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Open Recommendations

Tribal Lands: Opportunities Exist to Improve Conditions of Columbia River Fishing Access Sites
GAO-26-108201
Jun 29, 2026
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3 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Bureau of Indian Affairs The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs should take the necessary steps to update incomplete information for remaining fishing access sites in Interior's facilities management system to inform future funding decisions and ensure all sites are inspected for safety. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Bureau of Indian Affairs The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs should, in consultation with Tribes, update its operations and maintenance funding formula to include all property, including structures that are not considered buildings, at fishing access sites that are eligible to receive funding for maintenance. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Bureau of Indian Affairs The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs should update its policy manual and develop implementation guidance to allow the Central Office to (1) improve communication with BIA regional officials, (2) clarify roles and responsibilities on who can maintain its facilities management system, and (3) more effectively delegate authority and leverage resources. (Recommendation 3)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Rural Water Infrastructure: Better Agency Coordination Could Help Unserved Communities Address Their Needs
GAO-26-107355
Jun 23, 2026
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3 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with EPA and in consultation with states, should regularly update and monitor the 2017 joint memorandum intended to increase rural communities', including rural unserved communities', access to federal and state funding sources to address water infrastructure needs. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Environmental Protection Agency The Administrator of EPA, in collaboration with USDA and in consultation with states, should regularly update and monitor the 2017 joint memorandum intended to increase rural communities', including rural unserved communities', access to federal and state funding sources to address water infrastructure needs. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Environmental Protection Agency The Administrator of EPA should develop and monitor the implementation of guidance, or other resources, to ensure its providers for water infrastructure technical assistance are aware of local capacity and incorporating local knowledge effectively when delivering technical assistance to rural communities, including rural unserved communities. (Recommendation 3)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Forest Service: Opportunities Exist to Improve Timber Sale Management
GAO-26-107993
Jun 04, 2026
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4 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Forest Service The Chief of the Forest Service should conduct strategic workforce planning related to managing timber sales and develop tailored strategies to address any skills and knowledge gaps. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Forest Service The Chief of the Forest Service should take steps to more frequently and consistently communicate information related to timber sales to industry, other stakeholders, and the public. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Forest Service The Chief of the Forest Service should develop additional performance goals to better measure the effects of timber sales on the agency's multiple-use mission. (Recommendation 3)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Forest Service The Chief of the Forest Service should assess the agency's current operating environment and opportunities to improve timber sales management and take steps to comprehensively implement and institutionalize the opportunities as appropriate, such as by creating a guidebook for agency staff. (Recommendation 4)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Clean Water Act: Corps of Engineers Has Improved Oversight of Compensatory Mitigation, but Needs Implementation Guidance
GAO-26-106827
Apr 30, 2026
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Army The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works should ensure the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develop guidance, in consultation with the Corps districts, to assist them in addressing the financial assurances, long-term management, and performance standards requirements in compensatory mitigation plans. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
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