This report presents a limited cross-section of environmental problems and of the actions beginning to be taken to cope with these problems. Its objectives are to: (1) outline progress in environmental improvement programs since the 1965 White House Conference on Natural Beauty, (2) present proposals and recommendations which will stimulate federal, state, local, and private action to further enhance the quality of our environment and the beauty of our nation, and (3) present a guide for action by local officials, professional persons, citizen groups of many kinds, and individuals. The activities described are evidence of a major new national concern for the quality of the American landscape, both natural and man-made. The issue raised by the report is: what kind of environment do we want and need? From this perspective, the report does not conclude that the nation should renew the cities at the expense of the wilderness or that we should preserve the wilderness at the expense of the cities. The conclusion is that a proper environment for Americans requires that we do both. A bibliography of books, pamphlets, periodicals, films, governmental and private organizations and agencies which can help completes the report. (BL)