Created in 1849, the U.S. Department of the Interior is 

 concerned with the management, conservation, and develop- 

 ment of the Nation's water, fish, 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 Depart- 

 ment works to assure that nonrenewable resources are 

 developed and used wisely, that park and recreational 

 resources are conserved 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. 



