Created in 1849, the Department of the Interior— America's 

 Department of Natural Resources — is concerned with the man- 

 agement, conservation, and development of the Nation's water, 

 fish, wildlife, mineral, forest, and park and recreational re- 

 sources. It also has major responsibilities for Indian and 

 Territorial affairs. 



As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Depart- 

 ment works to assure that nonrenewable resources are developed 

 and used wisely, that park and recreational resources are con- 

 served for the future, and that renewable resources make their 

 full contribution to the progress, prosperity, and security of 

 the United States — now and in the future. 



