Press Releases

The Secretarial Order  sets out a framework to ensure that Native communities have the opportunity to assume meaningful and substantive roles in managing public lands that have special geographical, historical and cultural connections to the tribes.  

To address concerns regarding mineral leasing and development activity adjacent to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael L. Connor today announced the U.S. Department of the Interior will expand the resource management planning effort underway in the Farmington, New Mexico area.

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is the first monument established primarily for the preservation of biodiversity. The presidential proclamation that originally established the monument describes the area as an ‘ecological wonder’ that is ‘home to a spectacular variety of rare and beautiful species of plants and animals, whose survival in this region depends upon its continued ecological integrity.’ Senator Merkley’s proposal to expand the monument would protect approximately 50,000 additional acres, largely in Oregon, with 5,000 acres in California. 

This proactive commitment will protect municipal and agricultural water supplies, infrastructure and ecosystem health. 

The 500,000 acre goal was surpassed Friday when President Obama signed into law the bipartisan Nevada Native Nations Lands Act, which conveys more than 71,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands to the U.S. Department of the Interior to place into federal trust status for six Nevada tribes. The tribes will use their newly acquired lands to expand housing, provide economic development opportunities and promote cultural activities for and by their tribal members.

“LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History” is the first of its kind study conducted by a national government to chronicle historical places, documents, people and events that shaped the LGBTQ civil rights movement in America. 

We appreciate the D.C. Circuit's opinion. We continue to respect the right to peaceful protest and expect people to obey the law.

The FEIS presents a thorough analysis of complex river processes and interests and identifies a preferred alternative that ensures Glen Canyon Dam will continue to meet its purposes while improving downstream resources and recreational experiences.

Spring is beginning earlier than its historical average in 75 percent of the national parks examined in a new study — providing further evidence that climate change is already impacting public lands.

These settlement agreements represent a significant milestone in the improvement of the United States’ relationship with Indian tribes.