Peabody Museum Set to Repatriate Uintah County Native Remains

2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves

The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.

2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.

2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft

The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.

2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!

2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices

The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.

2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.

Previous: 2025-04632, Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Harvard’s Peabody Museum finished checking its collection and found that some human remains belong to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. These remains were taken from the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. This means the museum will work with these communities to return the remains, following important laws that protect Native heritage.

Next: 2025-04634, Notice of Receipt of the Makah Tribe's Permit Request for a Ceremonial and Subsistence Hunt of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales

The Makah Tribe has asked for a special permit to hunt eastern North Pacific gray whales for their traditional ceremonies and food. This request affects the tribe and the whale population, with decisions coming soon that could impact when and how the hunt happens. Stay tuned for updates on timing and any costs involved!