As the Nation's principal conservation 

 agency, the Department of the Interior 

 has responsibility tor most of our nation- 

 ally owned public lands and natural 

 resources. This includes fostering the 

 wisest use of our iand and water re- 

 sources, protecting our fish and wildlife, 

 preserving the environmental and cul- 

 tural values of our national parks and 

 historical places, and providing for the 

 enjoyment of life through outdoor recrea- 

 tion. The Department assesses our en- 

 ergy and mineral resources and works 

 to assure that their development is in the 

 best interest of all our people. The De- 

 partment also has a major responsibility 

 for American Indian reservation com- 

 munities and for people who live in Island 

 Territories under U.S. Administration. 



