U.S. BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES

PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, 

AND PROCEDURES

Domestic Geographic Names

Domestic Names Committee

Reston, Virginia

December 2016

Version 1.0
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PRINCIPLES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

U.S. BOARD ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES/DOMESTIC NAMES COMMITTEE

Preface

The names of geographic features in the United States are a valuable reflection of the history of 

our Nation and its changing face. Names of Native American origin are found sprinkled 

generously across the face of the land. Strong traces of the national languages spoken by the 

early explorers and settlers are visible in many sections of the country. Frequently, geographic 

naming reveals the rough and brawling nature of the environment that greeted the westward 

expansion. It is in these ways and many others that geographic naming gives us a clear, exciting 

profile of the United States.

The existence of a body of standardized geographic names widely available on a national basis, 

but related strongly by local usage, makes a large contribution to savings and efficiency in the 

operation of government, business, communications, and education. The U.S. Board on 

Geographic Names (BGN) Domestic Names Committee (DNC) is at the hub of a national 

network of State and academic names authorities. The BGN works hard to improve that body of 

names and has prepared this document to serve a diverse audience interested in federally

recognized geographic names.

For proponents of new or changed feature names, this document provides procedures for 

submitting a proposal, identifies how the BGN staff processes a proposal, and outlines the factors 

the DNC will use during its deliberations.

For our partners at the State and local government level, this document defines the standards that 

should be applied to evaluate feature name proposals, as well as the roles that both State and 

Federal naming authorities have in the approval process.

For Indian Tribes, this document defines the principles and policies that the DNC will use to 

evaluate feature name proposals.

For Federal agencies, this document defines the parameters and standards for official feature 

names so that these names can be consistently incorporated into agency products.

For educators, students, and the public at large, this document explains the BGN/DNC’s 

operation and provides a clear statement of the principles and policies that guide the

BGN/DNC’s decisions. The document provides references that will help the reader find

information about BGN/DNC decisions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Geographic Names Overview ....................................................................................................1

U.S. Board on Geographic Names............................................................................................................1

Domestic names decisions........................................................................................................................3

Determining official names.......................................................................................................................4

Geographic Names Information System...................................................................................................4

Characteristics of domestic geographic names.........................................................................................5

Spelling of geographic names...................................................................................................................5

Acronyms..................................................................................................................................................6

Changes to Principles, Policies, and Procedures.......................................................................................6

Point of contact .........................................................................................................................................6

Chapter 2. Domestic Geographic Names Principles....................................................................................7

Principle I. Character Sets........................................................................................................................7

Principle II. Names in Local Use.............................................................................................................7

Principle III. Names Established by Act of Congress, Executive Order, Treaty, or Federal 

Proclamation .............................................................................................................................................8

Principle IV. Names Established by Other Authorities ...........................................................................8

Principle V. One Name for One Geographic Feature ..............................................................................9

Principle VI. Preservation of Names and Features..................................................................................9

Chapter 3. Domestic Geographic Names Policies.....................................................................................10

Policy I. Names Considered or Established by Congress or the President ............................................10

Policy II. Name Changes .......................................................................................................................11

Policy III. Commemorative Names .......................................................................................................12

Policy IV. Wilderness Area Geographic Names....................................................................................14

Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names..........................................................................................15

Policy VI. Diacritics...............................................................................................................................16

Policy VII. Duplicate and Similar Names..............................................................................................16

Policy VIII. Variant Names ...................................................................................................................17

Policy IX. Long Names..........................................................................................................................17

Policy X. Tribal Geographic Names (Interim)........................................................................................18

Policy XI. Commercial Names ..............................................................................................................24

Policy XII. Animal Names.....................................................................................................................24
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Chapter 4. Domestic Geographic Names Procedures and Guidelines........................................................26

Names under BGN purview....................................................................................................................26

Names established by act of Congress, Executive order, treaty, or Federal proclamation .....................26

Recommended kinds of names ...............................................................................................................27

Generic terms in geographic names........................................................................................................27

Submitting a proposal .............................................................................................................................27

Public availability ...................................................................................................................................27

Local support ..........................................................................................................................................28

Proposing names for unnamed features..................................................................................................28

Proposing name and application changes ...............................................................................................29

Proposing commemorative names..........................................................................................................29

Submitting nonrecorded names...............................................................................................................30

Initial processing.....................................................................................................................................30

Preparing a case brief..............................................................................................................................32

Publishing the Quarterly Review List.....................................................................................................32

Soliciting input from interested parties...................................................................................................32

Preparing the monthly docket for a BGN decision .................................................................................33

BGN decision..........................................................................................................................................33

After the decision....................................................................................................................................33

Revisiting a decision...............................................................................................................................34

Chapter 5. Domestic Geographic Names Editorial Guidelines...................................................................35

Punctuation .............................................................................................................................................35

Genitive apostrophes...............................................................................................................................35

Abbreviations and number names...........................................................................................................35

Capitalization ..........................................................................................................................................36

Appendix A—Executive Order 28..............................................................................................................38

Appendix B—Public Law 80−242 and as Currently Codified ...................................................................39

Appendix C—Treatment of Names of Geographical Features Shared by the United States and Canada ..44

Appendix D—Terms and Definitions.........................................................................................................47

Appendix E—Acronyms Found in Text or in BGN Proposals...................................................................54

Appendix F—Executive Order 13175 Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments.55

Appendix G—Characters Approved for Use in Geographic Name Proposals ...........................................60
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Appendix H—Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a–1, 108 Stat. 4791–

92)...............................................................................................................................................................66

Appendix I—Secretarial Order No. 3317 Amendment 1............................................................................67

Appendix J—Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes................................70

Appendix K—Domestic Geographic Name Proposal Form.......................................................................79
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Chapter 1. Geographic Names Overview

It would be ideal if all people were to use a single name for a geographic feature and only one 

feature was known by that name. In practice, the extent to which this ideal can be reached varies 

due to sociopolitical conditions, the mobility of people and their naming habits, and the 

flexibility of language use. Confusion, uncertainty, and misunderstanding occurs when the name 

of a geographic feature is spelled in different ways, when different names are used for the same 

place, when the same name is used for different places, or when a name is applied to a feature in 

an unexpected or different way from common practice. Standardization of the written form and

application of a name has become increasingly important because of reference needs associated 

with the development of natural sciences; sophisticated transportation and communication 

systems; land, mineral, and water rights; and highly accurate large-scale maps, charts, and 

geospatial databases. 

U.S. Board on Geographic Names

The systematic standardization of geographic names in the United States began in the late 19th 

century. After the American Civil War, there was a surge of mapping and scientific reporting 

associated with the exploration, mining, and settlement of the western territories. Inconsistencies 

and contradictions among the many names, their spellings, and applications became a serious 

problem for mapmakers and scientists who required uniform, non-conflicting geographic 

nomenclature. 

On March 18, 1890, key persons in several Federal agencies concerned about the lack of 

geographic names uniformity on Government maps and other publications met at the invitation 

of Professor Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic 

Survey. After several meetings during which procedures and principles of names standardization 

were formulated, it was realized that the program would be more effective if it had broader 

support. The issue was taken to President Benjamin Harrison who agreed with these objectives.

On September 4, 1890, President Harrison signed Executive Order 28 (see Appendix A), 

establishing the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN was given 

authority to resolve all unsettled questions concerning geographic names. Decisions of the BGN 

were accepted as binding by all departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt extended the responsibilities of the BGN (Executive 

Order 492). In addition to adjudicating conflicts, it now had authority to standardize all 

geographic names for Federal use, including name changes and new names.
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The current period in the BGN’s history began in 1947 when the United States Congress

reorganized the BGN by Public Law 80−242, codified at 43 U.S.C. 364–364f (see Appendix B). 

The BGN, conjointly with the Secretary of the Interior, is directed to establish and maintain 

uniform geographic name usage throughout the Federal Government. This includes solving 

name discrepancies, approving new names, validating and recording existing names, and 

promulgating all official names. 

From the beginning, in 1890, the BGN developed domestic names standardization principles that 

have stood the test of time. A primary principle is formal recognition of present-day local usage. 

To this end, the BGN Domestic Names Committee (DNC) and its support staff work closely with

State geographic names authorities; Tribal, State, and local governments; land management 

agencies; and the general public in order to determine the choice, spelling, written form, and 

application of each name for official use. A list of State Names Authorities (SNAs) is available 

upon request from the Council of Geographic Names Authorities (COGNA) or from the 

COGNA website at http://cogna50usa.org/.

A new name will affect many people for a long time, so it is the BGN’s responsibility to evaluate 

each proposal as to its appropriateness and acceptability. 

Since 1947, domestic names standardization has been carried out for the BGN by the DNC. The 

DNC is responsible for standardizing the names of places, features, and areas within the 50 

States and in other areas under the sovereignty of the United States. The DNC consists of 

members and deputies representing the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture, 

Defense, and Homeland Security, as well as the United States Postal Service, Government 

Publishing Office, and Library of Congress. The Executive Secretary and staff support for 

BGN’s domestic names activities and the maintenance of names of Antarctic features are 

provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, an agency of the Department of the Interior. The DNC 

meets monthly to decide on geographic names issues. Information about the DNC can be found 

at https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/index.html.

The DNC’s purview also includes geographic names standardization for features within United 

States territorial waters. The territorial sea is an offshore area of sovereignty that extends 12 

nautical miles from the U.S. coast (baseline). Within U.S. territorial waters, the DNC solicits 

input on name proposals from SNAs that have offshore jurisdiction. Most States, as well as the 

territories of American Samoa, Virgin Islands, and Guam, have jurisdiction to three (3) nautical 

miles. Texas, Florida (west coast only), and Puerto Rico, however, have jurisdiction to nine (9) 

nautical miles. For submerged feature names within the U.S. territorial sea, the DNC will 

consult with the BGN Advisory Committee on Undersea Features (ACUF). Beyond the 

territorial sea, names issues will be forwarded to ACUF for further research and a 

recommendation prior to a BGN vote. If a proposed name is for a feature that crosses the 12 

nautical mile limit of the territorial sea, the DNC will coordinate its efforts with ACUF.
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Where a proposal applies to a feature on an international boundary with Canada or Mexico, the 

review procedure includes consultation with the appropriate Canadian or Mexican names 

authorities. The BGN and the Geographical Names Board of Canada have reached agreement on 

a number of principles for handling issues related to geographic features located along the U.S.-

Canada boundary (see Appendix C).

Also, since 1947, the standardization of foreign names for use by the departments and agencies 

of the Federal Government has been carried out by the BGN Foreign Names Committee (FNC). 

The FNC members and deputies represent departments and independent agencies that are 

concerned with the use of foreign geographic names. The Executive Secretary and staff support 

for BGN’s foreign names activities and the maintenance of names of undersea features are 

provided by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in the Department of Defense. 

Information about the FNC can be found at https://geonames.usgs.gov/foreign/index.html.

BGN members and staff have represented the United States in various international programs to 

standardize names.

Domestic names decisions

The BGN has delegated to the DNC the authority to render decisions on individual geographic 

domestic names in the name of the BGN, within its sphere of interest and within its established 

principles, policies, and procedures. DNC decisions are therefore BGN decisions and become 

official when recorded in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) by the DNC staff.

Domestic geographic name issues and proposals submitted to the BGN are researched by the 

DNC support staff. Input from State geographic names authorities, land management agencies,

local governments, and Tribal Governments are actively pursued. Summaries of the staff’s 

research and findings, along with any factors that relate to the decision process, are incorporated 

into a case brief and added to a Quarterly Review List. When completed, this list is posted on

the BGN’s website for review by all interested parties. The Domestic Names Active Quarterly 

Review Lists can be found at https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/quarterly_list.htm.

A docket of proposals that are ready for discussion and decision is prepared and distributed to the 

DNC members prior to each monthly meeting. At the meeting, the DNC reviews the merits of 

each case, decides between conflicting names, and approves or disapproves proposed names for 

unnamed features and name changes. Some actions may be deferred to allow more time for 

State and local response, or to obtain more information useful for making a decision. A record 

of the decisions from each monthly meeting is documented in the meeting minutes. Approved 

names are added to GNIS usually within three working days of the meeting. The DNC’s meeting 

minutes can be found at https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/monthly_minutes.htm. 

The DNC has identified several factors to be considered, along with its principles, policies, and 

procedures, when deciding on name problems and proposals. These include established usage, 
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historical usage, legal usage, legislated usage, local usage, spoken usage, and written usage (see 

Appendix D).

Determining official names

In accordance with Public Law 80–242, only official geographic names are to be used on Federal 

maps, publications, and other conventional and digital products, including websites. An official 

name is one in which the written form of that name and its application to the appropriate place, 

feature, or area are approved by the BGN or the appropriate administrative agency. By law, the 

BGN is responsible for all geographic names except those applying to offices or establishments 

of Federal agencies (Pub. L. 80–242, sec. 1 and 7; 43 U.S.C. 364 and 364f). 

Geographic Names Information System

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) represents the Federal Government’s only 

official repository for identifying official placenames. GNIS was established and is maintained 

by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. GNIS 

includes entries for natural features, populated places, civil divisions, areas and regions, and 

many types of cultural features such as schools, churches, cemeteries, hospitals, dams, mines, 

and airports. All names in GNIS other than variant names are considered official for Federal use, 

either by BGN policy or by decision, or under the procedures of the organization responsible for 

its administrative names. Information associated with each record includes:

• official name,

• feature classification, identifying the type of feature,

• location, and in some cases, general extent of the feature by geographic coordinates,

• name of U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000-scale topographic map on which the feature can be 

located,

• elevation of the feature,

• variant names applied to the feature,

• history and description of the feature or its name, when available,

• BGN decision date, when applicable, and

• BGN subject folders and/or decision cards, if applicable.

Information in the database can be retrieved, analyzed, and organized to meet general and 

specialized needs. GNIS may be accessed from the public query website at 

https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/.

GNIS does not include the names of roads or highways.

As a practical matter, the BGN focuses on the names of natural features, as well as canals, 

channels, and reservoirs, in the United States and its territories and outlying areas. It retains the 
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legal authority to promulgate all official geographic names. Usually, the BGN does not rule on 

the names of cultural or man-made features such as roads, streets, shopping centers, churches, 

schools, hospitals, or airports (see Principle IV. Names Established by Other Authorities). 

However, if specifically asked, the BGN will consider proposals to name or rename such features.

Characteristics of domestic geographic names

Geographic names normally originate in and are influenced by spoken language. However, the 

DNC makes no effort to standardize or dictate the pronunciation of any geographic name. The 

DNC is concerned with the written form of a name, including matters of spelling, capitalization, 

word form, and diacritical marks.

Most geographic names are binomial in that they have two parts, denoting the specific and the 

generic: Mississippi River, Coal Hollow, or Sierra Nevada. The generic part tells the kind of 

place, feature, or area to which the name refers, and the specific part uniquely identifies the 

particular place, feature, or area. The generic part of the name is usually a single topographic 

term such as Bay, Brook, Hill, Lake, Mesa, and Peak. The specific part may consist of one or 

more words such as Big, Smith, Jenny Lind, and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Written usage 

often leads to combining words in the specific part of the name, such as Threemile Run and 

Redhill Gulch. The names of some features can be long, especially if the specific part is a 

prepositional phrase: Cliffs of the Seven Double Pillars, Foot of the Mountain Run, and Cañon de 

Rajadero de los Negros.

Some names have rare generic forms; consider, for example, colorful American names such as 

Bald Alley (ridge), Butlers Toothpick (pinnacle rock), Titans Piazza (hill), and Devils Racepath

(ridge). Among variations of the two-part form are one-word names that require a capitalized 

article: The Bend, La Pica, The Cape, The Nose, and The Maze.

Single-word specific names such as Boston and Pinhook are common short forms for populated 

places and some civil divisions; the type of feature meant is implied by sentence context, and the 

full official form often includes City of, Town of, etc.

Spelling of geographic names

The BGN’s decisions establish standard spellings of individual geographic names for use by the 

Federal Government. State and local governments, organizations, and individuals outside of the 

Federal Government are encouraged, but not required, to use BGN-approved names. When 

determining the spelling of names in the United States, the BGN recognizes that geographic 

names, as with other proper names, are not necessarily subject to the spelling rules that apply to 

other words in English or any other language. Although these standard spellings generally 

conform to English language rules, they may reflect historical spellings or forms commonly used 

or preferred by local citizens and may therefore include what appear to be grammatically 

incorrect, misspelled, improperly combined, or clipped words.
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Acronyms

Common acronyms used throughout this document are found in Appendix E.

Changes to Principles, Policies, and Procedures

New or revised principles and policies, and in some cases procedures, may be taken to the full 

BGN membership for review before being submitted to the Secretary of the Interior, who is 

responsible for the standardization process (Pub. L. 80−242, sec. 3; 43 U.S.C. 364b).

Point of contact

Questions pertaining to the BGN/DNC should be addressed to:

Executive Secretary

Domestic Names Committee

U.S. Board on Geographic Names

U.S. Geological Survey

523 National Center

Reston, VA 20192−0523

Tel.: (703) 648−4552

Fax: (703) 648−4549

Email: BGNEXEC@usgs.gov
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Chapter 2. Domestic Geographic Names Principles

Principle I. Character Sets

Principle II. Names in Local Use

Principle III. Names Established by Act of Congress, Executive Order, Treaty, or 

Federal Proclamation 

Principle IV. Names Established by Other Authorities

Principle V. One Name for One Geographic Feature

Principle VI. Preservation of Names and Features

Public Law 80–242 (see Appendix B) instructs the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN), 

subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, to formulate principles, policies, and 

procedures with reference to both domestic and foreign geographic names; and to decide the 

standard names, their orthographies, applications, and their promulgation for official use. The 

following domestic geographic names principles reflect the underlying philosophy and primary 

guidelines used in national standardization since 1890. The Domestic Names Committee (DNC) 

is guided by these principles when establishing policies and procedures and making decisions on 

domestic names. These principles may not be applicable to geographic names within Tribal 

lands, in accordance with the Tribal consultation policy of the Department of the Interior, as 

prescribed by Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 

Governments (see Appendix F) and in compliance with Principle IV: Names Established by 

Other Authorities.

Principle I. Character Sets

Official domestic geographic names are written in a superset of the extended ASCII table found 

in Appendix G—Characters Approved for Use in Geographic Name Proposals. However, 

geographic names from federally recognized Tribes for geographic features that are entirely on 

their lands may use any character found in the Unicode Standard (see Policy X: Tribal 

Geographic Names (Interim)).

Principle II. Names in Local Use

The underlying principle of the BGN for establishing official geographic names and their 

applications is recognition of present-day local usage or preferences. Exceptions occur when 

local spoken or written usage is in conflict with specific BGN policy. Existing published names, 

names in legal documents, and names with historical significance are given strong consideration 

in cases where proposed names differ from current official names.
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Principle III. Names Established by Act of Congress, Executive Order, 

Treaty, or Federal Proclamation 

Geographic names and their applications specifically established by an act of Congress, 

Executive order, Treaty, or Federal proclamation are official by law. This does not apply to 

geographic names used incidentally in the language of documents intended for other purposes.

Names established by an act of Congress or by Executive order may include, but are not limited 

to, any of the following entities:

American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Areas, Marine National Monuments, 

National Fish Hatcheries, National Forests, National Game Ranges, National Grasslands, 

National Historic Landmarks, National Historic Sites, National Marine Managed Areas, 

National Marine Sanctuaries, National Monuments, National Parks, National Recreation 

Areas, National Seashores, National Trails, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, National 

Wildlife Refuges, and Wilderness Areas.

If not named by an act of Congress or Executive order, such entities generally are named by the 

administering agency under the authority of an act of Congress (see Principle IV. Names

Established by Other Authorities). The names of some reservoirs also have been established by 

Congress.

Principle IV. Names Established by Other Authorities

The BGN is required to promulgate for Federal use official names, including “administrative 

names” that are established by other authorities. The DNC renders decisions on administrative

names only in rare instances where a conflict or ambiguity exists between Federal sources. The

naming of administrative features is most often deferred to the authority that administers the 

feature. It should be noted that the names and spellings approved by these authorities apply to 

the “administrative features” themselves and not to similar names of adjacent communities or 

geographic features. Changes to such associated names would require BGN action.

Administrative names are broadly categorized as follows:

• Facilities, offices, establishments, and bounded areas administered by Federal, Tribal, State, 

or local agencies

Examples are names of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service stations, ranger 

districts, and recreational facilities; military bases and facilities; Coast Guard lighthouses and 

lifesaving stations; post offices; State-managed game reserves, refuges, forests and parks; 

municipal buildings, airports, and public schools. 

• Administrative geographic subdivisions (counties, county equivalents, cities, townships, and 

similar legally established units)
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These entities are created under State or territorial law, which typically prescribes procedures for 

establishing their names. Included are entities that generally have local self-government, such as 

cities, towns, townships, boroughs, villages, and plantations (in Maine); districts, precincts, and 

similar legal entities established as administrative subdivisions of larger units; wards of cities; 

and municipios, barrios, and similar entities in Puerto Rico and the outlying areas. 

• Local transportation, communication, navigational, and water-management features

Names of highways, streets, trails, bridges, ferries, tunnels, airports, radio and television towers, 

buoys, artificial fishing reefs, and dams (but not canals, channels, and reservoirs because they are 

retained under the purview of the BGN), that are constructed or administered by a government or 

quasi-government agency. 

• Structures and other man-made features on private property

Examples are names of shopping malls, resorts, mines, oil rigs, churches, cemeteries, golf 

courses, and stations, stops, and sidings of railroads, as well as other public transit facilities.

Principle V. One Name for One Geographic Feature

The BGN identifies one name, spelling, and application as official for a geographic feature in the 

United States, and its territories and outlying areas. For certain geographic features, a shortened 

version of the official name may also be used in Federal publications, for example, Wisconsin for 

State of Wisconsin; Atlanta for City of Atlanta.

Principle VI. Preservation of Names and Features

Once a feature is named for Federal use, it cannot be unnamed; the name can only be changed. 

The former name is recorded as a variant.

Once a feature is recorded for Federal use, the record cannot be eliminated. If the feature no 

longer exists and/or no longer serves the function by which it was named, the feature and name 

are rendered historical in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).

Examples are names of a submerged island, a melted glacier, a leveled summit, or an altered 

building function, such as a former school building that no longer serves an education function.
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Chapter 3. Domestic Geographic Names Policies

Policy I. Names Considered or Established by Congress or the President

Policy II. Name Changes

Policy III. Commemorative Names

Policy IV. Wilderness Area Geographic Names

Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names

Policy VI. Diacritics

Policy VII. Duplicate and Similar Names

Policy VIII. Variant Names 

Policy IX. Long Names

Policy X. Tribal Geographic Names (Interim)

Policy XI. Commercial Names

Policy XII. Animal Names

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) formulates domestic geographic feature naming 

policies to encourage uniformity, objectivity, and standardization. These policies have been 

developed over more than a century of BGN practice. Although most geographic naming 

conditions are addressed by these policies, there may be instances in which other factors must be 

considered to arrive at a suitable decision. All of the following policies are considered, and each 

proposal is evaluated on its own merits.

All proposals are evaluated in cooperation with State geographic names authorities, Federal, 

State, and Tribal agencies, local governments, other authoritative bodies, and the public. BGN 

policies, published usage, and State, Tribal, and local governmental needs, will also be taken into 

consideration.

A proponent should carefully review the proposal prior to submission to ensure that it is 

consistent with BGN policies.

Policy I. Names Considered or Established by Congress or the President

Geographic names and their applications specifically established by an act of Congress or 

Executive order are legally official, and therefore, are not bound by BGN principles, policies, 

and procedures. Occasionally, a name or name-change proposal submitted to the BGN 

concurrently becomes a matter of proposed congressional legislation. Accordingly, the BGN 

adheres to the foregoing policy to prevent confusion that would arise from conflicting action by 

Congress.
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Sec. 1 Geographic names and their applications established by the United States 

Congress or the President of the United States are the official names, and take 

precedence over BGN principles, policies, and procedures.

Sec. 2 The BGN will not render a decision on a name or its application if the matter 

is also being considered by the United States Congress. If Congress does not act on 

the legislation by the end of its second session, the BGN will act on the proposal no 

sooner than 90 days after the beginning of the following congressional session. If 

Congress declines to act on the legislation, the BGN will wait another 90 days before 

deciding on the proposal, unless new legislation is introduced during that period.

Policy II. Name Changes

Geographic names provide important spatial, cultural, and historical references. Each name 

identifies a particular geographic feature, place, or area, and may be a distinct feature or part of 

another feature such as individually named peaks on a named mountain. This requires a high 

degree of stability in the written form of a name and its application. Consequently, changes in 

existing names should not be made without a compelling reason. Proposed changes must be 

submitted to the BGN for review and approval before being used in Federal publications. 

“Name change” means formally revising the official name of a geographic feature in the United 

States or its territories and outlying areas. The BGN recognizes two classes of name changes:

• those made to bring official Federal usage into agreement with well-established local usage 

and/or with present-day local support and

• those made to eliminate particular name problems as in proposals involving names asserted 

to be offensive, duplicate names, or names originally established on the basis of incorrect 

information.

Sec. 1 Existing names, especially personal commemorative names, which honor an 

individual, and those names in longstanding public usage, should not be changed 

unless the proponent presents a compelling reason to do so. Even when the 

historical basis for an existing name is unknown, the BGN will still treat it with

deference (see also Policy III. Commemorative Names, Sec. 4). 

Sec. 2 The BGN prefers to recognize present-day local use or acceptance. The 

BGN will consider proposals to change official names that the proponent believes 

are inconsistent with well-established local use.

Sec. 3 The BGN prohibits the inclusion of derogatory words in a proposed 

geographic name (see Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names). 
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Sec. 4 Common names are sometimes applied to two or more features in close 

proximity. Where it can be demonstrated that duplication has led to confusion, the 

BGN will consider a proposal to change an existing name (see Policy VII. Duplicate 

and Similar Names). The BGN may disapprove a name change proposal that 

duplicates another nearby name. 

Sec. 5 The need to correct a name for historical accuracy may not always be 

sufficiently compelling to change the existing name. However, proposals to correct a 

misspelling of a historic or personal commemorative name will generally be given 

favorable consideration if the proponent presents convincing evidence that the name 

has been misspelled and should be changed. 

Sec. 6 The BGN initiates name changes only in rare cases such as those involving 

certain derogatory names and changes in name applications.

Guidelines

When a name change proposal is received, the BGN investigates the background of the current 

name and solicits recommendations from any individual or Federal, Tribal, State or local 

authority that it determines might have an interest in the feature. The BGN carefully considers 

all relevant factors when reviewing a name change proposal, including the extent and distribution 

of usage, historical context, and lexical meanings. 

In the event of a name change, the prior form appears in the permanent Geographic Names 

Information System (GNIS) record as a variant name (see Policy VIII. Variant Names).

Policy III. Commemorative Names

Human influence on the land has taken many forms. One of the more prominent forms has been 

the association of people’s names with the landscape. This has resulted in the adoption of many 

personal names and nicknames for identifying geographic features, such as mountains and 

streams. 

Sec. 1 The BGN will consider proposals to apply names or nicknames of deceased 

persons to geographic features in the United States and areas under its jurisdiction. 

The BGN will only accept proposals for names that are intended to honor a person 

or persons deceased at least five years. The BGN will disapprove names that could 

be construed to honor living persons.

Sec. 2 The person being honored should have had either some direct or long-term 

association with the feature, or have made a significant contribution to the area, 

community, or State in which it is located.
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Sec. 3 A proposal commemorating an individual with outstanding national or 

international recognition may be approved even if the person was not directly 

associated with the geographic feature.

Sec. 4 A proposal to revise or eliminate an existing personal commemorative name 

will usually be disapproved unless the proponent presents a compelling justification. 

Sec. 5 The BGN discourages the use of an individual’s full name in a feature name.

Exceptions are occasionally made to avoid ambiguity (see Policy IX. Long Names, 

Sec. 2). 

Sec. 6 Commemorative name proposals must meet the same basic criteria required 

of other name proposals.

Guidelines

A proposal to commemorate an individual should include evidence of local support for the 

proposed name and its application. Such evidence may be in the form of letters from the 

appropriate governing authorities and local residents, as well as, where appropriate, from 

historical societies, service organizations, etc.

The proponent must provide biographical information about the intended honoree(s), including 

his/her full name(s), death date(s), and evidence of any association with the feature proposed for 

naming (e.g., any evidence of local civic contribution). If the intended honoree has not been 

deceased at least five years, the proposal will be returned to the proponent with a request that it 

be resubmitted once the waiting period has passed.

Examples of past decisions by the BGN have indicated “direct association” or “significant 

contribution” when the person being commemorated was: 

• an early or long-time resident,

• a developer, restorer, or maintainer of the feature,

• a donor of land to local, State, Tribal, or Federal governments, and

• a person who played a large part in protecting the land for public benefit.

A person’s death on or at a feature, such as in a mountaineering accident or automobile or plane 

crash, does not necessarily meet the “direct association” criterion.
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The BGN recognizes that personal names are often linked to an individual or family whose name 

has come to be associated with the feature. Commemoration in these cases may be appropriate. 

Ownership or management of the land or the feature may not meet the “significant contribution” 

criterion.

This policy does not apply to proposals for pets (nonhumans) (see Policy XII. Animal Names).

Policy IV. Wilderness Area Geographic Names

In the Wilderness Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88−577, codified at 16 U.S.C. 1131–1136), Congress 

established the National Wilderness Preservation System composed of federally managed areas 

to be administered

for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them 

unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the 

protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for the 

gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as 

wilderness . . . . [16 U.S.C. 1131(a)]

The act characterizes a wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are 

untrammeled by man [and] where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” (16 U.S.C. 

1131(c))

Although wilderness designations are a modern invention, a fundamental characteristic of 

elemental wilderness is that the cultural overlay of civilization is absent. Placenames in a 

wilderness area might diminish the sense of discovery that those who visit ought to be able to 

experience. No wilderness area today is totally free of placenames and cultural artifacts, but a 

goal of Federal wilderness area administration is to minimize the impacts and traces of people. 

Congressionally designated wilderness areas are managed to preserve their unique natural, 

scenic, educational, scientific, and primitive values.

Sec. 1 The BGN will not approve proposed names for unnamed features within 

wilderness areas, including unpublished names in local use, unless an overriding 

need can be demonstrated by the proponent.

Sec. 2 This policy also applies to names in areas being considered for possible 

designation by Congress as wilderness. 

Sec. 3 Name proposals involving wilderness areas must meet the same basic 

criteria required of any other name proposal. 
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Guidelines

Persons proposing to name an unnamed feature in a wilderness area should coordinate their 

proposal with the BGN member whose agency is responsible for the administration of the area. 

The administering agency will review new name proposals, and advise the BGN whether there is 

an overriding need. A final decision on the proposal will be made by the BGN.

Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names

The BGN’s guiding principle for the names of places, features, and areas in the United States and 

its territories is to approve for official Federal use the names found in present-day local usage 

(see Principle II. Names in Local Use). An exception to this principle may occur when a name is 

derogatory or is shown to be offensive to a particular racial or ethnic group, gender, or religious 

group.

Because geographic names are part of the historical record of the United States, the BGN prefers 

to proceed cautiously with regard to the use of names in everyday language, as attitudes and 

perceptions of words considered to be offensive can vary among individuals and communities 

and can change connotation over time. Accordingly, the BGN will act on a case-by-case basis.

Two words, however, are considered derogatory by the BGN in all occurrences. In 1963, the 

Secretary of the Interior mandated the word “Nigger” in geographic names on Federal maps and 

other products be changed to “Negro.” In 1974, the BGN mandated the word “Jap” in 

geographic names on Federal maps and other products be changed to “Japanese.” 

Sec. 1 The BGN will not consider a name proposal that includes the derogatory 

word “Jap” or the derogatory word “Nigger.” 

Sec. 2 The BGN will not make official for Federal use a locally used name that is 

determined by the BGN to be offensive to a particular racial or ethnic group, 

gender, or religious group.

Sec. 3 Proposals to change names considered to be offensive must meet the same 

basic criteria required of any other name proposal, and will be processed using the 

same procedures as any other name change (see Policy II. Name Changes).

Guidelines

Any individual or agency may submit to the BGN a proposal to change an existing name that 

they consider offensive. Such proposals should include reasons why the proponent believes the 

existing name is offensive. The proponent must offer an alternative name as part of the proposal, 

following BGN guidelines for name proposal submittals.
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In proposing an alternate name, a conscientious effort should be made to offer an alternative 

name that does not eliminate or obscure the original intent of the geographic name as a historical 

record on the cultural landscape, taking into account the historical, cultural, or ethnic 

significance of the original name.

Policy VI. Diacritics

In the past, the BGN did not customarily recognize diacritics as part of geographic name spelling 

in the United States. Many geographic names adopted from non-English languages have been 

assimilated into English language usage and lack the diacritics from the original spelling. 

Although diacritics are infrequently used in English, they constitute an integral part of the 

spelling and meaning of words in many other languages, notably Spanish, French, Hawaiian, and 

many Native Alaskan and Native American languages, from which numerous United States 

placenames are derived. Diacritics are especially important if their omission would result in a 

significant change in pronunciation or meaning. Therefore, the BGN will accept for 

consideration names containing diacritics.

Sec. 1 The BGN may approve a geographic name that includes diacritics.

Sec. 2 Proposals that include diacritics must meet the same basic criteria required 

of any other name proposal.

Guidelines

Appendix G provides a link to a BGN website on character sets providing a listing of approved

diacritics.

Policy VII. Duplicate and Similar Names

Geographic names provide unambiguous labels that identify geographic features. Local 

duplication of names (i.e., the use of identical names), or even the use of very similar names (i.e., 

names spelled differently but pronounced the same), often causes confusion and 

misunderstanding. Name duplication and the use of very similar names, however, are common 

within a county, State, or nation because naming is a natural process. While name duplication 

and very similar names in close proximity is undesirable, well-established geographic names 

should not be changed unless there is evidence of strong public support for the change.

Sec. 1 The BGN will normally disapprove a name proposed for a geographic 

feature that is already applied to another nearby feature.

Sec. 2 The BGN will normally disapprove a name proposed for a geographic 

feature when, in the BGN’s opinion, the name is so similar to that of a nearby 

named feature that it will cause confusion.
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Sec. 3 The BGN encourages efforts by Tribal, State, and local governments, land 

management agencies, and local citizens to propose changes or modifications to one 

or more duplicate or very similar names wherever ambiguity occurs.

Guidelines

Name duplication occurs when two or more places or features of the same kind, in close 

proximity to each other, have the same name in local or published usage. Name duplication may 

not be perceived to occur when places or features of different kinds have the same name, such as 

a stream named Long Creek and a community named Longcreek or Long Creek. Similarly, 

names are not considered to be duplicated if the specific parts are the same and the generic parts 

are different. For example, Long Creek and Long Branch are not duplicate names.

Examples of very similar names to be avoided in close proximity would include House Mountain

and Haus Mountain or Wilson Creek and Willson Creek.

Policy VIII. Variant Names

A variant name is any current or historical name or spelling for a geographic feature other than 

its official name. Known variant names and applications are specified in BGN decisions, and are 

listed in the GNIS record. However, the BGN does not make it a practice to approve variant 

names.

Sec. 1 The BGN prohibits the independent use of any variant, but a variant may be 

shown in parentheses following the official name. Possible reasons for variant name 

use include: (a) to show a less frequently applied name in current or past local use; 

(b) to show a former name that has been changed; (c) to show a foreign name for a 

feature crossing an international boundary; or (d) to show a local name that applies 

only to part of a feature.

Sec. 2 Variant names containing either of the two derogatory words will not be 

used in Federal publications (see Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names).

Guidelines

Use of a variant name in parentheses following an official name on a Federal product is at the 

author’s or issuing agency’s discretion. A variant name enclosed in parentheses may appear 

either following or below the official name.

Policy IX. Long Names

The BGN has historically avoided long geographic names. Although the BGN does not 

specifically define what constitutes an unacceptably long name, if the name’s length makes it 

difficult or cumbersome to convey, then the BGN will usually disapprove it. For reference, other 

Federal agencies do have specific policies, such as the U.S. Postal Service, which limits the 
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names of post offices to 28 characters.

Sec. 1 In general, the BGN will disapprove overly long names. 

Sec. 2 The BGN discourages the use of an individual’s full name in a feature name. 

Exceptions are occasionally made to avoid ambiguity. 

Sec. 3 To avoid overly long stream names, the BGN will approve names of 

tributaries as official names without reference to their parent stream. Exceptions 

are occasionally made to avoid ambiguity.

Guidelines

When the BGN considers a proposed name to be overly long, the BGN will confer with the 

proponent and request a shorter form. For example, in 2008 the BGN received a proposal for the 

name Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Reach for an unnamed channel in South Carolina. This 

name was deemed important for navigation purposes, but its length would obscure other critical 

information portrayed on nautical charts. As a result, the BGN requested that the proponent 

submit a shorter form. To accommodate both the commemorative intent of the name as well as 

its practical application, the revised name Bennis Reach was accepted by the BGN as the official 

name for Federal use.

As examples of exceptions, in accordance with Sec. 2, the BGN has approved long names to 

commemorate individuals, using more than the surname so as to avoid ambiguity and make the 

referent person unmistakable. Examples include Walter E. Long Lake (TX), Claude Birdseye 

Point (AZ), and George R. Stewart Peak (CA).

As examples of exceptions in accordance with Sec. 3, the BGN has approved long names of 

stream forks or branches that might be regarded as incomplete unless the names of their main 

streams were included. Examples include East Fork North Fork North Fork American River

(CA) and North Fork of Middle Fork American River (CA).

Policy X. Tribal Geographic Names (Interim)

This policy applies to Indian Tribes (Tribes). For the purposes of this policy, “Tribe” means an 

Indian Tribe that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe pursuant 

to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, as amended (25 U.S.C. 479a−1) (see 

Appendix H).

The Federal Government’s unique relationship with Tribes is embodied in the U.S. Constitution, 

treaties, court decisions, Federal statutes, and Executive orders. This relationship is deeply 

rooted in history, dating back to the earliest contact between colonial and Tribal governments. 

The United States acknowledges federally recognized Tribes as sovereign nations; thus, their 

interaction with the Federal Government takes place on a “government-to-government” basis. In 

light of this unique relationship, when undertaking decisions pertaining to the naming of 
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geographic features in which a Tribe may have an interest, the Board on Geographic Names 

(BGN) will:

• Honor the government-to-government relationships that exist between Tribes and the Federal 

Government.

• Pursuant to and in accordance with Executive Order 13175 (Appendix F), Secretarial Order 

3317 (Appendix I), and the Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation with Indian 

Tribes (Appendix J), develop an interim draft policy and invite Tribes to engage in 

government-to-government consultation on this interim draft policy.

• Acknowledge the rights of Tribes to self-governance and the exercise of inherent sovereign 

powers over their Tribal lands.

• Be cognizant and respectful of the historical, cultural, and spiritual relationships that Tribes 

have with the American landscape.

• Provide opportunities for Tribes to participate in the BGN’s efforts to standardize geographic 

names for Federal use.

• Upon request, provide guidance to Tribes on establishing a geographic names authority.

Feature Names Proposed by Proponents Other Than Tribal Authorities: In the case of 

geographic name proposals that originate from proponents other than Tribal

Sec. 1 Features Located Entirely on Tribal Lands

a. General: With regard to the naming of geographic features located entirely 

on lands under the jurisdiction of Tribes, it is the policy of the BGN to:

1) Honor the prerogatives and authority of Tribes to determine the names of 

geographic features by deferring to Tribal preferences. 

2) Encourage Tribes to develop and apply naming standards and protocols 

that promote the acceptance of their geographic feature names and support 

the BGN mission to standardize names for Federal agencies that produce or 

utilize maps, reports, datasets, and other publications.

3) Accept one official name for each geographic feature. Any additional 

names in local or historic usage will be recorded as variants. 

4) Refer to reliable, authoritative sources of information to determine the 

location of Tribal lands. 
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b. Feature Names Provided by Tribal Authorities: In the case of establishing 

geographic names that originate from Tribal authorities for features that are 

located on Tribal lands, the BGN will:

1) Encourage Tribes to inform the BGN about names that they apply to 

geographic features, so that the BGN may record them as the official 

geographic names for Federal use.

2) Under certain circumstances, request that the Tribe provide an alternate 

but equivalent form of the official name. Reasons for requesting an 

equivalent form might include:

a) Difficulty of rendering special characters.

b) Difficulty in pronouncing the name due to the use of special linguistic 

characters.

3) Where an equivalent form exists, encourage Federal agencies to use both 

the official name and equivalent form if possible.

c. Feature Names Proposed by Proponents Other Than Tribal Officials: In the 

case of geographic name proposals that originate from proponents other than 

Tribal officials for features that are located entirely on Tribal lands, the BGN 

will inform the proponent to submit the proposal to the Tribe with governmental 

authority over the area in which the feature is located.

Sec. 2 Features Located Entirely on Non-Tribal Lands

Features that are located entirely on lands not under the governmental authority of 

Tribes may be of cultural and/or historical interest to one or more Tribes. To 

determine Tribal cultural and/or historical interest in name proposals for 

geographic features located entirely off Tribal lands, the BGN will:

a. Upon release of each new Review List, inform Tribes of its availability and 

invite them to comment on any of the proposals in which they have an 

interest.

b. Consider Tribal comments along with those received from Federal 

departments and agencies, State and local governments, and other 

interested parties.

Sec. 3 Features Located on Both Tribal and Non-Tribal Lands 

If a feature (such as a stream or ridge) is located on both Tribal and non-Tribal 
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lands, or on the lands of more than one Tribe, the BGN will coordinate among all 

parties to seek a mutually agreeable solution guided by BGN principles, policies, 

and procedures.

Guidelines

Quarterly Review Lists

A Quarterly Review List contains all proposals for new geographic names and name changes 

received by the BGN for geographic features that are not located entirely on Tribal lands, and for 

features located on both Tribal and non-Tribal lands. Tribes are encouraged to review these lists 

and provide comments so that the BGN may consider them along with all other comments 

received. Instructions for providing comments are found in the introduction to each review list.

Upon release of a new Quarterly Review List, the BGN will send Tribes a notice that provides a 

link to it on the BGN website. Upon request, hard copies of the Quarterly Review List will be 

sent to Tribes unable to access the link.

Because the BGN policy is to accept as official the names submitted by Tribes for geographic 

features located entirely on lands under their governmental authority, the Review Lists will not 

contain submissions for geographic features on Tribal lands.

However, all names submitted by Tribes will be entered into the Geographic Names Information 

System (GNIS), the repository for official geographic names.

Features located entirely on Tribal lands

Geographic names provided by Tribal officials will be accepted as official for Federal use, 

except in the following circumstances: the name conflicts with a name established by an act of 

Congress, Treaty, or Executive order or proclamation (Principle III: Names Established by Act 

of Congress, Executive Order, Treaty, or Federal Proclamation); the name conflicts with a name 

administratively established by a non-Tribal authority; the name is derogatory (Policy V: 

Derogatory and Offensive Names); or the name refers to a civil feature. 

• In cases where a name is administratively established by a non-Tribal authority, the Tribe 

should coordinate with the appropriate authority to change the name. Once these changes 

have been confirmed by the administering authority, they will be made official. As an 

example, a Tribe should work with the U.S. Postal Service to change the name of a post 

office.

• Two derogatory names are specifically excluded from use by the BGN and cannot be 

accepted for Federal use. These are the pejorative forms of the words “Japanese” and 

“Negro.”
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• The BGN will not accept name changes for civil features. Civil feature names are not subject 

to the purview of the BGN. They are names of legally defined places (e.g., counties, minor 

civil divisions, incorporated places, etc.) and the only way to change them is to change the 

law that created them. Before they are entered into the GNIS and made official they are 

thoroughly reviewed and documented by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Geographic names will be accepted in the form submitted, including names containing characters 

which are not in the Roman alphabet. Specifically, the names must be able to be represented in 

Unicode as specified in Principle I: Character Sets. If the submitted name includes characters 

that are not in the Roman alphabet or the name is considered by the BGN to be difficult to 

pronounce properly because of the use of special linguistic characters, the BGN will:

• accept the name as official in the form submitted, and

• request that the Tribe submit an equivalent form that will more likely be accepted for use in 

Federal publications.

An equivalent form is a category of name with a status that is less than official, but is authorized 

for use in Federal products, including official maps, documents, websites, signs, and other 

publications.

The equivalent form may be a transliterated form of the Tribal name, a transcription or phonetic 

spelling, or a translation.

• Transliteration is the practice of converting a text from one writing system into another in a 

systematic fashion. For example, the Cherokee name is transliterated to English as 

e-la i-tse. 

• Transcription is the conversion of a representation of language into another representation of 

language. The transliterated English language name, e-la i-tse, is transcribed to English for 

pronunciation as Ayla Eejay. 

• Translation is the conversion from one language to another language. The Cherokee name

is translated as Green Earth.

Tribes are encouraged to provide equivalent forms with generic descriptors. Most names in the 

United States include two parts, a specific part and a generic part. For example, in the name 

“Grand Canyon,” “Grand” is the specific part and “Canyon” is the generic descriptor, providing 

additional information on the feature type. 

Sometimes, English names derived from foreign languages contain the same generic word twice, 

once in the foreign language and once in English. For example, the name “Rio Grande River” 

contains the Spanish generic word for river, “Rio,” in the specific part of the name, “Rio 

Grande,” as well as the English generic, “River.” This is not considered an issue by the BGN.
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Federal agencies should use the official name whenever possible. If an equivalent form exists, 

agencies may use the equivalent form, with or without the official name. Use of both names is 

encouraged, because it promotes mutual cultural respect and understanding. 

In cases where the official and equivalent forms are used, the official name will be listed first, 

followed by a forward slash, and then the equivalent form.

If a Tribe wishes to submit a name as a variant of an existing name, the name will be accepted in 

the form provided and entered into the GNIS.

Federal agencies have the option whether or not to apply any official names to Federal products. 

This rule applies to all official names, not just those submitted by Tribes. However, if the 

official name is not used, only the equivalent form may be used in its place. Variant names 

cannot be used in place of official names.

Features located entirely on non-Tribal lands

If a Tribe wishes to name or rename a feature located entirely on non-Tribal lands, they should 

submit a name proposal to the BGN. The application will be considered like any name proposal 

on non-Tribal lands. 

If a Tribe wishes to submit a name as a variant of an existing name, the name will be accepted in 

the form provided and entered into the GNIS, as long as it is not specifically excluded under 

Policy V: Derogatory and Offensive Names. 

Features located on both Tribal and non-Tribal lands

Tribes may submit a proposal to name or rename a feature that is located on both Tribal and nonTribal land, or in an area under the jurisdiction of more than one Tribal authority. The BGN will 

consider such proposals so long as the proposed name is not specifically excluded under Policy 

V: Derogatory and Offensive Names. The opinions of Tribal authorities, Federal departments 

and agencies, State and local governments, and other interested parties will be considered by the 

BGN. In cases where there are differences of opinion on name proposals, or more than one 

Tribal name is submitted, the BGN will seek to find a mutually agreed upon solution. If there is 

no agreement among the interested parties, the BGN will consider all input and make a decision.

Sensitive cultural information

The BGN is cognizant and respectful of the sensitive cultural and spiritual information that is 

associated with many geographic features of significance to Tribes. The BGN strongly 

discourages the disclosure of any such sensitive information in Tribal submissions of Native 

names for geographic features because information submitted to the BGN is typically publicly 

available. The BGN finds that basic information about a geographic feature’s significance is 

sufficient.
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Policy XI. Commercial Names

Many geographic names reflect a feature’s early or longstanding association with a commercial 

enterprise or a prominent business person. Examples include Harpers Ferry (WV), Gaines Mill

(VA), and Astoria (NY). However, the BGN’s mission does not include the endorsement or 

promotion of commercial activities.

Sec. 1 The BGN will usually reject a proposed name when the primary purpose of 

the name is construed to promote a commercial product or enterprise. 

Sec. 2 The BGN may approve a name for a feature that has a longstanding 

association with a commercial enterprise.

Guidelines

Proposed names that the BGN construes to be commercial will be returned to the proponent for 

additional evidence that the name is not being used for publicizing a particular commercial 

product or business firm.

Policy XII. Animal Names

Two types of animal names are found on the American landscape: (1) general names for a given 

type of animal, e.g., Mustang Peak (CA), Rattlesnake Creek (AZ), or Butterfly (KY); and (2) 

proper names or nicknames given to specific animals, e.g., Barnabe Mountain (CA) named for a 

pet mule, or Comanche (MT) named for a military horse. General names are usually acceptable 

to the BGN.

Sec. 1 Although the BGN strongly discourages proposals to apply proper animal 

names or nicknames to geographic features, it will consider proposals on a case-bycase basis. 

Sec. 2 The BGN will not consider proper names that commemorate a living animal; 

the animal must be deceased at least five years.

Sec. 3 The animal being honored by the naming of a natural feature should have 

had either some direct or long-term association with the feature, or have made a 

significant contribution to the community, area, or region in which the feature is 

located.

Sec. 4 The BGN will not approve proper animal names that could be construed to 

honor a living person.

Guidelines

Proposals to name features using proper animal names or nicknames should contain evidence of 
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local support for the proposed name and its application. Such evidence may be in the form of 

letters from appropriate governing authorities and local residents, as well as from historical 

societies and service organizations where appropriate.

The proponent must provide background information about the specific animal’s history, 

including documentation of their association with the feature proposed for naming. An animal’s 

death on or at a feature does not necessarily meet the criteria for direct association.
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Chapter 4. Domestic Geographic Names Procedures and Guidelines

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) recognizes that there can be a need, for reference 

or commemorative purposes, to name unnamed geographic features. The BGN also recognizes 

that there may be a compelling reason to change an existing name, spelling, or application. The 

BGN does not initiate the naming or renaming of features but considers proposals for new names 

and name changes. Any name must be approved before it can be applied to Federal publications. 

Any person or organization may submit a proposal to the BGN.

Because a name will affect many people for a long time, it should be acceptable to the 

community in which the feature is located and to Federal departments and agencies, Tribal, State 

and local governments, and other interested parties that have an interest in the feature. The 

BGN’s responsibility is to evaluate each name proposal for appropriateness, acceptability, and 

need. This is done in cooperation with Federal and State agencies, State Names Authorities, 

Tribes, local governments, and the public.

Names under BGN purview

The BGN is responsible for all geographic names except those applying to offices or 

establishments of Federal agencies (see Determining official names in Chapter 1). As a practical 

matter, the BGN focuses on the names of natural features, as well as canals, channels, and 

reservoirs in the United States and its territories and outlying areas. It retains the legal authority

to promulgate all official geographic names.

The only official source for names for Federal use is the Geographic Names Information System 

(GNIS). GNIS contains all geographic names that the BGN accepts as official for use on Federal 

maps, charts, websites, and other publications. The GNIS website can be found at 

https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/index.html; select Search from the Main Menu. 

Usually, the BGN does not rule on the names of cultural or man-made features such as roads, 

streets, shopping centers, churches, schools, hospitals, and airports (see Principle IV. Names 

Established by Other Authorities). However, if specifically asked, the BGN will entertain 

proposals to name or rename such features.

Names established by act of Congress, Executive order, treaty, or Federal

proclamation

Geographic names established by an act of Congress, Executive order, Treaty, or by 

proclamation are added directly to GNIS and noted with a Decision Date of US YYYY.
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Recommended kinds of names

The BGN prefers names that are relatively distinctive to the area in which they will be used. 

Names descriptive of topographic form or suggested by local history, folklore, or incident, or by 

associated natural life or other phenomena are preferred.

Generic terms in geographic names

Geographic names typically include both specific and generic elements. The generic term (e.g.,

Creek, River, Cerro, Ridge, Mount, Lake, etc.) should be appropriate to the feature and consistent 

with terms already used and understood in the area in which the feature is located. If the 

proposed name does not include a generic term, or if the provided generic term appears to 

conflict with the type of geographic feature, the BGN staff will seek clarification.

Submitting a proposal

All proposals must be submitted in writing to the Executive Secretary of the BGN’s Domestic 

Names Committee. This may be done by letter, by email, or by completing the Domestic 

Geographic Name Proposal (DGNP) form, available in Appendix K or online. The online DGNP 

form can be found at https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=DGNPPublic. Proposals or 

inquiries should be directed to:

Executive Secretary

Domestic Names Committee

U.S. Board on Geographic Names

U.S. Geological Survey

523 National Center

Reston, VA 20192-0523

Tel./Fax: (703) 648-4552 / (703) 648-4549

Email: BGNEXEC@usgs.gov

Public availability

BGN staff must have a way of contacting a proponent in the event there are any questions 

concerning a proposal. Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other 

personal identifying information in a proposal, the proponent should be aware that the entire 

proposal—including personal identifying information and any associated correspondence—may 

be made publicly available at any time.
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Local support

Because local use and acceptance of a name is important to the Board, a proponent of a new 

name or name change is encouraged to provide evidence of support for the proposal as well as 

evidence of any published or verbal usage of the proposed name. Such evidence may include 

copies of maps, government records, or any other documents and publications. Letters or emails 

supporting the proposal may be solicited from:

• Federal, State, or local (county or municipal) agencies,

• Indian Tribes,

• State or Tribal geographic names authorities,

• civic organizations, historical societies,

• owner(s) of the property on which the geographic feature is located, and/or

• others familiar with the geographic feature and the appropriateness of the proposal.

News articles and letters to the editor showing public awareness and endorsement of the 

proposed name will be added to the case file. Petitions signed by local residents and others who 

support the proposal may be included. However, because the BGN is unable to verify their 

authenticity, petitions are typically considered less relevant to the naming decision. References 

to websites showing usage of the name should also be included. This information is typically 

considered less authoritative, unless the website is that of a Federal, Tribal, State, or local

agency.

Proponents should review the BGN’s Principles (Chapter 2) and Policies (Chapter 3) before 

proceeding with a name proposal.

Proposing names for unnamed features

These guidelines apply only to naming features that have never been included in GNIS. Names 

already established in spoken or written form, even though they do not appear on present-day 

Federal publications, are given preference. A person who wishes to propose a name for an 

unnamed feature should make every effort to verify that the feature is actually unnamed. 

Proponents should consult GNIS as well as available non-Federal maps and other published 

sources to determine whether there might be a name in local or published use that is not recorded 

in GNIS.

At a minimum, a proposal to name an unnamed feature should provide the following:

• full form of the geographic name being proposed,

• action requested (name an unnamed feature),

• descriptive information, including State and county, and a clear location of the feature to be 

named, preferably on an annotated map, with geographic coordinates, or through a detailed 

description including a photograph,
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• meaning or significance of the proposed name, and

• basis of knowledge that the feature is unnamed.

If the proposed name is for a feature located in a federally designated wilderness area, or an area 

under consideration for wilderness designation, the proponent should justify why he or she

believes an exception to Policy IV. Wilderness Area Geographic Names is warranted.

The address for submitting a proposed new name is provided under the section entitled 

“Submitting a Proposal” earlier in this chapter. The BGN’s procedures for processing a proposal 

for an unnamed feature are outlined later in this chapter.

Proposing name and application changes

Proposed changes to names in GNIS are generally based on evidence of a conflict between the 

official name and local or predominant published usage. If the proponent believes an existing 

name is correct but that it is applied to the wrong feature, he or she should propose an application 

change. 

In the case of typographical or data entry errors, the staff will determine whether a correction can 

be made to the GNIS record or if the change warrants a proposal to the BGN.

A proposal to change a name or its application should provide the following:

• full form of the geographic name being proposed,

• action requested (change an existing name or application),

• the existing name of the feature, along with its GNIS Feature ID, available by searching 

GNIS at https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/, 

• evidence that the existing name, spelling, or application is incorrect, confusing, or otherwise 

warrants being changed, and

• origin and/or meaning of the proposed name.

The address for submitting a proposed change is provided under the section entitled “Submitting 

a Proposal” earlier in this chapter. The BGN’s procedures for processing a proposal to change 

an existing name or application are outlined later in this chapter.

Proposing commemorative names

If the proposal, whether for an unnamed feature or to change an existing name, is intended to 

commemorate a person or persons, it must meet the requirements of Policy III. Commemorative 

Names, and the following additional information is required:

• full name(s) of the intended honoree(s),

• death date(s) of the intended honoree(s), and
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• a short biography of the intended honoree(s), indicating their association with the feature or 

area in which the feature is located, and/or contributions to the feature or area.

Additional evidence may include obituaries, news articles, and other accounts that describe the 

honoree’s contributions to the feature or area in which the feature is located.

Submitting nonrecorded names

A nonrecorded name is one that is not currently in GNIS, but which the BGN staff determines 

should be official for Federal use by virtue of its being published on a source that the BGN 

recognizes as authoritative. Provided there is no conflict with an existing name, and provided 

the name does not violate any of the BGN’s policies, it can be added to GNIS without formal 

BGN review. These names will not be added to a Quarterly Review List and will be entered into 

GNIS within a reasonable timeframe. The new entry will include an appropriate bibliographic 

citation. The person or agency submitting the name will be notified of the action taken.

If a nonrecorded name is submitted to the BGN for a feature that is already officially named, it 

will be entered into GNIS as a variant name, with an appropriate bibliographic citation. If the 

submitter believes the nonrecorded name should be recognized as the official name, he or she

will be asked to submit a name change proposal to the BGN.

If a feature no longer exists and/or no longer serves the function by which it was named, the 

feature and name are rendered historical in the Geographic Names Information System.

Initial processing

Upon receipt of a proposal, whether it is to apply a new name or to change an existing name, 

spelling, or application, the BGN staff will conduct a preliminary investigation. The staff will 

determine whether the proposal includes the necessary details, and will request any additional 

information (e.g., locative, biographical) that is needed to begin processing.

If the staff determines that the proposal might conflict with one or more of the BGN’s principles 

or policies, the proponent will be asked to address those concerns. If the proposed name clearly 

violates one or more of the BGN’s policies, it will be returned to the proponent with an 

explanation.

In accordance with Principle I. Character Sets, the proposed name should be limited to those 

characters and writing marks listed in Appendix G. A proposed name that includes any other 

character will be returned to the proponent with an explanation. The proponent will be given an 

opportunity to amend the proposal.

Note: An exception is permitted if the feature is located entirely on Tribal lands (see Policy X: 

Tribal Geographic Names (Interim), Sec. 1). 
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If the proposed name is commemorative, the staff will ensure that the proponent has provided 

sufficient biographical details. If the name could be construed to honor a living person, the staff 

may suggest that the proponent amend the proposal to honor another individual who satisfies the 

requirements of Policy III. Commemorative Names.

If the geographic feature in question is located within a federally designated wilderness area or 

area under consideration for wilderness designation, the staff will ask the proponent to justify

why he or she believes the proposal warrants an exception to Policy IV. Wilderness Area 

Geographic Names. The proponent will be informed that the proposal will not be processed until 

a reason is provided. Proposals to change existing names in wilderness areas are not subject to 

the same criteria, because the feature already has a name. However, the proponent will be asked 

to provide a reason why an existing name should be changed.

In accordance with Policy V. Derogatory and Offensive Names, the BGN will not accept 

proposals that include either of the two words it considers derogatory. Such proposals will be 

returned to the proponent with an explanation.

The staff will check GNIS to determine whether the proposed name duplicates or is similar 

enough to that of another feature in close proximity (see Policy VII. Duplicate and Similar 

Names). If the staff believes the new name could cause confusion, it will ask interested parties 

to consider the matter as part of their review of the proposal. Similarly, if a name change 

proposal is submitted in an effort to eliminate duplication between two or more features, the staff 

will ask whether the existing names have resulted in confusion in the community.

If the proposed name is overly long, the staff may request that the name be shortened (see Policy 

IX. Long Names). However, if the proponent prefers the longer name, the staff will ask that he

or she explain why an exception is justified.

The staff will determine whether the feature proposed to be named or renamed is on Tribal lands. 

Because of the Federal Government’s unique relationship with federally recognized Indian 

Tribes, and in accordance with Policy X: Tribal Geographic Names (Interim), the BGN will not 

consider proposals to apply new names to unnamed features or to change names of features 

located entirely on Tribal lands unless the name is provided by the Tribal Government with 

jurisdiction over the area in which the feature is located. The staff will advise any other 

proponent to submit the proposal to the Tribal Government. The BGN will consider the name 

official for Federal use only after the Tribal Government with jurisdiction has indicated support 

for the proposed name. Names provided by Tribal authorities for features located entirely on 

their land are added directly to GNIS. 

If the BGN staff believes a name could be construed to be commercial, the proponent will be 

asked to provide additional evidence that the name is not being used for publicizing a particular 

commercial product or business (see Policy XI. Commercial Names). If the staff determines the 

proposed name contains a word or phrase that may be trademarked, registered, copyrighted, or 

otherwise protected, the proponent will be asked to provide evidence that it is not trademarked, 
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registered, or copyrighted or to obtain permission from the owner of the word or phrase allowing 

it to be applied to a geographic feature.

Preparing a case brief

Upon receipt and validation of a proposal, the BGN staff will prepare a case brief that 

summarizes the evidence submitted. The staff will conduct additional research, including 

consulting maps, books, websites, and other available sources to enable the BGN to render an 

informed decision. The case brief will note whether the proposed name is duplicated in close 

proximity. In the case of commemorative names, and if it can be determined, the case brief will 

note whether the intended honoree is already honored with an existing name. The staff will 

compile evidence indicating local use and/or support for the name. The staff will coordinate its 

research with the appropriate State Names Authority (SNA).

Publishing the Quarterly Review List

The completed case brief is added to the BGN’s Quarterly Review List, which is posted online at 

the Domestic Names—Active Quarterly Review Lists at 

https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/quarterly_list.htm. Each Quarterly Review List includes all 

proposals received and processed by the staff during the preceding quarter. A notice is sent to 

interested parties alerting them to the Quarterly Review List’s availability.

Soliciting input from interested parties

Anyone wishing to comment on any proposal on the Quarterly Review List may do so at any 

time before the BGN’s vote. Instructions for submitting comments are provided in the 

introduction to the Quarterly Review List.

Because local acceptance of a proposed name or name change is important to the BGN, the staff 

will invite input from the appropriate SNA and interested Federal, State, and local agencies and 

federally recognized Indian Tribes. Where appropriate, the staff may also seek comments and 

additional information from local organizations such as civic groups, historical societies, and 

others that it determines might have an interest in the issue. The staff also encourages 

proponents to solicit support from neighbors, property owners, local businesses, and others who 

are familiar with the feature and the name proposal. This process may occasionally generate a 

counterproposal to the original proposal. 

SNAs are encouraged to solicit input from Federal, State, and local land management agencies as 

well as Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations before 

issuing their recommendations to the BGN. A list of SNAs is maintained by the Council of 

Geographic Names Authorities (COGNA) on the webpage at 

http://cogna50usa.org/Authorities.html.
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In the case of proposals for features on land administered by a Federal agency, the staff will 

coordinate its research with the BGN member who represents that agency. Although many 

Federal agencies have geographic names liaisons or other regional or local representatives who 

are familiar with the BGN’s principles and policies, the only recommendation that is considered 

authoritative is the one provided by the agency’s BGN representative.

A name proposal for a feature that crosses the international boundary with Canada or Mexico is 

likely to require additional processing time because the BGN must coordinate such proposals 

with the appropriate foreign names authority. The BGN has a policy regarding The Treatment of 

Names of Geographical Features Shared by the United States and Canada (see Appendix C). 

There is no equivalent agreement with Mexico.

If a proposed name is for a feature that crosses the 12-nautical-mile limit of the territorial sea, the 

staff will coordinate its research with and request a recommendation from the BGN’s Advisory 

Committee on Undersea Features.

Preparing the monthly docket for a BGN decision

Once the staff’s research is complete and all interested parties have had an opportunity to 

provide input, the proposal is placed on the next monthly docket for BGN discussion and 

decision. The entire process from submission to a decision may take several months or longer, 

depending on the completeness of the proposal, the nature of the request, the number of 

organizations to be contacted, and the timeliness of the responses from interested parties. The 

monthly docket is distributed to the BGN members a few days before the meeting at which the 

proposals are to be considered.

BGN decision

At the meeting, the BGN will evaluate the evidence provided in the docket and render its 

decision on each proposal in accordance with its principles and policies. Approval or 

disapproval is the result of a vote by a simple majority of the members and deputy members in 

attendance. If a proposal is disapproved, the reason(s) will be recorded in the meeting minutes. 

A member may choose to provide the rationale behind his/her dissenting vote.

After the decision

Following the decision, the newly approved name or name change is recorded in GNIS with a 

decision date of BGN YYYY, thus making it official for Federal use. The proponent and other 

interested parties are notified by letter or email of the decision.

All Federal agencies are required to accept the BGN’s decisions and to update their maps, charts, 

websites, and other products before publication, or if already published, at the time of the next 

revision. If an agency anticipates that the name in question will appear on a forthcoming 

product, it is important that the proposal be submitted to the BGN well in advance of the 
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publication date to allow adequate time for the review process. If approval is not received before 

the publication deadline, the existing name and application as indicated in GNIS should continue 

to be used, or removed from the publication until the issue is resolved.

If a name change is not approved, yet the proposed name or spelling is determined to have been 

published or used verbally, the name will be recorded in GNIS as a variant name. The variant 

will include an appropriate bibliographic citation.

The minutes of the monthly meetings are presented for review at the following meeting. Upon 

approval, they are posted at the BGN’s Domestic Names—Monthly Meeting Minutes at 

https://geonames.usgs.gov/domestic/monthly_minutes.htm. 

Revisiting a decision

Because of the thorough and deliberate review that all name proposals receive, the BGN will not 

usually revisit a decision. However, if an interested party believes a decision should be revisited, 

the BGN will determine whether there is sufficient new evidence to do so. In such cases, all 

parties will be asked to comment on the new evidence. Revisiting a BGN decision does not 

assure that the previous decision will be overturned.
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Chapter 5. Domestic Geographic Names Editorial Guidelines

Punctuation

Punctuation such as hyphens and apostrophes are occasionally used in domestic geographic 

names. Usage varies and care should be taken to use the standard form for a particular feature 

name. Hyphens are sometimes used in names consisting of a phrase (Hole-in-the-Wall, GoForth Creek) and in names having a dual-form specific (City of Winston-Salem, Little WilkesBarre Mountain). Hyphens may also be used to separate syllables in Tribal geographic names. 

See Appendix G for a listing of punctuation.

Genitive apostrophes

Apostrophes suggesting possession or association are discouraged within the body of a proper 

geographic name (Henrys Fork: not Henry’s Fork). The word or words that form a geographic 

name change their connotative function and together become a single denotative unit. They 

change from words having specific dictionary meaning to fixed labels used to refer to geographic 

entities. The need to imply possession or association no longer exists. Thus, we write 

“Jamestown” instead of “James’town” or even “Richardsons Creek” instead of “Richard’s son’s 

creek.” The whole name can be made possessive or associative with an apostrophe at the end as 

in “Rogers Point’s rocky shore.” Apostrophes may be used within the body of a geographic 

name to denote a missing letter (Lake O’ the Woods) or when they normally exist in a surname 

used as part of a geographic name (O’Malley Draw).

Abbreviations and number names

Official names or parts of names are never abbreviated; however, the names of States can be 

abbreviated or coded according to Government Publishing Office standards. Geographic names 

are not abbreviated in sentence context except that Mount, Saint(e), Santo, and Santa may be 

abbreviated as Mt., St(e)., Sto., and Sta., respectively. On maps and other illustrations, the 

generic part of a name and also some modifiers may be abbreviated (North, South, East, West, 

Left, Right, Saint, or Sainte), but if space is available, it is always preferable to spell them 

completely.

Numbers appearing in names should be spelled out except in rare cases approved by the U.S. 

Board on Geographic Names. Arabic numerals are number symbols, not words.

Two and Three Quarter Mile Creek

Fortynine Lake

Fourmile Run
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Capitalization

With some exceptions approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, most words 

considered part of a proper geographic name are capitalized, including all adjectives, common 

nouns, and the definite article.

Adams Apple

Alva B. Adams Tunnel

Big Hill

Cuchilla Buena Vista

Los Canos

Old Fundamental Church

Pee Dee Ditch

The Hogback

Dark Hollow Brook Upper Sulphur Creek

Farm River Gut

Little Captain Island

West Side Pond

Exceptions to the rule of capitalization include articles and prepositions within multiple-word 

names.

Alto de la Cruz Posta de Roque

Cañada de Ojo del Agua Red River of the North

Fond du Lac Rock of Ages

Gap in Knob Scarce of Fat Ridge

Lake of the Ozarks Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes

As noted earlier, when the generic part of a name is purposely omitted, as in “the Potomac,” “the 

Mojave,” and “the Atlantic,” the definite article preceding the specific name is not capitalized. 

Proper names of geographical entities such as regions, political divisions, populated places, 

localities, and physical features are capitalized in both the singular and plural. 

Allegheny Front Half Dome

Andromeda Cone High Plains

Atlantic Coastal Plain Isle of Pines

Bighorn Basin Lower Town Landing

Blue Ridge Monarch Geyser

Catahoula Parish Mount Rainier

Colorado Plateau Niagara Falls

Continental Divide North Slope

Dennison Township Pine Ridge Reservation

Eastern Shore The Chute

Front Range Tidal Basin

Great Lakes 
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Qualifying words used in a general sense for parts of named areas are not capitalized. Care 

should be taken to prevent misunderstanding; for example, “western Virginia” or “the western 

part of Virginia” is preferable to “west Virginia.” In borderline cases, however, local residents 

and news media may consistently use a qualifying word to modify the meaning of an existing 

geographic name in order to refer to a part of a State or other area. The modifying word then 

may become part of the proper name, to be uniformly capitalized with the remainder of the 

name.

East Tennessee Northern Virginia

Greater New York (city) South Pacific (Ocean)

New England Southern California 

North Atlantic (Ocean) Upstate New York
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Appendix A—Executive Order 28

As it is desirable that uniform usage in regard to geographic nomenclature and orthography 

obtain throughout the Executive Departments of the Government, and particularly upon the maps 

and charts issued by the various Departments and bureaus, I hereby constitute a Board on 

Geographic Names and designate the following persons, who have heretofore co-operated for a 

similar purpose under the authority of the several Departments, bureaus, and institutions with 

which they are connected, as members of the said Board:

Prof. Thomas C. Mendenhall, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, chairman.

Andrew H. Allen, Department of State.

Capt. Henry L. Howison, Light-House Board, Treasury Department.

Capt. Thomas Turtle, Engineer Corps, War Department. 

Lieut. Richardson Clover, Hydrographic Office, Navy Department.

Pierson H. Bristow, Post-Office Department.

Otis T. Mason, Smithsonian Institution.

Herbert G. Ogden, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Henry Gannett, United States Geological Survey.

Marcus Baker, United States Geological Survey.

To this Board shall be referred all unsettled questions concerning geographic names which arise 

in the Departments, and the decisions of the Board are to be accepted by these Departments as 

the standard authority in such matters.

Department officers are instructed to afford such assistance as may be proper to carry on the 

work of this Board.

The members of this Board shall serve without additional compensation, and its organization 

shall entail no expense on the Government.

Benj. Harrison

Executive Mansion

September 4, 1890
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Appendix B—Public Law 80−242 and as Currently Codified

[Public Law 242—80th Congress]

[Chapter 330—1st Session]

[S. 1262]

AN ACT

To provide a central authority for standardizing geographic names for the purpose of eliminating 

duplication in standardizing names among the Federal departments, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress 

assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior, hereinafter called the Secretary, conjointly with the 

Board on Geographic Names, as hereinafter provided, shall provide for uniformity in geographic 

nomenclature and orthography throughout the Federal Government. The Secretary may exercise his 

functions through such officials as he may designate, except that such authority as relates to the final 

approval or review of actions of the Board on Geographic Names shall be exercised by him, or his 

Under or Assistant Secretaries.

Sec. 2. There is hereby established a Board on Geographic Names, hereinafter called the Board. The 

membership of the Board shall include one representative from each of the Departments of State, 

War, Navy, Post Office, Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, and from the Government Printing

Office, and the Library of Congress. The Board may also include representatives from such Federal 

agencies as the Secretary, upon recommendation of the Board, shall from time to time find desirable, 

even though these agencies are in the departments otherwise represented on the Board. The members 

of the Board shall be appointed by the respective heads of the departments or independent agencies 

that they represent. Each member shall be appointed for a two-year term but may be reappointed to 

successive terms. The members of the Board shall serve without additional compensation. The 

Board shall nominate a Chairman to be appointed by the Secretary, and shall establish such working 

committees as are found desirable.

Sec. 3. The Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary, shall formulate principles, policies, and 

procedures to be followed with reference to both domestic and foreign geographic names; and shall 

decide the standard names and their orthography for official use. The principles, policies, and 

procedures formulated hereunder shall be designed to serve the interests of the Federal Government 

and the general public, to enlist the effective cooperation of the Federal departments and agencies 

most concerned, and to give full consideration to the specific interests of particular Federal and State 

agencies. Action may be taken by the Secretary in any matter wherein the Board does not act within 

a reasonable time. The Board may make such recommendations to the Secretary as it finds 

appropriate in connection with this Act.

Sec. 4. The Secretary shall cause such studies and investigations to be made and such records to be 

kept as may be necessary or desirable in carrying out the purposes of this Act, and he shall provide 

a place of meeting and staff assistance to the Board. The staff shall be responsible to the Secretary, 
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who shall prescribe its relations to the Board and the committees of the Board. The Secretary may 

establish from time to time, upon recommendation of the Board, advisory committees of United 

States citizens who are recognized experts in their respective fields to assist in the solution of special 

problems arising under this Act.

Sec. 5. For the guidance of the Federal Government, the Secretary shall promulgate in the name of 

the Board, from time to time and in such form as will carry out the purposes of this Act, decisions 

with respect to geographic names and principles of geographic nomenclature and orthography. The 

Secretary shall also furnish such additional information with respect to geographic names as will 

assist in carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Sec. 6. With respect to geographic names the pertinent decisions and principles issued by the 

Secretary shall be standard for all material published by the Federal Government. The United States 

Board on Geographic Names in the Department of the Interior created by Executive order, is hereby 

abolished, and the duties of said Board are transferred to the Board herein created, and all 

departments, bureaus, and agencies of the Federal Government shall refer all geographic names and 

problems to the said Board for the purpose of eliminating duplication of work, personnel, and 

authority.

Sec. 7. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as applying to the naming of the offices or 

establishments of any Federal agency.

Sec. 8. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 

the purposes of this Act.

Approved July 25, 1947.
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UNITED STATES CODE

TITLE 43—PUBLIC LANDS

Chapter 11A—Board on Geographic Names

§ 364. Uniformity in geographic nomenclature and orthography; exercise of functions of 

Secretary of the Interior

The Secretary of the Interior, hereinafter called the Secretary, conjointly with the Board on 

Geographic Names, as hereinafter provided, shall provide for uniformity in geographic 

nomenclature and orthography throughout the Federal Government. The Secretary may exercise 

his functions through such officials as he may designate, except that such authority as relates to 

the final approval or review of actions of the Board on Geographic Names shall be exercised by 

him, or his Under or Assistant Secretaries.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 1, 61 Stat. 456.)

§ 364a. Board on Geographic Names; establishment and membership; appointment and 

term of office

There is established a Board on Geographic Names, hereinafter called the Board. The 

membership of the Board shall include one representative from each of the Departments of State, 

Defense, Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, and from the Government Printing Office, the 

United States Postal Service, and the Library of Congress. The Board may also include 

representatives from such Federal agencies as the Secretary, upon recommendation of the Board, 

shall from time to time find desirable, even though these agencies are in the departments otherwise 

represented on the Board. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the respective heads of 

the departments or independent agencies that they represent. Each member shall be appointed for 

a two-year term but may be reappointed to successive terms. The members of the Board shall 

serve without additional compensation. The Board shall nominate a Chairman to be appointed by 

the Secretary, and shall establish such working committees as are found desirable.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 2, 61 Stat. 456; Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, § 4, 63 Stat. 579; Pub. L. 

91−375, §§ 4(a), 6(o), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 773, 783.)
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§ 364b. Formulation of principles, policies and procedures; action by Secretary; 

recommendations of Board

The Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary, shall formulate principles, policies, and 

procedures to be followed with reference to both domestic and foreign geographic names; and shall 

decide the standard names and their orthography for official use. The principles, policies, and 

procedures formulated hereunder shall be designed to serve the interests of the Federal 

Government and the general public, to enlist the effective cooperation of the Federal departments 

and agencies most concerned, and to give full consideration to the specific interests of particular 

Federal and State agencies. Action may be taken by the Secretary in any matter wherein the Board 

does not act within a reasonable time. The Board may make such recommendations to the 

Secretary as it finds appropriate in connection with this chapter.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 3, 61 Stat. 456.) 

§ 364c. Studies, investigations, and records; staff assistance; advisory committees

The Secretary shall cause such studies and investigations to be made and such records to be 

kept as may be necessary or desirable in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, and he shall 

provide a place of meeting and staff assistance to the Board. The staff shall be responsible to the 

Secretary, who shall prescribe its relations to the Board and the committees of the Board. The 

Secretary may establish from time to time, upon recommendation of the Board, advisory 

committees of United States citizens who are recognized experts in their respective fields to assist 

in the solution of special problems arising under this chapter.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 4, 61 Stat. 456.)

§ 364d. Promulgation of decisions; furnishing information

For the guidance of the Federal Government, the Secretary shall promulgate in the name of the 

Board, from time to time and in such form as will carry out the purposes of this chapter, decisions 

with respect to geographic names and principles of geographic nomenclature and orthography. 

The Secretary shall also furnish such additional information with respect to geographic names as 

will assist in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 5, 61 Stat. 457.)
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§ 364e. Standardization of geographic names; abolition of United States Board on 

Geographical Names in Department of the Interior; transfer of duties

With respect to geographic names the pertinent decisions and principles issued by the Secretary 

shall be standard for all material published by the Federal Government. The United States Board 

on Geographical Names in the Department of the Interior created by Executive order, is hereby 

abolished, and the duties of said Board are transferred to the Board herein created, and all 

departments, bureaus, and agencies of the Federal Government shall refer all geographic names 

and problems to the said Board for the purpose of eliminating duplication of work, personnel, and 

authority.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 6, 61 Stat. 457.)

§ 364f. Application to naming of offices or establishments

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as applying to the naming of the offices or 

establishments of any Federal agency.

(July 25, 1947, ch. 330, § 7, 61 Stat. 457.)
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Appendix C—Treatment of Names of Geographical Features Shared 

by the United States and Canada

1. Coordination in the Naming of Trans-Boundary Features

1.1 Mutual Benefit

WHEREAS: the coordination in the naming of geographic entities on or across the United StatesCanada boundary is of mutual benefit to the names authorities in both countries, and to mapping 

and surveying agencies; and

1.2 Different Names and Different Spellings

WHEREAS: the historical development of the United States and Canada has resulted in several 

different names or different spellings of the same names for geographic features along their mutual 

border; it is

1.3 Preservation of Cultural Heritages and Histories

Recommended: that, the different names, and different spellings of the same names, be respected 

by the appropriate names authorities in each country, in cases where such variances reflect 

differences in the cultural heritages and historical perspectives of the two countries.

1.4 One Feature - One Name

WHEREAS: it is practical, where culturally acceptable, for a single official name (specific and 

generic) to be considered for approval by the United States and Canadian names authorities (state, 

Federal, provincial, where appropriate) for the same feature; it is

1.5 Mutual Effort in the Treatment of Names

Recommended: that similar and effective policies and procedures for handling names of 

transboundary physical geographic features be established in both countries; and it is

1.6 Cooperative Action

Recommended: that, where a name is proposed for a feature that is unnamed on both sides of the 

boundary, that name must be submitted to and considered for approval by the appropriate names 

authorities; if local usage supports the proposal, official approval of the same name may proceed 

in both countries.
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1.7 Established Name on One Side of the Boundary

Recommended: that, where a geographic feature has an official name on one side of the boundary 

only, the appropriate names authorities in the other country should consider approval of the same 

name, provided it is supported by local usage.

1.8 Joint Approval of Names, with Unofficial Use on One Side of the Boundary

Recommended: that, where a geographic feature has a name in current but unofficial use on one 

side of the boundary, the appropriate names authorities in both countries should consider that name 

for approval, after local consultation on both sides of the boundary.

1.9 Multiple Names for a Single Feature

Recommended: that, where a geographic feature has a different name in current, but not yet 

official, use on each side of the boundary, and the appropriate names authorities are unable to agree 

on a single name, the appropriate authority in each country either (a) may make its own name 

official, or (b) may decide not to make any name official at that time.

2. Name Changing

2.1 Name Change Policy

WHEREAS: it is highly desirable to retain established official names; it is Recommended: that, 

for purpose of conformance to strong local usage or citizen preference, or on special request with 

strong specific reasons, or mutual standardization, with local agreement a change of an official 

name may be considered by the appropriate names authorities in both countries.

3. Generic and Feature Class Terminology

3.1 Mutual Understanding

WHEREAS: it is desirable for the mutual understanding of geographic terminology in use in each 

country, and for the facilitation of information exchange, to identify classes of named features, and 

to have available documentation explaining generic terms and feature classes; it is

3.2 Exchange of Documentation on Terminology

Recommended: that the appropriate names authorities in each country prepare and exchange 

documentation on terminology and generic terms used in their geographic names; and it is
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3.3 Automated Geographic Names Databases

Recommended: that automated geographic names databases developed by names authorities in 

each country include appropriate information on generic terms and feature classes, for the purpose 

of data exchange.

4. Implementation

4.1 Agreement on Principles

WHEREAS: representatives from the United States and Canadian names authorities have reached 

agreement on a number of principles for handling boundary name problems; and

4.2 Agreement on Procedures

WHEREAS: procedures as set out in Appendix A (not included in this publication) are required to 

implement the principles, it is

4.3 Adoption

Recommended: that actions be undertaken to carry out the recommendations.

Approved by:

U.S. Board on Geographic Names 

August 30, 1989

Approved by:

Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographic Names

August 11, 1989

Approved by:

U.S. Secretary of the Interior

November 10, 1989
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Appendix D—Terms and Definitions

Administrative name

Refers to geographic features under the administrative control of a local, State, Federal, or Tribal 

entity. Also referred to as “cultural” or “man-made” features. These names are generally not 

under the purview of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, although the BGN is responsible for 

promulgating them for Federal use. The BGN will not render decisions on administrative names 

unless specifically asked to do so. Feature classes which fall under the administrative category 

are: 

Airport Civil Levee Populated Place* Trail

Bridge Crossing Locale Post Office Tunnel

Building Dam Mine Reserve

Cemetery Forest Oilfield School

Census Hospital Park Tower

* Applies only to incorporated Populated Places

Features grouped under the broad classification of Locale include: Battlefield, Camp or 

Campground, Crossroads, Farm, Landing, Railroad Siding, Ranch, Recreation Site, Ruins, Site, 

Station, and Windmill.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)

A 7-bit character code where every bit represents a unique character. The extended ASCII table 

is found at http://www.ascii-code.com/.

associative name

A feature name derived from, i.e., associated with, that of another nearby feature, e.g., Lakewood 

Gulch is named in association with the community of Lakewood. 

bylaws

The rules of governance, e.g., structure and voting procedures, of the BGN. The bylaws can be 

found at https://geonames.usgs.gov/docs/BGN_Bylaws_Approved_2015_FINAL.pdf.

character set

Any character, diacritic, number, or punctuation mark referenced in Appendix G.

civil division

A legally defined place, such as cities, towns, townships, boroughs, villages, and plantations (in 

Maine); districts, precincts, and similar legal entities established as administrative subdivisions 

of larger units; wards of cities; and municipios, barrios, and similar entities in Puerto Rico and 
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the outlying areas. These entities are created under State law, which typically prescribes 

procedures for establishing their names. 

commemorative names

Names that recognize individuals or families who have made a significant contribution to a 

specific geographic area or feature, or who are nationally or internationally known for their 

contributions to the physical or cultural landscape, or have historical significance. 

counterproposal

An application to the Domestic Names Committee to submit an alternative name to a proposed 

name, where the proposed name has not yet been acted upon. See also proposal.

decision

Result of an act by which a domestic geographic name or its application is made official by the 

BGN’s Domestic Names Committee. The BGN Decision Year is noted in the GNIS record.

description

Information provided for each domestic geographic name decision that describes the nature and 

location of the named geographic entity, and in some cases, the origin or meaning of the name.

designee of a Tribal official

A person officially designated by the Tribal official to represent the Tribe on a specific matter in 

the absence of the Tribal official. See also Tribal official.

diacritic or diacritical mark

A mark added to a letter, typically to show pronunciation or to stress a letter. 

docket

A compilation of proposals presented to the Domestic Names Committee for discussion and a 

decision at its monthly meeting.

domestic geographic name

A name applied to a geographic feature within the United States of America or its territories.

Domestic Geographic Name Report (DGNR) or Domestic Geographic Name Proposal (DGNP)

The form used to annotate and submit new name proposals; name and spelling changes; and 

controversial name issues to the BGN for resolution. 

Domestic Names Committee

Consists of members and deputies representing the Departments of the Interior, Commerce,

Agriculture, Defense, and Homeland Security, as well as the United States Postal Service, 

Government Publishing Office, and Library of Congress. The DNC meets monthly to decide 

toponymic issues.
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established usage

A geographic name that has appeared consistently in written usage and/or has been expressed 

consistently in verbal usage, and that is supported by historical and/or current written materials 

and/or in folklore.

feature class

A designation for a group of features in a broadly defined descriptive category. All geographic 

features are assigned to one and only one class, and are chosen for efficient data search and 

retrieval purposes. These categories do not individually identify all kinds of cultural and natural 

features. They largely agree with dictionary definitions, but represent more generalized 

categories. They are defined for the purposes of the Geographic Names Information System and 

have no status as standards.

Feature Identification Number (FID)

A unique, permanent, feature identifier; a system-generated number that is never changed and 

never reassigned. It is the primary key for relating geographic features within the Geographic 

Names Information System and The National Map, and with other databases. The FID is an 

American National Standards Institute standard (ANSI INCITS 446−2008).

Federal publication

Includes maps, books, reports, and other written communications—either conventional or 

electronic—prepared, commissioned, or sanctioned by the Federal Government. See 43 U.S.C. 

364e (Appendix B).

gazetteer

A geographical dictionary or directory, a reference for information about places and placenames, 

typically used in conjunction with a map or a full atlas. Contains information concerning the 

geographic names of physical and administrative features, including the feature type, location, 

size, and sometimes historical or descriptive information concerning the feature’s name. 

generic term

That part of a geographic name that refers to kind or type of feature. For example, Big Lake

where “Lake” is the generic part of the name. See also specific term.

geographic feature

Any relatively permanent part of the natural or man-made landscape or seascape that has 

recognizable identity within a particular cultural context.
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geographic name

A name applied to a geographic feature. The proper name, specific term, or expression by which 

a particular geographic feature is, or was, known. May refer to any place, feature, or area on the 

earth’s surface. 

Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)

The system composed of data bases, software, programs, and procedures that include geographic 

names and associated locative information. 

guideline

Information provided to assist in understanding a principle, policy, or procedure.

historical

If a feature no longer exists and/or no longer serves the function by which it was named, the 

feature and name are rendered historical in the Geographic Names Information System.

historical usage

A geographic name given and used during the early history of a place or feature; the name may 

be either obsolete or in current use.

Indian Tribe

See Tribe.

legal usage

A geographic name that appears in a document generated as part of a legal procedure established 

by a government body; the document may either (1) establish the name, or (2) apply it 

incidentally in order to identify or locate an area, site, or feature important to the principal 

purpose of the document. This category includes “legislated usage” (q.v.), which because of its 

importance to the naming process is given special recognition.

legislated usage

A geographic name established by a legislative body—Federal, Tribal, State, or local.

local usage

A geographic name commonly and currently used for a geographic feature, in spoken and/or 

written form, by persons having frequent enough contact with the feature to use the name on a 

regular basis.

National Map

A collaborative effort of the U.S. Geological Survey and other Federal, Tribal, State, and local 

agencies to improve and deliver topographic information for the United States.
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nonrecorded name

A noncontroversial name that is not currently in the Geographic Names Information System 

(GNIS) but appears on a published source determined to be acceptable by the BGN staff and as 

such may be added to GNIS without formal BGN review.

official name

A geographic name, and its written form and application, approved or recognized as official by 

the BGN for use by Federal agencies and their contractors. Established either by BGN policy or 

by BGN decision, by specific act of Congress, Executive order, Treaty, or Federal proclamation.

orthography

The conventional spelling system of a language; the study of spelling and how letters combine to 

represent sounds and form words.

placename or place name

Same as geographic name.

policy

A general or specific statement, in writing, as to the process through which BGN decisions are 

made, actions are accomplished, or results are achieved.

principle

A fundamental doctrine that applies to all toponymic conditions; used to guide and determine 

present and future BGN decisions.

procedure

A set of instructions that outline steps for submitting a new name, a name or spelling change, or 

an application change to the BGN.

proponent

Individual or group who advocates a new name, or a name, spelling, and/or application change,

to the BGN.

proposal

An application to the Domestic Names Committee to name an unnamed geographic feature or to 

change the name, spelling, and/or application of an official name. See also counterproposal.

quarterly review list or review list

A compilation of all proposals submitted to the Domestic Names Committee during the 

preceding quarter. Upon completion, the Quarterly Review List is posted to the BGN’s website.

revised decision

Result of an action by the BGN to revise the name or location of a previous decision.
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specific term

That part of a geographic name that refers to the given name of the feature. For example, Big 

Lake or Lake O’ the Woods where “Big” and “O’ the Woods” are the given names for the 

features respectively. See also generic term.

spoken usage

A name used by people when referring to a place, feature, or area in their own language as 

commonly spoken.

State Names Authority

A legislated or informally established board or committee, or other interested individual, having 

the responsibility for reviewing geographic name proposals submitted to them, whether directly 

by the proponent or by the BGN. The State Names Authority solicits input from State agencies, 

local governments, and the general public, and provides a recommendation on behalf of the State 

to the BGN.

territorial sea

An offshore area of sovereignty that extends 12 nautical miles from the U.S. coast.

toponymy or toponymic

The study of, or a reference to, geographic names.

transcription

The conversion of a representation of language into another representation of language.

translation

The conversion from one language to another language.

transliteration

The practice of converting a text from one writing system into another in a systematic fashion.

Tribal lands

Defined as Tribal Trust Lands.

Tribal official

The highest-ranking individual that represents Tribal leadership, such as the Chief, President, 

Governor, or Tribal Council leadership of an Indian Tribe. See also designee of a Tribal official.

Tribe

An Indian Tribe that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe 

pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a−1).
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Unicode Standard

A character coding system designed to support the worldwide interchange, processing, and 

display of the written texts of the diverse languages and technical disciplines of the modern 

world. The Standard is maintained by the Unicode Consortium, whose website provides a 

wealth of specifics about its development and implementation. The Unicode Standard can be 

found on The Unicode Consortium website at http://www.unicode.org/.

unnamed feature

A geographic feature that is not known to have a verbal or written name, according to sources 

and material available to the DNC staff.

unofficial name

A geographic name not formally recognized as official by the BGN. Typically applies to names 

made official by a State or other non-Federal agency that for one or more reasons does not 

satisfy Federal naming policies.

usage

Refers to various uses of a geographic name considered factors in a BGN decision, such as 

established usage, historical usage, legal usage, legislated usage, local usage, spoken usage, and 

written usage.

vacated decision

Result of an action of the BGN to annul a previous decision, such as when the named feature no 

longer exists, when it can no longer be identified, or when the type of feature is no longer under 

BGN purview.

variant name

Any current or historical name or spelling for a geographic feature other than its official name. 

May also include published typographical errors.

writing mark

A punctuation mark or system of symbols used to separate sentences and parts of sentences, and 

to make their meaning clear.

written usage

A geographic name in handwritten or printed form; for example, handwritten letters, diaries, and 

logs or names printed in newspapers or on maps or recorded in digital records.
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Appendix E—Acronyms Found in Text or in BGN Proposals

ACAN—Advisory Committee on Antarctic 

Names

ACUF—Advisory Committee on Undersea 

Features

ASCII—American Standard Code for 

Information Interchange

BGN—Board on Geographic Names

BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs

BLM—Bureau of Land Management

BOEM—Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

C&GS—Coast and Geodetic Survey

COGNA—Council of Geographic Names 

Authorities

DGNP—Domestic Geographic Name Proposal

DGNR—Domestic Geographic Name Report

DHS—Department of Homeland Security

DNC—Domestic Names Committee

DOC—Department of Commerce

DoD—Department of Defense

DOI—Department of the Interior

DOIU—Department of the Interior 

University

DOS—Department of State

EPA—Environmental Protection Agency

FEMA—Federal Emergency Management 

Agency

FGDC—Federal Geographic Data Committee

FID—Feature Identification Number

FNC—Foreign Names Committee

F&WS—U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

GNBC—Geographical Names Board of Canada

GNIS—Geographic Names Information System

GNS—GEOnet Names Server

GPO—Government Publishing Office

LC—Library of Congress

NGA—National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

NGP—National Geospatial Program

NHD—National Hydrography Dataset

NOAA—National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration

NOS—National Ocean Service

NPS—National Park Service

OMB—Office of Management and Budget

PAIGH—Pan-American Institute of Geography 

and History

PCGN—Permanent Committee on Geographical

Names for British Official Use

SHPO—State Historic Preservation Office

SNA—State Names Authority

THPO—Tribal Historic Preservation Office

UNGEGN—United Nations Group of Experts 

on Geographical Names

USACE—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USBGN—U.S. Board on Geographic Names

USCB—U.S. Census Bureau

USCG—U.S. Coast Guard

USDA—U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFS—U.S. Forest Service

USGS—U.S. Geological Survey

USPS—U.S. Postal Service

WBD—Watershed Boundaries Dataset
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Appendix F—Executive Order 13175 Consultation and Coordination 

With Indian Tribal Governments

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States 

of America, and in order to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with 

tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications, to strengthen

the United States government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and to reduce the 

imposition of unfunded mandates upon Indian tribes; it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this order:

(a) ‘‘Policies that have tribal implications’’ refers to regulations, legislative comments or 

proposed legislation, and other policy statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on 

one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, 

or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian 

tribes.

(b) ‘‘Indian tribe’’ means an Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or 

community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe pursuant to 

the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. 479a.

(c) ‘‘Agency’’ means any authority of the United States that is an ‘‘agency’’ under 44 U.S.C. 

3502(1), other than those considered to be independent regulatory agencies, as defined in 44 

U.S.C. 3502(5).

(d) ‘‘Tribal officials’’ means elected or duly appointed officials of Indian tribal governments 

or authorized intertribal organizations.

Sec. 2. Fundamental Principles. In formulating or implementing policies that have tribal 

implications, agencies shall be guided by the following fundamental principles:

(a) The United States has a unique legal relationship with Indian tribal governments as set 

forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, Executive Orders, and court 

decisions. Since the formation of the Union, the United States has recognized Indian tribes as 

domestic dependent nations under its protection. The Federal Government has enacted 

numerous statutes and promulgated numerous regulations that establish and define a trust 

relationship with Indian tribes.

(b) Our Nation, under the law of the United States, in accordance with treaties, statutes, 

Executive Orders, and judicial decisions, has recognized the right of Indian tribes to selfgovernment. As domestic dependent nations, Indian tribes exercise inherent sovereign powers 
APPENDIX F

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over their members and territory. The United States continues to work with Indian tribes on a

government-to-government basis to address issues concerning Indian tribal self-government, 

tribal trust resources, and Indian tribal treaty and other rights.

(c) The United States recognizes the right of Indian tribes to self-government and supports 

tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Sec. 3. Policymaking Criteria. In addition to adhering to the fundamental principles set forth in 

section 2, agencies shall adhere, to the extent permitted by law, to the following criteria when 

formulating and implementing policies that have tribal implications:

(a) Agencies shall respect Indian tribal self-government and sovereignty, honor tribal treaty 

and other rights, and strive to meet the responsibilities that arise from the unique legal 

relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribal governments.

(b) With respect to Federal statutes and regulations administered by Indian tribal 

governments, the Federal Government shall grant Indian tribal governments the maximum 

administrative discretion possible.

(c) When undertaking to formulate and implement policies that have tribal implications, 

agencies shall:

(1) encourage Indian tribes to develop their own policies to achieve program objectives;

(2) where possible, defer to Indian tribes to establish standards; and

(3) in determining whether to establish Federal standards, consult with tribal officials as to the 

need for Federal standards and any alternatives that would limit the scope of Federal standards or 

otherwise preserve the prerogatives and authority of Indian tribes.

Sec. 4. Special Requirements for Legislative Proposals. Agencies shall not submit to the 

Congress legislation that would be inconsistent with the policymaking criteria in Section 3.

Sec. 5. Consultation. 

(a) Each agency shall have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by 

tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications. Within 30 

days after the effective date of this order, the head of each agency shall designate an official with 

principal responsibility for the agency’s implementation of this order. Within 60 days of the 

effective date of this order, the designated official shall submit to the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) a description of the agency’s consultation process.
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(b) To the extent practicable and permitted by law, no agency shall promulgate any regulation 

that has tribal implications, that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal 

governments, and that is not required by statute, unless:

(1) funds necessary to pay the direct costs incurred by the Indian tribal government or the 

tribe in complying with the regulation are provided by the Federal Government; or

(2) the agency, prior to the formal promulgation of the regulation,

(A) consulted with tribal officials early in the process of developing the proposed regulation;

(B) in a separately identified portion of the preamble to the regulation as it is to be issued in the 

Federal Register, provides to the Director of OMB a tribal summary impact statement, which 

consists of a description of the extent of the agency’s prior consultation with tribal officials, a 

summary of the nature of their concerns and the agency’s position supporting the need to issue 

the regulation, and a statement of the extent to which the concerns of tribal officials have been 

met; and

(C) makes available to the Director of OMB any written communications submitted to the 

agency by tribal officials.

(c) To the extent practicable and permitted by law, no agency shall promulgate any regulation 

that has tribal implications and that preempts tribal law unless the agency, prior to the formal 

promulgation of the regulation,

(1) consulted with tribal officials early in the process of developing the proposed regulation;

(2) in a separately identified portion of the preamble to the regulation as it is to be issued in 

the Federal Register, provides to the Director of OMB a tribal summary impact statement, 

which consists of a description of the extent of the agency’s prior consultation with tribal 

officials, a summary of the nature of their concerns and the agency’s position supporting the

need to issue the regulation, and a statement of the extent to which the concerns of tribal officials 

have been met; and

(3) makes available to the Director of OMB any written communications submitted to the 

agency by tribal officials.

(d) On issues relating to tribal self-government, tribal trust resources, or Indian tribal treaty 

and other rights, each agency should explore and, where appropriate, use consensual mechanisms 

for developing regulations, including negotiated rulemaking.
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Sec. 6. Increasing Flexibility for Indian Tribal Waivers.

(a) Agencies shall review the processes under which Indian tribes apply for waivers of 

statutory and regulatory requirements and take appropriate steps to streamline those processes.

(b) Each agency shall, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, consider any application 

by an Indian tribe for a waiver of statutory or regulatory requirements in connection with any 

program administered by the agency with a general view toward increasing opportunities for 

utilizing flexible policy approaches at the Indian tribal level in cases in which the proposed 

waiver is consistent with the applicable Federal policy objectives and is otherwise appropriate.

(c) Each agency shall, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, render a decision upon a 

complete application for a waiver within 120 days of receipt of such application by the agency, 

or as otherwise provided by law or regulation. If the application for waiver is not granted, the 

agency shall provide the applicant with timely written notice of the decision and the reasons 

therefor.

(d) This section applies only to statutory or regulatory requirements that are discretionary and 

subject to waiver by the agency.

Sec. 7. Accountability.

(a) In transmitting any draft final regulation that has tribal implications to OMB pursuant to 

Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, each agency shall include a certification from the 

official designated to ensure compliance with this order stating that the requirements of this order 

have been met in a meaningful and timely manner.

(b) In transmitting proposed legislation that has tribal implications to OMB, each agency shall 

include a certification from the official designated to ensure compliance with this order that all 

relevant requirements of this order have been met.

(c) Within 180 days after the effective date of this order the Director of OMB and the 

Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs shall confer with tribal officials to 

ensure that this order is being properly and effectively implemented.

Sec. 8. Independent Agencies. Independent regulatory agencies are encouraged to comply with 

the provisions of this order.

Sec. 9. General Provisions. 

(a) This order shall supplement but not supersede the requirements contained in Executive 

Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform), 

OMB Circular A–19, and the Executive Memorandum of April 29, 1994, on Government-toGovernment Relations with Native American Tribal Governments.
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(b) This order shall complement the consultation and waiver provisions in sections 6 and 7 of 

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism).

(c) Executive Order 13084 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) 

is revoked at the time this order takes effect.

(d) This order shall be effective 60 days after the date of this order.

Sec. 10. Judicial Review. This order is intended only to improve the internal management of the 

executive branch, and is not intended to create any right, benefit, or trust responsibility, 

substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its agencies, or 

any person.

William J. Clinton

THE WHITE HOUSE,

November 6, 2000.
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Appendix G—Characters Approved for Use in Geographic Name 

Proposals

As a nation of immigrants, United States geographic names draw on the linguistic heritage of its 

ancestors’ countries of origin. Although English is the first language for the vast majority of 

America’s citizens, many of America’s placenames stem from non-English languages. In some 

cases these placenames have been anglicized.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) Domestic Names Committee (DNC) will accept 

geographic names that incorporate any character found in the Unicode Standard1 from federally 

recognized Tribes for geographic features that are wholly on Tribal lands. All other proposals 

must adhere to the following superset of the extended ASCII table2 found in Appendix G. 

Appendix G may be updated between printings of the Principles, Policies, and Procedures. 

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names will only accept proposals that adhere to the superset of 

the extended ASCII table2 found in this appendix. 

BASIC LETTERS & NUMBERS 

Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

0 Digit zero 30 U+0030

1 Digit one 31 U+0031

2 Digit two 32 U+0032

3 Digit three 33 U+0033

4 Digit four 34 U+0034

5 Digit five 35 U+0035

6 Digit six 36 U+0036

7 Digit seven 37 U+0037

8 Digit eight 38 U+0038

9 Digit nine 39 U+0039

A Latin capital letter A 41 U+0041

B Latin capital letter B 42 U+0042

C Latin capital letter C 43 U+0043

 

1 The Unicode Standard is a character coding system designed to support the worldwide interchange, processing, 

and display of the written texts of the diverse languages and technical disciplines of the modern world. The Standard 

is maintained by The Unicode Consortium, whose website provides a wealth of specifics about its development and 

implementation at its website at http://www.unicode.org/.

2 ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a 7-bit character code where every bit 

represents a unique character. The extended ASCII table is found at http://www.ascii-code.com/.
APPENDIX G

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Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

D Latin capital letter D 44 U+0044

E Latin capital letter E 45 U+0045

F Latin capital letter F 46 U+0046

G Latin capital letter G 47 U+0047

H Latin capital letter H 48 U+0048

I Latin capital letter I 49 U+0049

J Latin capital letter J 4A U+004A

K Latin capital letter K 4B U+004B

L Latin capital letter L 4C U+004C

M Latin capital letter M 4D U+004D

N Latin capital letter N 4E U+004E

O Latin capital letter O 4F U+004F

P Latin capital letter P 50 U+0050

Q Latin capital letter Q 51 U+0051

R Latin capital letter R 52 U+0052

S Latin capital letter S 53 U+0053

T Latin capital letter T 54 U+0054

U Latin capital letter U 55 U+0055

V Latin capital letter V 56 U+0056

W Latin capital letter W 57 U+0057

X Latin capital letter X 58 U+0058

Y Latin capital letter Y 59 U+0059

Z Latin capital letter Z 5A U+005A

a Latin small letter a 61 U+0061

b Latin small letter b 62 U+0062

c Latin small letter c 63 U+0063

d Latin small letter d 64 U+0064

e Latin small letter e 65 U+0065

f Latin small letter f 66 U+0066

g Latin small letter g 67 U+0067

h Latin small letter h 68 U+0068

i Latin small letter i 69 U+0069

j Latin small letter j 6A U+006A

k Latin small letter k 6B U+006B

l Latin small letter l 6C U+006C

m Latin small letter m 6D U+006D

n Latin small letter n 6E U+006E

o Latin small letter o 6F U+006F

p Latin small letter p 70 U+0070

q Latin small letter q 71 U+0071

r Latin small letter r 72 U+0072

s Latin small letter s 73 U+0073

t Latin small letter t 74 U+0074
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Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

u Latin small letter u 75 U+0075

v Latin small letter v 76 U+0076

w Latin small letter w 77 U+0077

x Latin small letter x 78 U+0078

y Latin small letter y 79 U+0079

z Latin small letter z 7A U+007A
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SUPPLEMENT LETTERS

Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

À Latin capital letter A with grave U+00C0

Á Latin capital letter A with acute U+00C1

Â Latin capital letter A with 

circumflex U+00C2

Ä Latin capital letter A with diaeresis U+00C4

Å Latin capital letter A with ring 

above U+00C5

Ā Latin capital letter A with macron U+0100

Ą Latin capital letter A with ogonek U+0104

Ç Latin capital letter C with cedilla U+00C7

Ć Latin capital letter C with acute U+0106

Č Latin capital letter C with caron U+010C

È Latin capital letter E with grave U+00C8

É Latin capital letter E with acute U+00C9

Ē Latin capital letter E with macron U+0112

Ĝ Latin capital letter G with 

circumflex U+011C

Ì Latin capital letter I with grave U+00CC

Í Latin capital letter I with acute U+00CD

Î Latin capital letter I with circumflex U+00CE

Ī Latin capital letter I with macron U+012A

Ĩ Latin capital letter I with tilde U+0128

Ł Latin capital letter L with stroke A1 U+0141

Ò Latin capital letter O with grave U+00D2

Ó Latin capital letter O with acute U+00D3

Ö Latin capital letter O with diaeresis U+00D6

Ō Latin capital letter O with macron U+014C

Ø Latin capital letter O with stroke A2 U+00D8

Ř Latin capital letter R with caron U+0158

Š Latin capital letter S with caron U+0160

Ù Latin capital letter U with grave U+00D9

Ú Latin capital letter U with acute U+00DA

Û Latin capital letter U with 

circumflex U+00DB

à Latin small letter a with grave U+00E0

á Latin small letter a with acute U+00E1

â Latin small letter a with circumflex U+00E2

ä Latin small letter a with diaeresis U+00E4

å Latin small letter a with ring above U+00E5

â Latin small letter a with circumflex U+00E2

ā Latin small letter a with macron U+0101

ą Latin small letter a with ogonek U+0105
APPENDIX G

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Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

ç Latin small letter c with cedilla U+00E7

ć Latin small letter c with acute U+0107

č Latin small letter c with caron U+010D

è Latin small letter e with grave U+00E8

é Latin small letter e with acute U+00E9

ê Latin small letter e with circumflex U+00EA

ë Latin small letter e with diaeresis U+00EB

ē Latin small letter e with macron U+0113

ĝ Latin small letter g with circumflex U+011D

ì Latin small letter i with grave U+00EC

í Latin small letter i with acute U+00ED

î Latin small letter i with circumflex U+00EE

ï Latin small letter i with diaeresis U+00EF

ī Latin small letter i with macron U+012B

ĩ Latin small letter i with tilde U+0129

ł Latin small letter l with stroke B1 U+0142

ñ Latin small letter n with tilde U+00F1

ò Latin small letter o with grave U+00F2

ó Latin small letter o with acute U+00F3

ô Latin small letter o with circumflex U+00F4

ö Latin small letter o with diaeresis U+00F6

ō Latin small letter o with macron U+014D

ø Latin small letter o with stroke U+00F8

ř Latin small letter r with caron U+0159

š Latin small letter s with caron U+0161

ù Latin small letter u with grave U+00F9

ú Latin small letter u with acute U+00FA

û Latin small letter u with circumflex U+00FB

ü Latin small letter u with diaeresis U+00FC

ū Latin small letter u with macron U+016B
APPENDIX G

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DIACRITICS

Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

` Combining grave accent E1 U+0300

 ́ Combining acute accent E2 U+0301

 ̋ Combining double acute accent EE U+030B

^ Combining circumflex accent E3 U+0302

~ Combining tilde E4 U+0303

 ̄ Combining macron E5 U+0304

 ̱ Combining macron below U+0331

 ̆ Combining breve E6 U+0306

 ̌ Combining caron E9 U+030C

 ̇ Combining dot above E7 U+0307

 ̣ Combining dot below F2 U+0323

 ̈ Combining diaeresis E8 U+0308

 ̊ Combining ring above EA U+030A

 ̧ Combining cedilla F0 U+0327

PUNCTUATION

Graphic Name Hex code Unicode

" Quotation mark 22 U+0022

' Apostrophe 27 U+0027

‘ Left single quotation mark None U+2018

’ Right single quotation mark None U+2019

ʻ Modifier letter turned comma 

(Okina) U+02BB

( Left parenthesis 28 U+0028

) Right parenthesis 29 U+0029

, Comma 2C U+002C

- Hyphen-minus 2D U+002D

. Full stop 2E U+002E

/ Solidus 2F U+002F
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Appendix H—Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 

(25 U.S.C. 479a–1, 108 Stat. 4791–92)

479a–1. Publication of list of recognized tribes

(a) Publication of list 

The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a list of all Indian tribes which the Secretary 

recognizes to be eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to 

Indians because of their status as Indians. 

(b) Frequency of publication 

The list shall be published within 60 days of November 2, 1994, and annually on or before every 

January 30 thereafter.
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Appendix I—Secretarial Order No. 3317 Amendment 1

ORDER NO. 3317 AMENDMENT 1

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR

WASHINGTON

Subject: Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes

Sec. 1 Purpose. The purpose of this Order is to update, expand, and clarify the Department’s 

policy on consultation with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes; and to acknowledge that 

the provisions for conducting consultation in compliance with Executive Order (E.O.) 13175

(Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) and applicable statutes or 

administrative actions are expressed in the Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation 

with Indian Tribes.

Sec. 2 Background. Based on a renewed commitment to assess its practices and the 

opportunities to enhance consultation with Indian tribes, the Department consulted with tribal 

leaders, engaged Department leadership from across the organization, and convened a working 

group of tribal and Department officials to recommend new approaches to consultation. These 

efforts produced a policy document that guides how the Department engages Indian tribes when 

meeting the Department’s responsibilities to consult Indian tribes and how the Department can 

maximize the benefit of consultation.

Sec. 3 Authority. This Order is issued in accordance with the authority provided by 25 U.S.C. 

sections 2 and 9; and Section 2 of the Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1262), as 

amended.

Sec. 4 Policy.

a. Government-to-government consultation between appropriate Tribal officials and 

the Department requires Departmental officials to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to 

consultation by identifying and involving Tribal representatives in a meaningful way early in the 

planning process.

b. Consultation is a process that aims to create effective collaboration with Indian 

tribes and to inform Federal decision-makers. Consultation is built upon government-togovernment exchange of information and promotes enhanced communication that emphasizes 

trust, respect, and shared responsibility. Communication will be open and transparent without 

compromising the rights of Indian tribes or the government-to-government consultation process.
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c. Bureaus and offices will seek to promote cooperation, participation, and 

efficiencies between agencies with overlapping jurisdictions, special expertise, or related 

responsibilities when a Departmental action with Tribal implications arises. Efficiencies derived 

from the inclusion of Indian tribes in all stages of the tribal consultation will help ensure that 

future Federal action is achievable, comprehensive, long-lasting, and reflective of tribal input.

Sec. 5 Responsibilities.

a. Tribal Governance Officer. A Senior Departmental Official designated by the 

Secretary will serve as the Department’s Tribal Governance Officer and will, in coordination 

with the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs establish and oversee the activities of a Joint Federal 

Tribal Team, as described more fully in Section 9, below.

b. Tribal Liaison Officer. Heads of bureaus and offices will designate at least one 

official to serve as a Tribal Liaison Officer to carry out appropriate duties described in this 

Order.

c. Bureaus and Offices. Within 180 days of the effective date of this Order, bureaus 

and offices will review their existing practices, revise those practices as needed in order to 

comply with this policy, and begin a process to reference practices on tribal consultation in their 

appropriate bureau or office manual.

Sec. 6 Training Plan. Within 180 days of the effective date of this Order, the Office of

Strategic Employee and Organizational Development will develop and present to the Tribal

Governance Officer a plan of action to implement the provisions of this Order, including 

development and delivery of the training.

Sec. 7 Reporting Requirements. Within 180 days of the effective date of this Order, bureaus 

and offices will provide to the Tribal Governance Officer the results of their efforts to promote 

consultation with Indian tribes. Reports shall be submitted annually, thereafter, within 60 days 

of the end of the fiscal year.

Sec. 8 Certification. Heads of bureaus and offices will certify in a written statement that is part 

of the final publication for all regulations under their purview that the regulatory process 

complies with E.O. 13175.

Sec. 9 Establishment of Joint Federal Tribal Team. A Joint Federal Tribal Team (Team) is 

established beginning with the effective date of this Order. The Team will convene a minimum

of two (2) times annually to identify areas and opportunities for improvements in the

Department’s consultation practices.

a. Membership. Within 45 days of the effective date of this order, the Tribal

Governance Officer will recommend to the Secretary a list of members to serve on the Team.

The recommended list of members should represent diversity for the Department and the tribes.

Members will continue to serve on the Team at the discretion of the Secretary.
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b. Annual Work Plan. The Team will develop an annual work plan that identifies 

priorities that will improve the quality of the Department’s consultation practices with Indian 

tribes.

Sec. 10 Establishment of an American Indian and Alaska Native Leaders List. A single

Departmental process shall be established to manage and maintain the contact list for all tribes 

and Alaska Native Corporation Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations that are eligible for 

Federal consultation.

a. Action Plan. In compliance with Departmental consultation policy requirements 

for enhanced communication; the Tribal Governance Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the 

Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service will 

develop a plan of action to establish an electronic database that features an interactive system to 

update and list all appropriate points of contact for Indian tribes and ANCSA corporations that 

are eligible for consultation under Federal law.

b. Inter-Agency Outreach. The Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs will solicit from 

applicable Federal agency heads any proposals to coordinate the use and access to any 

communication lists used for the purpose of Federal compliance with E.O. 13175.

Sec. 11 Effective Date. This Order is effective immediately. It shall remain in effect until its 

provisions are converted to the Departmental Manual, or until it is amended, superseded, or 

revoked, whichever occurs first. In the absence of any of the foregoing actions, the provisions of 

this Order will terminate and become obsolete on December 31, 2013. The termination of this

Order will not nullify the Department’s consultation policy effected herein.

//signed//

Ken Salazar

Secretary of the Interior

Date: December 31, 2012
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Appendix J—Department of the Interior Policy on Consultation with 

Indian Tribes

I. Preamble 

The obligation for Federal agencies to engage with Indian Tribes on a government-togovernment basis is based on the U.S. Constitution and Federal treaties, statutes, executive 

orders, and policies. Federal agencies help to meet that obligation through meaningful 

consultation with Indian Tribes. 

The Department of the Interior (Department) is committed to fulfilling its Tribal consultation 

obligations—whether directed by statute or administrative action such as Executive Order (EO) 

13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) or other applicable 

Secretarial Orders or policies—by adhering to the consultation framework described in this 

Policy. Through this Policy, the Department strives to strengthen its government-to-government 

relationship with Indian Tribes and begin a new era of consultation. This Policy reflects the 

Secretary’s commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes, recognition of Indian Tribes’ right to 

self-governance and Tribal sovereignty. 

The Department’s Bureaus and Offices shall review their existing practices and revise them as 

needed to comply with this Policy. All Bureaus and Offices will report to the Secretary, through 

the designee, on their efforts to comply with this Policy, as described in a companion Secretarial 

Order.

II. Guiding Principles

This Policy broadly defines provisions for enhancing the Department’s consultation processes 

with Indian Tribes. This Policy shall complement, not supersede, any existing laws, rules, 

statutes, or regulations that guide consultation processes with Indian Tribes.

This Policy requires a government-to-government consultation between appropriate Tribal 

Officials and Departmental officials. The appropriate Departmental officials are those 

individuals who are knowledgeable about the matters at hand, are authorized to speak for the

Department, and exercise delegated authority in the disposition and implementation of an agency 

action. Departmental officials will identify appropriate Tribal consulting parties early in the 

planning process and provide Indian Tribes a meaningful opportunity to participate in the 

consultation process as described in Section VII of this Policy. Departmental officials will 

participate in the consultation process in a manner that demonstrates a meaningful commitment 

and ensures continuity in the process. The Policy thus honors the government-to-government 

relationship between the United States and Indian Tribes, and complies with the Presidential 
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Memorandum of November 5, 2009, which affirms this relationship and obligates the 

Department to meet the spirit and intent of EO 13175.

Consultation is a deliberative process that aims to create effective collaboration and informed 

Federal decision-making. Consultation is built upon government-to-government exchange of 

information and promotes enhanced communication that emphasizes trust, respect, and shared 

responsibility. Communication will be open and transparent without compromising the rights of 

Indian Tribes or the government-to-government consultation process. Federal consultation 

conducted in a meaningful and good-faith manner further facilitates effective Department 

operations and governance practices. To that end, Bureaus and Offices will seek and promote 

cooperation, participation, and efficiencies between agencies with overlapping jurisdiction, 

special expertise, or related responsibilities regarding a Departmental Action with Tribal 

Implications. Efficiencies derived from the inclusion of Indian Tribes in the Department’s 

decision-making processes through Tribal consultation will help ensure that future Federal action 

is achievable, comprehensive, long-lasting, and reflective of Tribal input.

III. Definitions

Bureau or Office – As defined in the Department Manual. 

Collaboration – The Department and Indian Tribes working together to implement this Policy. 

Consultation Policies – Those policies established to comply with the procedures described in 

Section VII. 

Departmental Action with Tribal Implications – Any Departmental regulation, rulemaking, 

policy, guidance, legislative proposal, grant funding formula changes, or operational activity that 

may have a substantial direct effect on an Indian Tribe on matters including, but not limited to: 

1. Tribal cultural practices, lands, resources, or access to traditional areas of cultural or religious 

importance on federally managed lands; 

2. The ability of an Indian Tribe to govern or provide services to its members; 

3. An Indian Tribe’s formal relationship with the Department; or 

4. The consideration of the Department’s trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes. 

This, however, does not include matters that are in litigation or in settlement negotiations, or 

matters for which a court order limits the Department’s discretion to engage in consultation.
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Indian Tribe or Tribe – Any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or 

community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe pursuant to 

the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. § 479a. 

Tribal Governance Officer (TGO) – An individual designated by the Department to carry out 

responsibilities defined in this Policy. 

Tribal Liaison Officer (TLO) – One or more individuals designated by a Bureau or Office to 

carry out responsibilities defined in this Policy. 

Tribal Official – An elected or appointed Tribal leader or official designated in writing by an 

Indian Tribe to represent the Tribe in government-to-government consultations. 

IV. Accountability and Reporting 

Methods that ensure accountability and reporting are essential to regular and meaningful 

consultation. The heads of Bureaus and Offices shall include appropriate performance measures 

consistent with this Policy in future annual performance plans of their employees. 

On an annual basis, Bureaus and Offices shall report to the Secretary the results of their efforts to 

promote consultation with Indian Tribes. Reporting is intended to be comprehensive and may 

include, but is not limited to, the scope of consultation efforts, the cost of these efforts, and the 

effectiveness of consultation activities. As part of its annual report, Bureaus and Offices shall 

provide a comprehensive listing of the topics on which consultations were held, training, 

innovations, and the engagement of senior leadership in these efforts. Where possible, such 

reports shall include feedback from Indian Tribes with whom the Bureau or Office has consulted. 

Reports should reference the documents and correspondence with Indian Tribes that address the

Implementation of the Final Federal Action Stage described in Section VII of this Policy, a 

description of budget expenditures in the execution of consultation efforts, narratives describing 

significant consultation efforts, and forthcoming consultation opportunities.

Based on information received from the Bureaus and Offices, the Secretary will provide an 

annual report to Indian Tribes on implementation of the Department’s Consultation Policy. The 

Department will use its website to share report information, where appropriate.

V. Training 

The Department will design training for Department staff aimed at improving the Department’s 

capacity for promoting collaboration with Indian Tribes and executing the consultation 

provisions of Section VII of this Policy. The training will: 

A. Promote consultation, communication, collaboration, and other interaction with Tribes; 

B. Outline and reinforce the Department’s duties concerning tribal interests; 
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C. Describe the legal trust obligation of the Federal-Tribal relationship; and 

D. Highlight and provide the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for collaborative 

engagement to Tribal and Departmental staff engaged in the consultative process with attention 

to the unique distinctions within Indian Country. 

The Department, through the Department of the Interior University (DOIU), in collaboration 

with Bureaus, Offices, Tribal colleges and universities, and other entities with Indian expertise, 

will develop and deliver training to facilitate implementation of this Policy. DOIU will develop 

required core competencies, which Bureaus and Offices may enhance through other appropriate 

sources of Tribal expertise. This training will seek to enhance mutual understanding of cultural 

perspectives and administrative requirements between Tribal and Federal officials and to 

promote inter-governmental relationships. Tribal representatives will be encouraged to 

participate in training along with Federal employees.

VI. Innovative and Effective Consultation Practices 

The Department’s leadership will strive to advance Federal consultation practices and to offer 

examples for innovation across the Administration. The Department will identify and seek to 

address impediments, both external and internal, to improving its consultation processes. In 

consultation with Indian Tribes, the Secretary will establish a joint Federal-Tribal Team for the 

purpose of making recommendations on the implementation of this Policy and for ensuring 

continued improvement of this Policy. The Federal Tribal Team may: 

A. Host regular meetings between the Secretary and Indian Tribes; 

B. Communicate through a regular gathering of Indian Tribes to discuss improving consultation 

practices and procedures; 

C. Solicit recommendations from Indian Tribes for the initial development of performance 

measures described in Section IV, and thereafter for the evaluation of consultation practices. 

VII. Consultation Guidelines 

Consultation guidelines are meant to establish uniform practices and common standards, which 

all Bureaus and Offices will use except when otherwise agreed to in writing by a Bureau or 

Office and Indian Tribe, through an individual protocol conforming to the guidelines in this 

Section. Consultation and individual protocols will provide greater efficiency and transparency 

in Department practices in order to maximize Indian Tribes’ participation. Departmental Actions 

with Tribal Implications that are regional or impact a limited number of Indian Tribes shall be 

carried out in a manner consistent with this Policy while allowing discretion to employ only 

appropriate parts of this Section.
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A. Initiating Consultation. When considering a Departmental Action with Tribal Implications, a 

Bureau or Office must notify the appropriate Indian Tribe(s) of the opportunity to consult 

pursuant to this Policy. The Bureau or Office will strive to ensure that a notice is given at least 

30-days prior to scheduling a consultation. If exceptional circumstances prevent notice within 

30-days of the consultation, an explanation for the abbreviated notification will be provided in 

the invitation letter. An Indian Tribe may request an extension for timelines associated with this 

Policy. 

Adequate notice entails providing a description of the topic(s) to be discussed, a timeline of the 

process, and possible outcomes. Notification of a consultation should include sufficient detail of 

the topic to be discussed to allow Tribal leaders an opportunity to fully engage in the 

consultation. The notice should also give Tribal leaders the opportunity to provide feedback 

prior to the consultation, including any request for technical assistance or request for clarification 

of how the consultation process conforms to this Policy. 

Beginning at the Initial Planning Stage, see Section VII, Part E, Subsection 1, a Bureau or Office 

will consult with Indian Tribes on a Departmental Action with Tribal Implications.

An Indian Tribe may request that the Department initiate consultation when the Indian Tribe 

believes that a Bureau or Office is considering a Departmental Action with Tribal Implications. 

Requests should be made in writing to the Department’s TGO and should describe the specific 

Departmental Action with Tribal Implications. However, in the event that an Indian Tribe may 

choose not to engage the TGO, a Bureau or Office is not relieved of its obligation to engage in 

consultation as described by this Policy. If the Bureau or Office initiates consultation with a 

Tribe but does not receive a response, the Bureau or Office should make reasonable and periodic 

efforts to repeat the invitation and, whenever feasible, should allow an Indian Tribe to join an 

ongoing consultation. These efforts of engagement shall be appropriately documented.

B. Role of Tribal Governance Officer and Tribal Liaison Officer in Consultation Process. 

1. The Secretary shall designate a TGO, who will have access to the Secretary or Deputy 

Secretary, to carry out the responsibilities defined in this Policy. These responsibilities shall 

include: 

a. Monitoring compliance with this Policy, EO 13175, and other Consultation Policies pertaining 

to government-to-government consultation; 

b. Serving as the Secretary’s representative when requested to do so in matters pertaining to 

consultation; 

c. Promoting government-to-government consultation; 

d. Communicating and coordinating with TLOs concerning Bureau and Office compliance with 

this Policy;
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e. Encouraging Indian Tribes to request consultation directly with the appropriate Bureau or 

Office representative or the TLO and helping to ensure the resolution of all requests;

f. Implementing, in coordination with the TLOs, a reporting system to ensure that consultation 

efforts are documented and reported to the Secretary and to the Department’s TGO for EO 

13175; and 

g. Facilitating a government-to-government relationship that is honored by all parties in Tribal 

consultations of national significance or involving multiple Bureaus or Offices. 

2. Each Bureau or Office shall designate one or more TLOs whose responsibilities shall include: 

a. Working with the Bureau or Office to achieve compliance with this Policy, the Consultation 

Policies of the Bureau or Office, and any future policies related to EO 13175 or other 

government-to-government consultation policies; 

b. Promoting and facilitating consultation and collaboration between Indian Tribes and the 

Bureau or Office; 

c. Advocating opportunities for and consideration of the positions of Indian Tribes, consistent 

with Bureau or Office mission; 

d. Serving as the principal point of contact for the TGO concerning compliance with this Policy, 

including the Bureau’s and Office’s reporting requirements; 

e. Striving to enhance a trusting and on-going relationship with Indian Tribes, consistent with 

applicable law and executive orders;

f. Serving as an initial contact for Indian Tribes to request or inquire about consultation when it 

is unclear whom to contact in the Bureau or Office; and

g. Carrying out other responsibilities as assigned by Bureau or Office Consultation Policies. 

3. Identify TLOs and TGO – Each Bureau or Office shall take appropriate measures to identify 

and disseminate the name and contact information of the TGO and the TLO(s) to facilitate 

contacts by Tribal Officials. 

C. Guidelines for Response to Request for Consultation. The TGO or appropriate representative 

will confirm receipt of a request for consultation from a Tribal Official. When the request is 

directed to the TGO, the request is to be forwarded to the appropriate Bureau or Office. The 

TGO or appropriate representative will treat an official request for consultation in an expedited 

fashion and respond in writing that the Department has received the request, using the most 

expedient methods to communicate to the Indian Tribe. 
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D. Consultation Process Support. The Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution 

can assist in planning and facilitating an effective consultation process, negotiated rulemaking, or 

other collaborative approach to decision-making. In planning consultation processes as outlined 

below in Paragraph E, Bureaus and Offices are encouraged to consider best practices for 

engagement, including but not limited to, the use of neutral facilitation and other collaborative 

problem-solving approaches to promote effective dialogue and conflict resolution.

E. Stages of Consultation. Bureaus and Offices shall carry out the consultation stages described 

below for a Departmental Action with Tribal Implications.

1. Initial Planning Stage. 

Each Bureau or Office will consult with Indian Tribes as early as possible when considering a 

Departmental Action with Tribal Implications. A Bureau or Office may conduct a meeting or 

other forms of interaction with Indian Tribes in order to receive and evaluate comments received 

as part of the Initial Planning Stage. Bureaus and Offices will work with each other and with 

other Federal agencies, where appropriate, to avoid duplicative consultations. 

2. Proposal Development Stage. 

The Proposal Development Stage begins once the Department discloses the scope of a 

Departmental Action with Tribal Implications. Indian Tribes should be considered appropriate 

collaborative partners, particularly where negotiated rulemaking or a Tribal Leader Task Force is 

created.

The Bureau or Office shall develop a process for the Proposal Development Stage that 

maximizes the opportunity for timely input by Indian Tribes and is consistent with both Tribal 

and Bureau or Office schedules. The Bureau or Office will solicit the views of affected Indian 

Tribes regarding the process timeline to consult on a Departmental Action with Tribal 

Implications. The Bureau or Office should work with Indian Tribes to structure a process, to the 

extent feasible, that considers specific Indian Tribal structures, traditional needs, and schedules 

of the Indian Tribes. The Bureau or Office should make all reasonable efforts to comply with the 

expressed views of the affected Indian Tribes regarding the process timeline at this Stage, taking 

into account the level of impact, the scope, and the complexity of the issues involved in the 

Departmental Action with Tribal Implications, along with the other factors driving the schedule. 

The process will be open and transparent. The Bureau or Office then may proceed with the 

expectation that interested Indian Tribes will respond within a reasonable time period.

When the matter under consultation involves confidential or culturally sensitive information, the 

Bureau or Office will work with the Indian Tribe to develop a consultation process that addresses 

the sensitivity of the information to the extent permitted by Federal law. If litigation or legal 

requirements impact a Bureau’s or Office’s schedule for conducting consultation, the Bureau or 

Office shall explain these constraints to the Indian Tribe. 
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Examples of appropriate processes for the Proposal Development Stage include, but are not 

limited to, the following:

• Negotiated Rulemaking. Where appropriate, the Bureau or Office shall consider using 

negotiated rulemaking for developing significant regulations or other formal policies in 

accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Negotiated 

Rulemaking Act. 

• Tribal Leader Task Force. A Tribal Leader Task Force may be used, in appropriate 

circumstances, on regional or issue-specific matters (e.g., timber). In each instance, the 

composition of the Task Force shall be collaboratively determined by the Indian Tribes, 

provided that the Task Force shall be a process open to all Indian Tribes and, to the extent 

possible, represent a cross-section of Tribal interests with respect to the matter at issue. The 

location and number of meetings to be held will conform to the expressed views of the Indian 

Tribes, to the extent practicable and permitted by law and in accordance with FACA.

• Series of Open Tribal Meetings. The Bureau or Office may provide open invitations for 

Tribal leaders to attend a series of open meetings. Open meetings can be used for national, 

regional or subject-matter specific issues. 

• Single Meetings. The Bureau or Office may host Tribal Officials in a single meeting to 

discuss a Departmental Action with Tribal Implications under consideration. Single 

meetings are particularly appropriate for local or regional issues, or a Tribe-specific issue. 

If either the Bureau or Office determines that the Administrative Procedure Act or other Federal 

law or regulation expressly prohibits continued discussion at a specified point in the decisionmaking process, the Bureau or Office should so inform the Indian Tribes at the earliest 

opportunity in this Stage in the process. 

3. Implementation of Final Federal Action Stage. 

A Bureau or Office may consider implementing a post-consultation review process where it is 

consistent with law, regulations, and EO 13175. The review process shall not limit the 

Department’s deliberative process privilege regarding internal considerations or any other 

applicable privilege. The Department may invite feedback from the Indian Tribe of the 

consultation process at this Stage. The Bureau or Office also will consider the need for training 

or technical assistance concerning the final Federal action.

F. Impact of Consultation Guidelines. Consultation does not preclude requests or 

recommendations by Bureaus, Offices, or Indian Tribes to collaborate and foster collaborative 

relationships between the Department and Indian Tribes outside of the processes described in 

this Section.
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VIII. Supplemental Policies. 

Bureaus and Offices, in collaboration with the TGO, shall review existing policies affected by 

this Policy. All existing policies shall conform to this Policy and, where necessary, a Bureau or 

Office may develop a new policy in order to conform to this Policy. 

Consistent with Federal law, the Department shall develop a policy for consultation with Alaska 

Native Corporations and other entities as appropriate following the principles set out in this 

Policy. 

Departmental entities that are not Bureaus and Offices may develop policies consistent with this 

Policy and in coordination with the TGO. 

IX. Disclaimer. 

Except to the extent already established by law, this Policy is intended only to improve the 

internal management of the Department, and is not intended to create any right, benefit, or trust 

responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the Department or 

any person. The Department also does not waive by virtue of this Policy any applicable 

privilege that it may hold.
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Appendix K—Domestic Geographic Name Proposal Form
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