US Dept of the Interior FY 2026-30 Strategic Plan draft for Public Comment

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U.S. Dep rtr-ri nd of the Inferior Overview Introduction The U.S. Department of the Interior(the Department or Interior)was established in 1849 and manages the country's public lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage.The Department oversees one-fifth of land in the U.S. and promotes a strategic use of natural resources and conservation for today and the future.These lands and waters benefit the American people through development of energy and mineral resources, timber and grazing use, and recreation.The Department also protects wildlife and ecosystems and manages water resources.This work is done collaboratively with states, local communities, and federally recognized Indian Tribes,Alaska Natives,and the Native Hawaiian Community(hereafter Native Americans), and with U.S.Territories and the Freely Associated States (hereafter Insular Areas). Interior consults and collaborates with its partners on how to use and protect Federal lands and waters,while enabling strategic development and public use. Today, managing America's public lands and waters is more important than ever.The Department of the Interior is the U.S. balance sheet, and natural resources are the country's assets. These lands—rich in energy, minerals, biodiversity, and recreational value—are worth trillions of dollars to current and future generations. Federal lands do not exist in isolation;they lie within the boundaries of states, Native American's lands, and local communities, and their use often spans multiple jurisdictions.The Department of the Interior plays a central role in building cooperative, long-term strategies for economic growth, national security, environmental resilience, and stewardship of America's natural heritage. The Department of Interior's FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the next four years and the strategies that will be used to achieve meaningful results for the American people. 1 I r'u a g