The United States covers nearly 3.8 million square miles of land and water. With access to such a broad area of the Earth’s surface, our nation is rich in natural resources that generate food, energy, and enjoyment. Besides the property owned by private citizens, the federal government owns or controls nearly 640 million acres of land in parks, reserves, and public holdings. Several government agencies are charged with administering and regulating these valuable resources.
Use the slides below to explore some of the most important and active agencies of this type.
Agricultural Research ServiceA division of the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) was established in 1953 to determine the best techniques and approaches for crop and livestock production. The ARS helps farmers bring their best products to market with the most benefits to consumers. While the ARS initially focused on improving crop yields and livestock quality, its policies have since evolved to address modern challenges such as sustainable farming practices, pest and disease resistance, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture. The ARS communicates directly with farmers but also works through state agencies and extension services to implement these evolving practices, ensuring that agricultural advancements are both practical and environmentally responsible. 
National Park ServiceThe National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson as part of the Department of the Interior, rooted in the early conservation movement of the Progressive Era and President Theodore Roosevelt’s passion for nature. The NPS is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and protection of millions of acres of protected lands and parks, as well as millions of museum artifacts and thousands of art structures of national importance. Initially, NPS policies focused on preserving natural landscapes and historical sites. Over time, the NPS has expanded its policies to address issues such as climate change, increasing visitor numbers, and biodiversity conservation. These evolving policies reflect the NPS’s commitment to both preserving natural and cultural resources and responding to the growing challenges faced by national parks and historic sites. 
Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionTracing its roots back to 1920, the Federal Power Commission evolved into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which was created in 1977 and reports to the Department of Energy. FERC regulates and monitors the transmission, production, and sale of energy in the United States, covering electricity from coal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric sources, as well as the transportation of petroleum products, oil, and gas. Initially, FERC’s policies were primarily focused on overseeing energy production and maintaining fair market practices. Over time, FERC’s policies have evolved to address new challenges, such as the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid and ensuring grid reliability in the face of increasing climate change impacts. This shift demonstrates FERC’s commitment to adapting its regulatory framework to support sustainable energy practices and modernize the energy infrastructure. 
Bureau of Land ManagementEven before the United States Constitution was written, the national government had land holdings to monitor, control, and sell. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), formed in 1946 by combining a group of other lower agencies, reports to the Department of Interior and is responsible for controlling access and maintaining federal lands not held in trust by the National Park Service (NPS). Originally, the BLM focused on managing land for cattle grazing and natural resource exploration, with occasional sales of federal lands. Over time, the BLM’s policies have shifted to address changing environmental and human interactions. In response to growing concerns about conservation and sustainability, the BLM has implemented policies to protect wildlife habitats, improve land restoration efforts, and manage public lands in ways that balance ecological health with resource use. This evolution reflects a broader commitment to adapting land management practices to contemporary environmental challenges. |
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Let’s see if you can recall what you’ve learned. In each box, type the role of each agency. Then, use the activity's last screen to check your answers.
What does the Agricultural Research Service do?
What does the National Park Service do?
What does the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission do?
What does the Bureau of Land Management do?
Which of the environmental agencies do you think has the most significant impact on your local community, and why?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
|---|---|
| It researches best techniques for raising crops and livestock. | |
| It maintains and protects public lands designated as national parks or monuments. | |
| It regulates and monitors energy produced by any means within the United States. | |
| It controls and regulates access to land owned by government but not held in trust or by NPS. | |
| In my community the National Park Service has the most significant impact because it manages a national park near my home. This park helps preserve our local environment and wildlife. | |
