The Department of the Interior, created in 1849, is a Department of Con- 

 servation, concerned with management, conservation, and development of the 

 Nation's water, wildlife, fish, mineral, forest, and park and recreational resources. 

 It has major responsibilities also for Indian and Territorial affairs. 



As America's principal conservation agency, the Department works to assure 

 that nonrenewable resources are developed and used wisely, that park and rec- 

 reational 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. 



