The Department of the Interior, created in 1849, is a Department of Conser¬ 
vation, 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 recre¬ 
ational 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. 
