Since its creation in 1849,
the Department has evolved to become the guardian of the Nation's most precious natural
and cultural resources and the steward of its trust responsibilities to American Indians
and Alaska Natives. As the Nation's principal conservation agency, you can help us manage
our resources to benefit the American people and preserve the rich and precious heritage
of this country. Once known
as the department "of everything else," our stewardship responsibilities
touch the lives of the American people in many ways. We preserve the places that give us a
proud sense of our history -- from Independence Hall to Gettysburg. We protect
breathtaking landscapes of special natural beauty, from the Grand Canyon to Mount Rainier.
We provide for the environmentally sound production of oil, gas, and other mineral
resources found on America's public lands. We honor this Nation's obligations to Native
Americans and Alaska Natives. We protect habitat to sustain the nation's fish and
wildlife. We help the states manage water resources for millions of people in the Western
states. We provide vital scientific and technical information for sound natural resource
decision making. Most important, we are listening to the American people and building
unique working partnerships with those we serve. This is all done through eight Bureaus: Bureau of Land
Management; Minerals Management Service; Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement; Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Geological Survey; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service; National Park Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs.
We are a proud Department with numerous success stories
and a rich history. As the steward and guardian of this great Nation's natural resources
and cultural heritage, this Department has a special obligation to future generations of
Americans. Please join us as strive to protect the environment, tread lightly on the land,
and leave the Nation's resources in better shape than we found them for future generations
to use and enjoy.
For further information about each of our
bureaus, visit
their web sites:
|
