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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 includes fostering the wisest use 

 of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, 

 preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks 

 and historical 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 respon- 

 sibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people 

 who live in island territories under U.S. administration. 



