Federal Lands

The Department of the Interior prepares for and responds to emergencies on Department-managed lands as part of its responsibilities.  In some areas, Interior units have primary responsibility for responding to wildland fires, environmental disasters, emergency medical incidents and wildlife health events; protecting lands and resources with its law enforcement capabilities; and employing its unique skills for search and rescue activities.  In other areas, responsibility is shared with other units of government.  Additional information is provided by the land management bureaus, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Interior is a key participant in the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF).  The National Park Service leads interagency planning for land Search and Rescue and the Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance leads activities to protect and restore Natural and Cultural Resources and Historic Properties.  Interior personnel also provide significant support to interagency efforts related to public works and engineering, firefighting and public safety and security.  Policy regarding Department of the Interior support to the National Response Framework can be found in the Departmental Manual.

Natural and Cultural Resources and Historic Properties

Interior provides support capabilities that assist in the preservation and protection of our Nation's historic and cultural sites. The Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance is responsible for leading activities that protect natural and cultural resources and historic properties as outlined in the NRF, NDRF, and the National Park Service awards Historic Preservation Grants for preservation projects across the 50 states and U.S. Territories.  These grants are not established for response or recovery, but can be utilized for such purposes if grant criteria are met.  Reimbursable preservation services for Federal, State, and locally owned historic properties are also available through the Historic Preservation Training Center.