2026-06345Notice

Missouri Forest Prepares to Return Unclaimed Native Remains

Published Date: 4/2/2026

Notice

Summary

The Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri plans to return human remains and old burial items found on federal or tribal lands to the right Native American groups starting May 4, 2026. If no one claims them by April 2, 2027, these remains and objects will be considered unclaimed. This affects Native American tribes and descendants connected to these historic finds and ensures respectful handling of their ancestors’ belongings.

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Osage Nation Has Disposition Priority

The Mark Twain National Forest has determined that the human remains of five Native American individuals and 4,292 associated funerary objects are covered by this notice, and the Osage Nation has priority for disposition of those remains and objects.

Tribes/Descendants Can File Claims by 4/2/2027

Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization with priority may submit a written claim for disposition. Claims may be submitted to Vinci Keeler, Forest Supervisor, USDA Mark Twain National Forest, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401 (email: [email protected]) and disposition may occur on or after May 4, 2026; claims must be received by April 2, 2027.

Remains/Objects Become Unclaimed After 4/2/2027

If no claim for disposition is received by April 2, 2027, the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice will be declared unclaimed human remains and associated funerary objects.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
4/2/2026
5/4/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
National Park Service
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