Interior News
Interior
Secretary Deb Haaland announced at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration in Albuquerque the availability of up to $95 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for projects to bolster water resources, advance ecosystem health, and support resilience in communities facing climate change impacts. Haaland emphasized the importance of nature in the fight against climate change, stating, “Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change.”Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton expressed the agency's commitment to...
Interior
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Strategy to Guide Balanced Management, Conservation of Public Lands
The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Department of the Interior, has announced a final rule aimed at guiding the balanced management of America's public lands. The newly finalized Public Lands Rule is designed to enhance the health and resilience of public lands amidst a changing climate, conserve wildlife habitat, facilitate responsible development, and recognize cultural and natural resources on public lands.Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, “Today’s final rule helps restore balance to our public lands as we continue using...
Interior
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mooney Highlights Wildfire Resilience Funding, Native Seed Supply from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda During Georgia Visit
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Joan Mooney visited Georgia to showcase how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is aiding wildland fire management efforts. Mooney emphasized the importance of the collaborative partnership between various organizations in establishing the Georgia Native Seed Network to address the lack of genetically appropriate seeds in the Southeast, which can hinder wildfire recovery and habitat restoration.Mooney stated, "The solutions created through this collaborative partnership will be used to meet...
Interior
Mooney: 'The Heritage Opportunities in Hawaiʻi Program seeks to encourage a tourism model that accurately showcases Native Hawaiian culture and traditions'
Native Hawaiian organizations (NHOs) have been invited to apply for funding through the Heritage Opportunities in Hawaii program. The Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, a division of the US Department of the Interior (DOI), has announced $1 million in funding for this initiative.
Interior
U.S. Department of the Interior distributes more than $350 million to Gulf states
Funds from fiscal year 2023 energy revenues have been allocated to Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and their coastal political subdivisions. These funds will enable the recipients to undertake projects related to hurricane protection, coastal restoration, and conservation.
Interior
Department of the Interior names new members of National Indian Gaming Commission
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), a three-member board established in 1988, is dedicated to promoting Tribal economic development and strengthening Tribal governments through the operation of gaming on Tribal lands.
Interior
US Department of the Interior announces newest conservation area in SW Florida
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) has announced the addition of a new unit to the National Wildlife Refuge System: the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area. Spanning 4 million acres, this conservation area will be managed alongside other units within the wildlife refuge system by the US FWS.
Interior
Proposed FY 2025 budget for U.S. Bureau of Land Management sits at $1.6 billion
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to utilize funds to align with the Biden Administration's climate goals and enhance the management of approximately 245 million acres of public land under its jurisdiction.
Interior
U.S. House Subcommittee on Federal Lands hears about six house resolutions related to federal lands
The resolutions were introduced by representatives from New York, Arizona, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Utah. These house resolutions range in purpose from designating a park as a national commemorative site to conveying land for the expansion of existing cemeteries.
Interior
The Department of the Interior announces milestone in protection of the Colorado River System
Lake Mead, thanks to advancements in hydrology and conservation efforts backed by the Biden-Harris administration's Investing in America agenda, currently holds 1075 feet of water, marking its highest level since 2021. The administration has also unveiled new system conservation agreements that mandate California water entities to conserve up to 399,153 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead through the end of 2026.
Interior
Departments of Justice, Interior release their response to recommendations for missing murdered indigenous people crisis
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) responded on March 5 to the recommendations of the Not Invisible Act Commission, which were released in November 2023. The departments' response addresses resources for law enforcement and investigations, recruitment and retention of law enforcement personnel, as well as data collection and reporting.
Interior
Ecosystem restoration, climate projects funded at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act will provide a $140,000 disbursement to fund projects aimed at improving aquatic passages for Atlantic salmon.
Interior
Bureau of Land Management celebrates 25 years of the Headwaters Forest Reserve
As the Headwaters Forest Reserve marks its 25th anniversary, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its partners are celebrating. The 7,400-acre preserve transitioned to public ownership on March 1, 1999.
Interior
Millions visited Gateway Arch in 2023
In 2023, Gateway Arch National Park received over two million visitors, according to data gathered by the National Park Service using location-based information from visitors' cellular phones. This method allowed for an accurate estimation of the number of people visiting the park at any given time.
Interior
Senate Western Caucus: 'America does not have to rely on China for the majority of critical minerals'
The Senate Western Caucus recently made a statement on social media about the need for the United States to become more self-reliant in the critical minerals industry. The caucus argued that with appropriate policies, the U.S. possesses the capacity to produce these crucial minerals domestically.
Interior
Department of the Interior announces funding for tribal irrigation, power projects
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has recently declared an investment of $10 million for tribal communities. This funding is intended to upgrade and modernize irrigation projects and power utilities owned by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which serve these communities. The allocation forms part of a larger, $50 million investment spread over five years, facilitated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Interior
The Department of the Interior announces new staff appointments
The Biden-Harris Administration has appointed three new individuals to key positions within the Department of the Interior. These appointments include a special assistant to the assistant secretary for land and minerals management, an advisor for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and a senior counselor in the Bureau of Reclamation.
Interior
National Park Service anounces selection of Chief of Cultural Resource Management
The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has recently announced the appointment of Kerry Gonzalez as Chief of Cultural Resource Management for two units of the NPS. In her new role at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Gonzalez will be responsible for a wide range of resources, including historic structures, museum collections, and archaeological assets.
Interior
US National Park Service announces acting superintendent for Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica National Monument
Gia Wagner has been appointed as the acting superintendent through May. Prior to this appointment, she held the position of Superintendent at Andersonville National Historic Site.
Interior
Department of the Interior announces pilot program to bolster wildfire response
The Department of the Interior (DOI) has launched a pilot program aimed at bolstering the capacity of small, remote emergency response agencies. The initiative is supported by $5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Your news, delivered.
Subscribe and personalize your weekly Newswire round-up.