Caltrans to Return Highway-Dug Artifacts to Tribes

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.

2026-18306, 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.

2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.

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.

Previous: 2026-14729, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 69 important cultural items, like baskets and cradles, to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting August 21, 2026. These items were collected over 100 years ago and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation honors the tribes’ heritage and respects their connection to these objects.

Next: 2026-14731, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

The University of Cincinnati has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items, linking them to local tribes. Starting August 21, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or hazards for the university.