As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; 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 ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

(Cover photographs, clockwise from top left): Mexico City, Mexico, 1985; Coalinga, Calif., 1983; Northridge, Calif., 1994; Anchorage, Alaska, 1964; San Francisco, Calif., 1906; Loma Prieta, Calif., 1989.

Transcriber’s Notes