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Department of Interior

The department of Interior (DOI) is a government agency that works to conserve and manage the natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit of the American people. They work primarily to promote energy security and critical mineral development for job creation, increase access to outdoor recreation environments, enhance conservation stewardship for government and private landowners, they work to improve the management of species and their habitats, and lastly they uphold trust and related responsibilities among Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.

This agency works hard to keep our environment running smoothly and protects the natural resources that remain here in America. This work has a profound impact on public health issues from the way in which land becomes distributed among Native Americans and the impact that has on their populations health. It also has an impact on Americans access to outdoor recreational opportunities which in turn effects their physical and mental health. Having the opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature has increasingly become more popular for improving mental health. According to Triguero-Mas et al. (2015) there is an association with better self perceived general health and better mental health when individuals spend time in green spaces.

Comments

  1. kschererOctober 13, 2019 at 9:46 AM

    That is so cool that we have a whole department to ensure that we are holding this up for our community b/c it is important. I would be curious to hear how the conversations go with developers and city planners and other corporations when it comes to acquiring new land and how much pull the department of the interior is able to hold over "paying costumers" or land use.

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