Native News
Native News Weekly (May 17, 2026): D.C. Briefs
WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.
USDA Announces $12 Million to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide approximately $12 million to support efforts by states, Tribal governments, research institutions, and universities to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids, including deer and elk.
“Chronic wasting disease poses a serious threat to U.S. wildlife and agriculture. This funding reflects our commitment to working collaboratively with States, Tribes, and research partners to develop innovative solutions and protect the health of our nation’s cervid populations,” said Alan Huddleston.
APHIS said the funding will support projects that develop new tools and methods for controlling the disease, strengthen state and Tribal CWD management programs, and provide indemnity payments to cervid owners with pending claims.
The funding breakdown includes:
- Approximately $6 million for projects addressing CWD in farmed cervids
- Approximately $5.5 million for research and management of CWD in wild cervids
- Approximately $500,000 for prevention and management efforts on Tribal lands
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids by destroying brain cells over time. Infected animals can appear healthy for long periods while still spreading the disease, making detection and containment difficult.
APHIS noted that previous cooperative agreements have supported predictive genetics research, removal of infected herds, expanded surveillance and diagnostic testing, hunter and public education efforts, and safer carcass disposal methods aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.
Interior Department Proposes Expanded Vehicle Access at Denali National Park
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a proposed rule to expand visitor access at Denali National Park and Preserve by updating vehicle use regulations for the historic Denali Park Road.
The proposal would allow up to 160 motor vehicles per 24-hour period on the restricted section of the road during the park’s visitor season. Officials said the change would align National Park Service regulations with the park’s Vehicle Management Plan, which has guided operations since 2012.
The update would replace the current seasonal permit cap of 10,512 vehicles with a daily management framework intended to better reflect current park operations and increase recreational access.
The 92-mile Denali Park Road, built between 1922 and 1938, serves as the primary route into the park and is known for wildlife viewing opportunities that include grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, foxes, and numerous bird species set against the Alaska Range.
The Interior Department also highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments, including work funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, to restore sections of the road impacted by the Pretty Rocks landslide and improve long-term visitor access.