The department has become ensnared in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal as a result of ties between Abramoff and former Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles.

"It's one of those unfortunate chapters," Kempthorne told reporters Thursday. "It does not reflect the atmosphere and the professionalism of the employees that are here. I believe that by making one of my first actions on the first day the reaffirmation of the ethics and the public trust, I'm going to keep my eye on the future."

Kempthorne, who was sworn in May 26, said the importance of ethical conduct was the first issue he addressed in a meeting with department employees Wednesday. He sent an e-mail to every Interior Department employee Tuesday, stressing the importance of placing loyalty to ethics above private gain.

"There is a simple guiding principle to think about in following ethics guidelines: 'If in doubt . . . don't,' " he wrote.

The relationship between Abramoff and Griles is reportedly among the issues being investigated by a federal criminal task force. Abramoff boasted in e-mails that Griles was "our guy" in the department, and that an associate of former Secretary Gale Norton was his line to the secretary. The department's inspector general once called the Interior ethics system "a train wreck waiting to happen." Griles has denied any improper involvement with Abramoff and no Interior employee has been charged with wrongdoing.

Kempthorne, who broke his foot jogging and is in a cast, said that his other priorities at the department entail good environmental stewardship. This includes revising the Endangered Species Act, stimulating energy production, and providing better education for American Indian children.

As a senator, Kempthorne sponsored revisions to the Endangered Species Act that failed to pass the House. He said he still believes changes are needed to put more focus on recovering species that are considered to be near extinction.

In his first official act as secretary, Kempthorne signed an order Thursday designating 36 trails in 24 states as National Historic Trails, including two in Utah - the Gooseberry Mesa Trail and the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail.

The Gooseberry Mesa Trail is a 13 1/2 -mile loop near Zion National Park that is popular with bicyclists because of its views of the park and the redrock scenery. The Union Pacific Trail is a 28-mile path that runs near Park City and wetlands in Silver Creek Canyon.