Caltrans Lists 73 Ancient Items from Marin County for Tribal Return
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) finished checking 73 ancient items found during road work in Marin County, California. These items belong to Native American tribes, and starting January 16, 2026, they can be returned to the tribes. No money changes hands, but tribes can now ask to get these important cultural objects back.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
73 Funerary Objects Eligible for Return
Caltrans completed an inventory of 73 associated funerary objects found in Marin County and those objects can be returned to tribes or descendants on or after January 16, 2026. The items come from sites along Highway 101 between Petaluma and Novato and are housed at Sonoma State University.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Identified
Caltrans determined there is a cultural affiliation between the associated funerary objects and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. That identified connection means the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria may request repatriation of the items starting January 16, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation and Priority Rules
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or unlisted tribe that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, Caltrans must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Treatments Reported
Caltrans reported that there are no known or documented potentially hazardous substances used to treat any of the 73 cultural items. This applies to the unaccessioned collection from excavations at multiple Marin County sites conducted in 2005.
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23035, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, CA
Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA, plans to return 100 cultural items to the Wiyot Tribe starting January 16, 2026. These items include tools, baskets, and animal remains that belong to the Wiyot people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and shows Turtle Bay’s commitment to doing the right thing—no money changes hands, just respect and history restored.
Next: 2025-23037, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Ball State University plans to return a special beaded girl’s dress to the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe because it’s an important cultural treasure. This repatriation can happen starting January 16, 2026. If you want to ask about this item, you can contact the university before then—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.