As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of 

 the Interior has responsibihty for most of our nationally owned public 

 lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of 

 our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserv- 

 ing the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and his- 

 torical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor 

 recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources 

 and works to assure that their development is in the best interest of 

 all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for 

 American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in 

 island territories under U.S. administration. 



