The Department of the Interior, created in 1849, is our Nation's 
Department of Natural Resources, concerned with management, 
conservation, and development of water, wildlife, fish, mineral, forest, 
and park and recreational resources. It also has major responsi¬ 
bilities 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 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. 
