Lincoln Forest Returns Cave Burial Remains
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico has finished checking and identifying ancient human remains and artifacts found in a burial cave. These remains belong to Native American tribes, and starting July 6, 2026, they can be returned to their rightful communities. This important step respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available July 6, 2026
Human remains representing at least 10 individuals and approximately 102 associated funerary objects from Site LA538 (Last Chance Canyon Burial Cave), Eddy County, New Mexico, have been identified as culturally affiliated with the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. These remains and objects may be repatriated to affiliated communities on or after July 6, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (not identified in the notice) that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Written requests must be sent to Jason Freeman, Forest Supervisor, Lincoln National Forest (3463 Las Palomas Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310) or the email address provided in the notice.
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