U.S. Department of the Interior: A Comprehensive Overview
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) plays a crucial role in managing and conserving the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Established in 1849, the DOI’s responsibilities extend to federal lands, wildlife refuges, and upholding trust responsibilities to Native American and Alaska Native communities. This article provides a detailed seem at the DOI’s mission, functions, and current leadership as of February 25, 2026.
Mission and Core Responsibilities
The Department of the Interior’s core mission, as stated on its official website, is to protect and manage the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage. [U.S. Department of the Interior] This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Land and Resource Management: Overseeing approximately 75% of federal public land, with the remaining portion managed primarily by the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. [United States Department of the Interior – Wikipedia]
- National Parks and Wildlife Refuges: Managing and conserving national parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas. [U.S. Department of the Interior | USAGov]
- Native American Affairs: Upholding federal trust responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. [U.S. Department of the Interior]
- Environmental Conservation: Leading efforts in endangered species conservation and broader environmental protection initiatives. [U.S. Department of the Interior | USAGov]
- Historic Preservation: Administering programs related to the preservation of historic sites and cultural resources. [United States Department of the Interior – Wikipedia]
Leadership and Organization
The Department of the Interior is headed by the Secretary of the Interior, who serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. As of February 25, 2026, the Secretary of the Interior is Doug Burgum, having been sworn in on February 1, 2025. [United States Department of the Interior – Wikipedia] Katharine MacGregor serves as the Deputy Secretary.
The DOI is headquartered in the Main Interior Building, located at 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. [United States Department of the Interior – Wikipedia] The department employs 67,026 people and operates with an annual budget of $18.0 billion (2025). [United States Department of the Interior – Wikipedia]
Contact Information
For inquiries, the Department of the Interior can be contacted via:
- Phone: 1-202-208-3100
- TTY: 7-1-1
- Address: 1849 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240
Key Takeaways
- The Department of the Interior manages the majority of federal lands and natural resources in the United States.
- It has significant responsibilities related to Native American affairs and environmental conservation.
- Doug Burgum currently serves as the Secretary of the Interior.
The Department of the Interior continues to adapt to evolving environmental challenges and the needs of a growing nation, balancing resource management with conservation efforts and fulfilling its trust responsibilities to Indigenous communities.