Legal Definitions - Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior is a part of the United States government that manages public lands and minerals, national parks, wildlife refuges, and water resources in the western part of the country. It also has the responsibility of protecting the rights of Indian tribes. The department was created in 1849 and reorganized in 1950. The head of the department is called the Secretary of the Interior.

The Department of the Interior has several agencies that work under it, including the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. These agencies work together to manage and protect the natural resources of the United States.

For example, the Bureau of Land Management manages over 245 million acres of public land across the country. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting endangered species and managing national wildlife refuges. The U.S. Geological Survey conducts scientific research on the natural resources of the United States.

Overall, the Department of the Interior plays an important role in protecting and managing the natural resources of the United States for the benefit of all Americans.