Department of the Interior
Departmental Manual
Effective Date: 4/4/00
Series: Organization
Part 105: Department
Chapter 1: Creation, Mission and Goals
Originating Office: Office of Planning and Performance Management
105 DM 1
1.1 Creation. The Department of the Interior was created by act of Congress on March 3, 1849. Transferred to the new Department were the General Land Office, the Office of Indian Affairs, the Pension Office, and the Patent Office. The Department was also given responsibility for supervision over the Commissioner of Public Buildings, the Board of Inspectors and the Warden of the Penitentiary of the District of Columbia, the census of the United States; and the accounts of marshals and other officers of the United States Court and of lead and other mines of the United States.
1.2 Evolution of Functions. Over the years, other functions were added to the Department, such as education, hospitals and charitable institutions, labor, railroad accounts, commercial fisheries, water pollution control, and interstate commerce. The creation of other executive departments and independent agencies later assigned some of these activities elsewhere. The role of the Department gradually changed from that of general housekeeper for the Federal Government to that of custodian of the Nation's natural resources.
1.3 Mission. The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and our commitments to island communities.
1.4 Goals. In accomplishing its mission, the Department is committed to the following goals:
A. Goal 1 - Protect the environment and preserve our nation's natural and cultural resources.
B. Goal 2 - Provide recreation for America.
C. Goal 3 - Manage natural resources for a healthy environment and a strong economy.
D. Goal 4 - Provide science for a changing world.
E. Goal 5 - Meet our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our commitments to island communities.
4/4/00 #3301
Replaces 7/26/96 #3078