U.S. Department of the Interior 

 National Biological Service 



As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the 

 Department of the Interior has responsibility for most 

 of our nationally owned public lands and natural 

 resources. This responsibility includes fostering the 

 sound use of our lands and water resources; pro- 

 tecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; 

 preserving the environmental and cultural values of 

 our national parks and historical places; and pro- 

 viding for the enjoyment of life through outdoor rec- 

 reation. The Department assesses our energy and 

 mineral resources and works to ensure that their 

 development is in the best interests of all our people 

 by encouraging stewardship and citizen participa- 

 tion in their care. The Department also has a major 

 responsibility for American Indian reservation com- 

 munities. 



