Forest Service to Return Human Remains Found in San Juan National Forest
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Forest Service in San Juan National Forest, Colorado, plans to return human remains found near McPhee Reservoir to the rightful Native American descendants or tribes starting January 20, 2026. If no one claims them by December 21, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. This notice affects Native communities connected to the area and ensures respectful handling of these remains.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Priority Repatriation to Listed Tribes
The U.S. Forest Service intends to return human remains found near McPhee Reservoir to lineal descendants or Indian Tribes that have priority for disposition. The tribes with priority named in this notice include the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Navajo Nation; Ohkay Owingeh; Pueblo of Acoma; Pueblo of Cochiti; Pueblo of Isleta; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Laguna; Pueblo of Nambe; Pueblo of Picuris; Pueblo of Pojoaque; Pueblo of San Felipe; Pueblo of San Ildefonso; Pueblo of Santa Ana; Pueblo of Santa Clara; Pueblo of Taos; Pueblo of Tesuque; Pueblo of Zia; Santo Domingo Pueblo; Southern Ute Indian Tribe of the Southern Ute Reservation, Colorado; Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation, Utah; Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Disposition may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Claims Deadline and Unclaimed Status
Anyone with a claim must send a written claim for disposition to the Forest Service by December 21, 2026. If no claim is received by that date, the human remains will become unclaimed human remains and may be disposed of after January 20, 2026.
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