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

 is concerned with the management, conservation, and development of the Nation' s water, wildlife, 

 mineral, forest, and park and recreational resources. It also has major responsibilities for Indian 

 and Territorial affairs. 



As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department works to assure that non- 

 renewable 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. 



