Parks Dept. Prepares to Repatriate Sacred Native Remains

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.

2026-06355 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mills College Art Museum, Northeastern University, Oakland, CA

Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items, like woven baskets and ceremonial caps, to the rightful tribes starting May 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go back home where they belong.

2026-06094 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; NPS Case and Outbreak Investigation Data Collections

The National Park Service wants to update and renew its forms for tracking cases and outbreaks in parks. This affects park staff and anyone involved in health investigations, aiming to make data collection easier and faster. Comments are open until April 29, 2026, with no new costs expected.

2026-06089 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Reporting and Recordkeeping for Snow Coaches and Snowmobiles, Yellowstone National Park

The National Park Service is renewing its paperwork rules for snow coaches and snowmobiles in Yellowstone without any changes. This affects tour operators who must keep reporting and recordkeeping as before, with no new fees or deadlines beyond the April 29, 2026 comment period. It’s all about keeping things smooth and safe on the snowy trails!

2026-05798 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form

The National Park Service wants to keep using the National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form and is asking for your thoughts by April 24, 2026. This form helps decide which places get special historic status, affecting property owners and history fans. There’s no new cost, just a chance to share your ideas and keep the process smooth and easy.

2026-05790 — Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Redevelopment at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus

The National Park Service and the District of Columbia are teaming up to plan a big makeover of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium area. They want to build new homes, shops, parks, and better roads and transit near the Anacostia River. Everyone’s invited to share their thoughts by April 24, 2026, as this project could change the neighborhood and boost the local economy.

Previous: 2025-14802 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA

The Autry Museum of the American West finished checking their collection and found some items that belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items might be returned to the right communities soon. If you’re part of these groups, keep an eye out for updates and possible next steps.

Next: 2025-14804 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Trinity University, San Antonio, TX; University of Texas at Austin, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory, Austin, TX; and University of Texas at Austin, Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory, Austin, TX

Trinity University and the University of Texas labs have finished checking their collections of Native American human remains and related items. They found clear cultural connections to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items can now be returned to the rightful communities, following important laws that protect Native heritage.