Refuge Completes Inventory of Native Human Remains for Return
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge just finished checking their collection of Native American human remains and funeral items. They found a clear connection to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups, so they’re letting everyone know. This means these items might be returned to the right communities soon, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ridgefield Refuge to Return Native Remains
Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and determined they are culturally affiliated with certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Those remains and funerary objects may be returned to the affiliated communities soon, and the notice states no costs or delays are expected for return.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-17186, 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!
2026-17198, 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.
2026-16388, 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.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06648, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Ridgefield, WA
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is planning to return some important cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. These items are connected to their ancestors and were found without direct ties to specific graves. This repatriation follows the law and helps honor the heritage of these communities, with the process happening soon and no cost to the tribes.
Next: 2025-06650, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Fallon, NV
The Fish and Wildlife Service at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada plans to return human remains found on federal or tribal lands to the rightful Native American descendants or tribes. This action follows important laws protecting Native American heritage and ensures respect for those ancestors. If you’re connected to these remains, now’s the time to step forward before the process moves ahead.