such as planning, fund allocation, and restoration activities related to the 1989 oil spill. Nominations are open for certain positions representing interests like commercial fishing and public-at-large, and must be submitted by April 14, 2025. The Secretary of the Interior will select and appoint members for a four-year term.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has updated its regulations related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to adjust civil penalties for inflation in compliance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments ensure the penalties maintain their deterrent effect and further policy objectives. The rule also updates the mailing address for the NAGPRA Program. The final rule takes effect on January 16, 2025, and applies to penalties assessed after this date, including for violations since November 2, 2015.

The Bureau of Land Management, part of the Department of the Interior, announced a notice regarding the official filing of plats of survey for certain lands in Oregon. These plats are set to be formally filed 30 days from the notice's publication date, specifically by January 29, 2025. Anyone wishing to protest a plat must send a written notice before this official filing date. The plats can be viewed or obtained from the Oregon State Office in Portland, and further inquiries can be made to Robert Femling, the Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Oregon/Washington.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, is planning to renew the collection of bird count data as part of the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The data helps track bird species in North America and is shared with various stakeholders, including government agencies and the public. Interested parties are invited to submit comments about the data collection process by May 12, 2025, to ensure it meets necessary performance standards and minimizes burdens on respondents. Participation in this survey is voluntary, and the estimated cost related to the data collection, such as mileage for trips, is expected to average $182,000 annually.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs has completed an inventory of human remains and funerary objects and identified a cultural connection with the Pueblo of Nambe in New Mexico. The remains are those of at least 11 Native American individuals, along with 157 associated objects, such as stone tools and ceramics. The repatriation of these items can occur on or after May 19, 2025, with requests being accepted from identified tribes or individuals showing cultural links. Competing claims will be resolved by the Bureau before any repatriation.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) plans to remove the National Park Service's (NPS) Privacy Act system of records known as INTERIOR/NPS-5, Retirement Record, from its inventory. This action is because these records are now covered under a broader DOI system, INTERIOR/DOI-85, which handles payroll, attendance, retirement, and leave records. The change aims to streamline record-keeping with no negative impact on individuals, as the necessary information will remain protected under the existing DOI system. Comments on this change are open until December 18, 2024, and can be submitted through various channels, including the Federal eRulemaking Portal and email.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has made a final decision to take ownership of approximately 160.333 acres of land, known as the Vallejo Site in Solano County, California, to be held in trust for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. This decision will allow the land to be used for gaming and other purposes. The action is authorized by the Indian Reorganization Act and will be completed once all Department requirements are met.