Kentucky Park Catalogs Native Remains for Proper Care

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.

2026-17198, 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.

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: 2025-22885, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Yale Peabody Museum plans to return 14 Native American cultural items, mostly stone tools, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after January 15, 2026, honoring Native American heritage and history. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting tribal connections and history.

Next: 2025-22887, Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA

Mercyhurst University has finished checking and listing human remains from old burial sites in Ohio, linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes who are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important for cultural respect and history.