As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department ofthe Interior has basic responsibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral,land, park, and recreational resources. Indian and Territorial affairs areother major concerns of this department of natural resources.

The Department works to assure the wisest choice in managingall our resources so that each shall make its full contribution to a betterUnited States now and in the future.

This Mineral Survey Procedures Guide does not and isnot intended to supersede the Bureau Manual orappropriate Federal, State, or Mining District lawwhich is concerned with mineral surveys and miningclaims. The Manual of Instructions for the Survey of thePublic Lands of the United States is the official Bureauof Land Management document regarding mineralsurveys, and any real or apparent contradictions withthis Guide should be referred to the Manual for finalassessment.