“As the Colorado River navigates a 1,500-mile journey down mountains through canyons and across desert landscapes, you have navigated the shoals of history,” Kempthorne said in addressing the meeting. “You have steered around the cataracts and sharp boulders of litigation and acrimony. You have found the serene waters of partnership and cooperation. “ Hi-Res.

Secretary Kempthorne Signs Historic Decision For New Colorado River Management Strategies

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne signed an historic decision that will implement innovative strategies for management of the Colorado River, reflecting “a remarkable consensus” among stakeholders about sharing water during the current drought and charting a water management course for the future.

“This is the most important agreement among the seven basin states since the original Colorado River Compact of 1922,” said Kempthorne, noting that his decision memorializes “a remarkable consensus” not only to solve current problems but also to prepare ahead of time for future droughts or surpluses rather than resorting to disruptive litigation.

Signed at the Colorado River Water Users Association’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., the Record of Decision activates a legal agreement among the basin states that contains a provision in which they firmly commit to address future controversies on the river through consultation and negotiation before initiating any litigation.   more

• Read Secretary Kempthorne's Remarks
• View Record of Decision
• Additional Information
• Colorado River Photos and Videos

Secretary Kempthorne Cameos
in Barney Cam VI
"Holiday in the National Parks"

The White House has released the new holiday Barney Cam - an annual movie starring the "first dog" posted on the White House website in celebration of the holiday season. The plot of Barney Cam VI coincides with this year's White House Christmas theme, "Holiday in the National Parks." The video features cameo appearances by President Bush, Laura Bush, Interior Secretary Kempthorne, NPS Director Bomar, Former British Prime Minister Blair, country star Alan Jackson, and other guests. In this year's episode, Barney applies for Junior Ranger status.  more

“Holiday in the National Parks” Celebrated at the White House

America’s national parks are the focus of this year’s White House holiday decorations. The remarkable displays of “Holiday in the National Parks” highlight the majesty, history, and diversity of the country’s 391 National Park Service sites.

The holiday displays incorporate the wide variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features preserved by the National Park Service. Models of icons such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Statue of Liberty share space with paintings of scenic vistas from Grand Canyon, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks.   more

• White House Holiday in the National Parks Website
• See the 2007 NPS Holiday Ornaments

About the Department of the interior
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is the nation’s principal conservation agency. Interior is a large, decentralized agency with over 80,000 employees and 180,000 volunteers located at approximately 2,400 operating locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and freely associated states. more
Mission Statement	History
Key Officials	Past Secretaries
Organizational Chart	Quick Facts
DOI In the News	Strategic Plan
DOI en Español
Below are links to some DOI sites that may be of interest:
Water	Science
Floods	Astrogeology at USGS
Supply in the West	Hurricanes
Conservation	Earthquakes
Resources	Energy
Land	Wildlife
Fire	Endangered Species
Maps	Habitats & Conservation
Parks / Refuges / BLM Lands	Wild Horse & Burro Adoption
Offshore Lands/Volcanoes	Duck Stamps
Communities	InfoLinks
Special Trustee	www.HealthyForests.gov
Indian Trust	Avian Influenza Information
Territories and Islands	2005 Hurricane Recovery