Water-resources investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey in Montana, October 1977 through September 1978

The U.S. Geological Survey was established as an agency in the Department of the Interior on March 3, 1879, 30 years to the day after establishment of the Department itself. The initial purpose of the Survey was to prepare a plan that would secure the best possible results at the least possible cost for surveying and mapping the Territories of the United States. One mission of the Geological Survey is to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed for the optimum utilization and management of the Nation's water resources for the overall benefit of the people of the United States.