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Paleontological resource monitoring strategies for the National Park Service

Authors:
Vincent L. Santucci at National Park Service
Vincent L. Santucci
A.L. Koch
A.L. Koch
A.L. Koch
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Abstract

Scientists are developing vital-sign indicators for evaluating the stability of in situ fossil resources.
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22 SCIENCE
he ability to manage and protect fossils is
contingent upon an understanding of their
occurrence and distribution, both geologic
and geographic, and the factors threatening their
stability. Paleontological resources at or near the
surface will ultimately deteriorate over time.
Within the National Park Service, a paleontologi-
cal resource inventory strategy has
been established to compile base-
line paleontological resource data.
These data support both scientific
and management objectives and
are crucial prerequisites for the
development and implementation
of fossil monitoring in national
parks.
This work represents a first
effort to establish the critical ele-
ments for monitoring in situ pale-
ontological resources in the
National Park System. The moni-
toring design identifies natural
and human variables that threaten
or impact in situ fossils. Rates of
weathering and erosion, climate,
topography, and a wide variety of
human-related activities are con-
sidered as part of this assessment.
Figure 1. A great variety of fossils are preserved in more than 160 units of the National
Park System, including (clockwise from top) Late Paleozoic reptilian or amphibian tracks at
Grand Canyon National Park,Arizona; tracks of a camel
(Pecoripeda)
and cat
(Besiopeda)
at
Death Valley National Park, California; a petrified tree (a conifer called
Cupressinoxylon
) at
Big Bend National Park, Texas; and burrows from a worm-like animal at Arches National
Park, Utah. Fossil conservation in the national parks hinges on knowledge of their presence
and distribution and is enhanced through inventory and monitoring.
TT
PPAALLEEOONNTTOOLLOOGGIICCAALL
RREESSOOUURRCCEE
MMOONNIITTOORRIINNGG
SSTTRRAATTEEGGIIEESS
ffoorr tthhee NNaattiioonnaall PPaarrkk SSeerrvviiccee
By
Vincent L. Santucci
and
Alison L. Koch
23
VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 1 • FALL 2003
Why monitor paleontological resources?
Legislation and ethics support the establishment of nat-
ural resource monitoring within the National Park
Service. The National Park Service Organic Act (1916)
and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (1998)
authorize the preservation and stewardship of all park
natural resources and identify the need for park managers
to use sound science in making decisions about resources.
The conscience of the National Park Service manage-
ment regarding natural resource preservation was elevat-
ed through the writings of Richard Sellars in his book
Preserving Nature in the National Parks: A History (1997).
Sellars’ work inspired a movement that resulted in the
Natural Resource Challenge, which established funding
and guidance for milestone programs, including a focused
effort to inventory and monitor natural resources.
More than 160 units of the National Park System have
been identified with paleontological resources. Collective-
ly these fossils span all ages of geologic time from the
Precambrian to recent, and preserve a variety of paleoe-
cosystems, providing key information about the history of
life (fig. 1). Millions of visitors are attracted to national
parks by the spectacular fossils they preserve, ranging
from charismatic dinosaurs, mammals, and trees to
remarkable assemblages of the life of ancient oceans,
lakes, forests, and prairies, including their small animals,
insects, and plants.
Paleontological resource inventory and monitoring are
necessary to preserve park fossil resources as required by
the NPS Organic Act and longstanding NPS policy.
Inventory is the comprehensive compilation of baseline
resource data. Monitoring is the establishment of measur-
able indicators (“vital signs”) to assess the condition and
stability of resources.
A variety of natural and human variables threatens the
condition and stability of paleontological resources. These
threats may result in the deterioration or loss of fossils, a
scenario contrary to the established resource preservation
mission of the National Park Service.
What are the threats?
A threat includes any natural or human factor that may
adversely impact a paleontological resource. These threats
have the potential to cause the deterioration or loss of
paleontological resources at or below the surface (table 1,
page 24). Typically, multiple threats work concurrently to
affect the stability of in situ paleontological resources.
Physical, chemical, and biological factors, although nat-
ural processes, may adversely affect the stability of pale-
ontological resources. For example, high rates of erosion
within fossiliferous rock units in Badlands National Park
and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument result in
the exposure and loss of paleontological resources at the
surface (fig. 2). Loss of resources may occur very quickly,
as in Channel Islands National Park, where mammoth
fossils can be exposed in sea cliffs, then fall into the sea
during a single winter storm season.
Human activities can be assessed in consideration of
how they may benefit or adversely impact natural
resources and processes. In 1999 the National Park
Service compiled data on 721 incidents of fossil theft or
vandalism, demonstrating a significant human threat to
paleontological resources (Santucci 1999). High levels of
souvenir collecting of petrified wood have resulted in
Petrified Forest National Park being listed as one of the
National Parks Conservation Association’s 10 most endan-
gered parks. The potential human-related threats to pale-
ontological resources are best illustrated through the story
Figure 2. A primary
factor in fossil stabi-
lization, erosion is
monitored closely by
park staff at Fossil
Butte National
Monument, Wyoming.
Changes in measure-
ments between the
substrate and the top
of a reference stake
(not visible) are
recorded along with
local temperatures,
precipitation, wind
speed, and other fac-
tors that affect ero-
sion. Together, the
data help the park anti-
cipate management
action necessary to
preserve park fossils.
24 SCIENCE
of Fossil Cycad National Monument. This unit of the
National Park System was established in 1922 and abol-
ished in 1957 following years of poor management prac-
tices that resulted in the extreme degradation and eventu-
al loss of the fossil resource (Santucci and Hughes 1998).
From a management per-
spective, inadequate base-
line paleontological
resource data is an addi-
tional threat. Although the
National Park Service has
made significant advances
in paleontological resource
management through comprehensive inventories, targeted
research, and better documentation of resource degrada-
tion, many park managers still lack sufficient paleontologi-
cal data to assess threats and resource conditions.
How do we measure and monitor loss?
In order to quantify loss, the National Park Service has
established a system using vital signs as measurable indi-
cators of change to resource conditions. Paleontological
localities vary widely in terms of rock types, fossil preser-
vation, geomorphic characteristics, and human accessibil-
ity. Therefore, any specific indicator may not be useful or
appropriate at all fossil sites. Surface condition may be an
approximate indicator of subsurface stability. Only a few
studies have attempted to assess or measure impacts to in
situ paleontological resources. Colbert (1966) established
methods for monitoring rates of erosion. Fremd (1995)
presented strategies for periodic surveys, called cyclic
prospecting, that assess surficial occurrences of fossil ver-
tebrates at a locality. Hockett and Roggenbuck (2002) con-
ducted a social science study assessing human attitudes
and behaviors relative to fossils. This study represents the
Physical
Tectonics
• seismicity
• folding/faulting
• extrusive events (lava flows)
Weathering/Erosion
• solar radiation
• freeze/thaw
• wind
• water
• fire
• gravity
• mass wasting
• abrasion during transport
Chemical
• surface water
• soil/lithologic pH
• mineral replacement
• oxidation (rust, pyritization)
Biological
Displacement
• pack rats
• harvester ants
Destruction/Damage
• burrowing organisms
• trampling ungulates
• vegetation (root & lichen
growth)
Human
• construction (buildings, roads,
dams)
• mining
• military activities (construc-
tion, vehicles, ballistics)
• theft/vandalism
• poor science and recovery
technique
• livestock
• agriculture
• recreational activities (off-
road vehicle travel)
Physical
Tectonics
• seismicity
• folding/faulting
• intrusive events
• metamorphism
Weathering/Erosion
• freeze/thaw (permafrost)
• water movement (piping,
cavern formation)
• gravity
• mass wasting
• compaction
• rock falls
Chemical
• groundwater
• soil/lithologic pH
• mineral replacement
• metamorphism (partial melt,
recrystallization)
Biological
Displacement
• root growth
• bioturbation
Destruction/Damage
• burrowing organisms
• root growth
Human
• construction (buildings, roads,
dams)
• mining
• military activities (construc-
tion, ballistics)
• theft/vandalism
• poor science and excavation
technique (dynamite)
SURFACE
SUBSURFACE
Table 1.
Factors that Affect the Stability of In Situ Paleontological Resources
“Inadequate base-
line paleontological
resource data is an
additional threat.”
first effort to establish specific vitals signs for fossil
resources, which we refer to as paleontological resource
stability indicators (PRSI), as in the following list.
Climatological Data Assessment PRSI: This indicator
assesses data on annual precipitation, rainfall intensity, rel-
ative humidity, wind speed, and freeze-thaw index (num-
ber of 24-hour periods per year when temperature fluctu-
ates above and below 32°F [0°C]).
Rates of Erosion Assessment PRSI: This indicator assesses
data on both inherent and dynamic factors such as specific
rock (lithologic) characteristics, slope, soil loss, vegetation
cover, and rates of denudation for fossiliferous rock units.
Human Activity/Behavior Assessment PRSI: This indicator
assesses data on visitor use, visitor access routes and their
proximity to fossil localities, documented cases of theft or
vandalism, and commercial market values of fossils.
Periodic Site Assessment PRSI: This indicator assesses
data on the relative turnover rate of specimens at each fos-
sil locality by monitoring the numbers of specimens
destroyed (lost) or exposed (gained) at the surface. This
information can be obtained through cyclic prospecting,
photographic monitoring, and other spatially predictive
models.
Conclusion
Establishing strategies and guidance for paleontological
resource monitoring has clearly emerged as the critical
next step for the management of fossils in the national
parks. Managers in more than 160 parks with fossils often
lack a staff specialist and need reasonable and consistent
standards and methods for monitoring paleontological
resource conditions. The use of paleontological resource
stability indicators provides a multidimensional approach
to assessing the conditions of in situ fossils. Paleontolo-
gists, geologists, archeologists, and climatologists are being
consulted in order to develop resource-specific protocols.
In addition, a conceptual model for paleontological
resource monitoring that identifies cause-and-effect rela-
tionships is currently being developed. Adoption of
Servicewide protocols for monitoring these resources will
further enable assessment of the threats and conditions
affecting fossils throughout the National Park System.
References
Colbert, E. H.1966. Rates of erosion in the Chinle Formation—ten years
later. Museum of Northern Arizona Plateau 38(3):68–74.
Fremd,T.1995. Cyclic prospecting to preserve vertebrate paleontological
resources. San Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly
42(3):19–26.
Hockett, K.S., and J. W. Roggenbuck. 2002.Characteristics of visitors to
Fossil Butte NM, and the influence of the visitor center on fossil knowl-
edge and ethics. Department of Forestry,Virginia Polytechnical
Institute. Blacksburg,Virginia.
Santucci,V. L. 1999.Paleontological resources protection survey report.
National Park Service Ranger Activities Division and Geologic
Resources Division.
Santucci,V. L., and M.Hughes. 1998. Fossil Cycad National Monument:a
case of paleontological mismanagement. National Park Service
Technical Report NPS/NRGRD/GRDTR-98/01.Pages 84–90 in Santucci,
V. L., and L.McClelland, editors. National Park Service Paleontological
Research Volume 3.
Sellars, R.W. 1997.Preserving nature in the national parks: A history. Yale
University Press, New Haven.
About the authors
Vincent L. Santucci is the Chief Ranger of George Washington
Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run Park, McLean, VA 22101. He can be contact-
ed by email: vincent_santucci@nps.gov.
Alison L. Koch is a Paleontological Technician at Santa Monica
Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks,
CA 91360. Her email address is alison_koch@nps.gov.
25
VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 1 • FALL 2003
S
Standing petrified trees are among the 147 species of fossil plants that
have been discovered on Specimen Ridge in Yellowstone National Park,
Wyoming.Wood and leaf fossils made the identifications possible,
including 81 species new to science.
... In general, losses of paleontological resources result from naturally occurring physical processes, by direct or indirect human activities, or by a combination of both. These processes or activities influence the stability and condition of in situ paleontological resources (Santucci and Koch 2003;Santucci et al. 2009). The greatest loss of associated contextual data occurs when fossils are removed from their original geological context without appropriate documentation. ...
... Paleontological resource monitoring is a significant part of paleontological resource management, and one which usually requires little to implement beyond time and equipment already on hand, such as cameras and GPS units. Monitoring enables the evaluation of the condition and stability of in situ paleontological resources (Santucci and Koch 2003;Santucci et al. 2009). A monitoring program revolves around periodic site visits to assess conditions compared to a baseline for that site, with the periodicity depending on factors such as site productivity, accessibility, and significance of management issues. ...
... Localities that are easily accessible by road or trail would benefit from the same management strategies as those with abundant fossils and by occasional visits from park staff, documentation of in situ specimens, and/or frequent law enforcement patrols. Further information on paleontological resource monitoring can be found in Santucci and Koch (2003) and Santucci et al. (2009). A comprehensive suite of management actions is described in NPS Management Policies 2006 and summarized in Appendix D. ...
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Paleontological resource inventory
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CUVA) was established as Cuyahoga River National Recreation Area on December 27, 1974, to preserve and protect the Cuyahoga River Valley and its historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values. While not explicitly mentioned in the park’s mission statement, paleontological resources preserved at CUVA are nevertheless of importance, particularly when considering the significant fossil discoveries made elsewhere across northeast Ohio. The upper Paleozoic geologic strata of CUVA encompass sedimentary rocks dating from the Late Devonian to the Early Pennsylvanian, recording a series of shallow marine and coastal riverine environments. Within these rocks, a diverse assortment of fossil organisms is preserved at the park, including corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, bivalves, cephalopods, gastropods, arthropods, crinoids, early land plants, fish, and more. To comprehensively assess the paleontological resources at CUVA, a field inventory was conducted from April to June 2024. Fifteen notable paleontological localities were documented in the park during this inventory, with several potentially significant new fossil discoveries made as well, such as rare Early Mississippian tetrapodomorph material. A review of published and gray literature supplemented the 2024 fieldwork. Between the fossil discoveries of the 2024 field inventory and previous research conducted within the park, it is clear that significant paleontological resources occur within CUVA. Future research on these fossils holds a high likelihood of yielding important scientific information as well as potential new species. This report provides foundational data on the scope, significance, and distribution of paleontological resources at CUVA and provides recommendations to support the management, interpretation, and research of these resources.
View
... In general, losses of paleontological resources result from naturally occurring physical processes, by direct or indirect human activities, or by a combination of both. These processes or activities influence the stability and condition of in situ paleontological resources (Santucci and Koch 2003;Santucci et al. 2009). The greatest loss of associated contextual data occurs when fossils are removed from their original geological context without appropriate documentation. ...
... Paleontological resource monitoring is a significant part of paleontological resource management, and one which usually requires little to implement beyond time and equipment already on hand, such as cameras and GPS units. Monitoring enables the evaluation of the condition and stability of in situ paleontological resources (Santucci and Koch 2003;Santucci et al. 2009). A monitoring program revolves around periodic site visits to assess conditions compared to a baseline for that site, with the periodicity depending on factors such as site productivity, accessibility, and significance of management issues. ...
... Localities that are easily accessible by road or trail would benefit from the same management strategies as those with abundant fossils and by occasional visits by park staff, documentation of in situ specimens, and/or frequent law enforcement patrols. Further information on paleontological resource monitoring can be found in Santucci and Koch (2003) and Santucci et al. (2009). ...
Bryce Canyon National Park Paleontological Resource Inventory
Technical Report
Full-text available
  • May 2024
Bryce Canyon National Park Paleontological Resource Inventory
View
... ] e proposta metodológica de monitorização de sítios geológicos baseada em Díez-Herrero et al. (2018a), García-Cortés et al. (2012), Santos & Garcia (2023), Santucci & Koch (2003), Santucci et al. (2009), Vegas et al. (2015), Wignall et al. (2022) e Wimbledon et al. (2004). RD (1947( , 1958( , 2000 (1947( , 1958( , 2000 (1947( , 1958( , 2000 Figura 69: Série multi-temporal de imagens aéreas da região do geossítio Ponta da Piedade em diferentes períodos (1947( , 1958( , 1968( , 1976( , 1997 Figura 70: Série multi-temporal de imagens aéreas com ampliação do geossítio Ponta da Piedade em diferentes períodos (1976( , 1997 em que é possível observar a perda de geoformas. ...
... Considerando-se estas afirmações, foi realizada uma proposta de metodologia para monitorização de sítios geológicos sintetizada em um diagrama (figura 44, capítulo quatro) que tem como base as estratégias de geoconservação (Brilha, 2005;. Esta proposta metodológica foi realizada com base na literatura existente (Díez-Herrero et al., 2018a;García-Cortés et al., 2012;Santos & Garcia, 2023;Santucci & Koch, 2003;Santucci et al., 2009;Vegas et al., 2015;Wignall et al., 2022;Wimbledon et al., 2004) que está detalhada no capítulo dois de fundamentação teórica. ...
... ).Em virtude disto, há necessidade de entender os tipos de ameaças e como afetam os elementos geológicos de importância. Uma ameaça pode ser um fator natural ou antrópico que afete negativamente um recurso natural, e tem o potencial de causar deterioração ou perda na superfície ou subsuperfície(Santucci & Koch, 2003), com especial atenção aqueles que não são renováveis, como é o caso do evolução do estado de conservação (monitorização) dos sítios geológicos, a qual é uma variável que estima de forma qualitativa um momento temporal fixo, e também pode evoluir com o tempo quando há processos geológicos ativos e impactos antrópicos. Quando estes estados são comparados faz-se possível observar a evolução ao longo do tempo, assim os procedimentos de monitorização são estabelecidos(figura 18). ...
Definição de modelos de monitorização do patrimônio geológico: aplicação em geossítios de Portugal Continental
Thesis
Full-text available
  • Apr 2024
The success of geoconservation requires different sequential stages from basic research to management by administrations, sometimes including public participation. The lack of tradition in geoconservation methods in nature conservation policies and less focus on approaches to monitoring geological sites are challenges for the development of techniques to assess natural and anthropic degradation. The mapping of geological sites and periodic analysis of their conservation status are essential for effective management. The application of non-destructive and portable characterization techniques, such as ultrasonic wave propagation, colorimetry, roughness, hardness and contact angle of the water droplet with the surface, as well as new technologies such as remotely piloted aircraft, show potential for monitoring the degradation of geoheritage. By applying the different techniques to four case studies in Portugal Mainland (1- Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints Galinha Quarry; 2- Vale de Meios Ichnite Deposit; 3- Peniche Peninsula; and, 4- Ponta da Piedade), it was possible to establish that digital models generate quantitative and qualitative results that are ideal for understanding degradation, both with laboratory specimens and in the field. The collection of approximately 34,000 data, combined with the theoretical study, generated a methodological proposal for monitoring geological sites defined by four essential steps: 1-definition of factors that threaten geological elements; 2-line up of degradation indicators; 3-selection of measurable parameters; and, 4-measurement techniques for the parameters. It is important to classify the threats into chemical, physical, climatic, biological and anthropic factors. In these context, the methodology's approach relies on multi-scale analysis and multi-temporal series in order to identify real problems (threats) and conserve, enabling the monitoring method to be reproduced and applied to other case studies in different realities, facilitating the development of integrated management in geoconservation. It is noticeable that the lithotypes located on the coast show greater degradation in this study, evidenced by the carbonate rocks of Peniche Peninsula (Ponta do Trovão GSSP) and loss of geoforms at Ponta da Piedade. The most conserved geosite is Galinha Quarry, which in addition to the greater resistance of the lithotype, micritic limestone, also has management measures in place.
View
... Federal regulations and policies associated with the management of paleontological resources are also directly related to human activities on public lands. The National Park Service has developed strategies for monitoring the stability and condition of paleontological resources relative to both natural and human-caused impacts (Santucci and Koch, 2003;Santucci et al., 2009). Brunner et al. (2010 presents an example of policy evaluation by the National Park Service related to unauthorized fossil collecting on park beaches by park visitors. ...
... Paleontological resource monitoring is a relatively new methodology used for assessing the stability and condition of fossils that are maintained in situ (Santucci and Koch, 2003;Santucci et al., 2009). In 2009, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA), Arizona and Utah, was selected as the prototype paleontological resource monitoring park for the National Park Service. ...
View
... After wide communication and consultation with the paleontology and natural resource management communities, the NPS published an introduction to the concept of paleontological resources monitoring in 2003 (Santucci and Koch, 2003). This initial article led to a more in-depth planning effort to develop comprehensive guidance, methods, and considerations for paleontological resources monitoring. ...
View
... After wide communication and consultation with the paleontology and natural resource management communities, the NPS published an introduction to the concept of paleontological resources monitoring in 2003 (Santucci and Koch, 2003). This initial article led to a more in-depth planning effort to develop comprehensive guidance, methods, and considerations for paleontological resources monitoring. ...
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View
... Paleontological resource monitoring is the assessment of the stability and condition of in situ fossils to observe and document any natural or anthropogenic factors that may contribute to the deterioration or loss of these non-renewable resources. Starting in 2001 NPS began to develop and implement strategies and guidance for paleontological resource monitoring (Santucci and Koch 2003;). In 2009 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was selected as the prototype paleontological resource monitoring park for NPS due to the dramatic fluctuations in the water levels for Lake Powell and the potential impacts of these changes on the abundant fossils along the shorelines in the park (Kirkland et al. 2010(Kirkland et al. , 2011. ...
The National Park System fossil record: Uncovering significant new paleontological discoveries through inventory, monitoring, research, and museum curation
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The fossil record preserved throughout the parks, monuments, and other areas administered by the National Park Service spans at least 1.4 billion years and reveals rich and diverse paleontological resources available for scientific research and public education. Fossils documented in at least 286 different NPS areas represent important and iconic components of the history of North American paleontology. Our knowledge of the fossil record within the national parks continuously expands based on new paleontological discoveries every year. Most of the new fossil discoveries are associated with four primary management activities undertaken by the NPS Paleontology Program, parks, partners, and cooperating scientists: paleontological resource inventories, monitoring, research, and assessment of fossils curated in museum collections. Paleontological resource inventories focus on documenting the scope, significance, distribution (both temporal and geospatial), and resource management issues associated with park fossils. Paleontological resource monitoring consists of the assessment of the stability and condition of non-renewable fossils that are present within the parks' geologic strata and subject to natural processes or anthropogenic activities. Paleontological resource research is typically an academic undertaking to gather new data, fossil specimens, and associated geological or paleoecological information to expand our understanding of these resources in parks. Finally, under the curatorial component, as of 2023 more than 650,000 fossil specimens are being curated in museum collections within the parks themselves or in outside repositories, and are available for future scientific research and use in exhibits or public education. The harmonious combination of inventory, monitoring, research, and use of museum collections has resulted in many new and important paleontological discoveries associated with park fossils. This article, and the others presented in this special issue of Parks Stewardship Forum dedicated to NPS paleontology, highlight some of these new paleontological discoveries from national parks associated with these four management activities.
View
... The first assessment and documentation of the PFTB by the National Park Service and the Utah Geological Survey occurred in 2009 during an initial attempt to develop a strategy for monitoring in situ paleontological resources at GLCA others, 2010, 2011). This project represented a prototype effort for the National Park Service to implement recommendations and guidance developed for monitoring in situ paleontological resources (Santucci and Koch 2003;Santucci and others, 2009). ...
THE JOHN WESLEY POWELL FOSSIL TRACK BLOCK-THEROPOD TRACKS WITH ORNITHOPOD-LIKE MORPHOLOGY FROM THE EARLY JURASSIC NAVAJO SANDSTONE, GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, UTAH
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Full-text available
  • Oct 2023
A large fallen block of Early Jurassic Navajo Sandstone located at Lake Powell, within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, south-central Utah, displays natural casts of vertebrate tracks. The footprints occur on at least three track-bearing horizons preserved on and between stromatolitic sandstone beds. Two large, parallel trackways, plus a third, divergent trackway, on the main track layer (MTL) superficially resemble ornithopod footprints; however, they were produced by large-sized theropod dinosaurs, rather than ornithischians, and we identify these as Eubrontes. Small coelophysoid theropod tracks (Grallator) are the most common vertebrate ichnofossils on all track-bearing horizons, with approximately 50 footprints preserved on the MTL, six on the highest surface, and three on thinner float slabs stratigraphically lower in section. An additional 12 tracks in three trackways of Anchisauripus size occur on the MTL, but they superficially resemble Kayentapus in having wider divarication angles than typical Anchisauripus. The MTL also preserves at least five closely associated tetradactyl footprints that we identify as cf. Brasilichnium. A nearby, smaller fallen block preserves distinct Batrachopus tracks, which are rare in eolian environments. The microbial (possibly endoevaporitic) mats and stromatolitic horizons on which the animals had walked produced a distinct ichnomorphologic variation because of substrate consistency and the elastic properties of the mats, resulting in differential compaction of the bedding surfaces. Lithic compaction of the finer-grained sediments between denser, more resistant sandstone beds pre- and/or post-lithification resulted in additional deformation of the tracks, followed by natural erosion. We interpret these natural cast footprints on the MTL as possible transmitted tracks. The track-bearing, microbial-mat surfaces represent interdunal pooling of water, probably during periods of increased precipitation and/or rising water tables during wet seasons.
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Full-text available
  • Jan 2024
George Washington Birthplace National Monument (GEWA) is a National Park Service (NPS) unit located in the Northern Neck of Virginia, situated on low bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. This small park unit, focused primarily on cultural and historical resources, may seem at first glance to be an unlikely candidate for notable paleontological resources. However, the bluffs are composed in large part of the fossiliferous early–middle Miocene-age Calvert Formation, and these bluffs and the adjacent shoreline have long been known by locals and rockhounds as places to find fossil shark teeth and other fossils. Following initial contact in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the NPS Paleontology Program has worked closely with GEWA since 2014 on the dual aims of stemming illegal fossil collecting and monitoring non-renewable paleontological resources in the face of rising river levels, increasing storms, and other effects of climate change. The working relationship is a case study for managing fossil resources facing similar challenges. Fossil theft has declined since the project began, as measured by decreasing bluff vandalism left by fossil removal. The benefits of establishing and maintaining a close relationship with park staff are superbly illustrated by the March 2020 recovery of two specimens of Miocene dolphins at imminent risk of loss to wave erosion or unauthorized collection. Plans are in progress to expand this collaborative work with the help of regional institutions.
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Preserving Nature in the National Parks: A History
Article
  • Jan 2009
This book traces the epic clash of values between traditional scenery-and-tourism management and emerging ecological concepts in the national parks, America's most treasured landscapes. It spans the period from the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 to near the present, analyzing the management of fires, predators, elk, bear, and other natural phenomena in parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Great Smoky Mountains.
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Rates of erosion in the Chinle Formation-ten years later
  • Jan 1966
  • 68-74
  • E H Colbert
Colbert, E. H. 1966. Rates of erosion in the Chinle Formation-ten years later. Museum of Northern Arizona Plateau 38(3):68-74.
Cyclic prospecting to preserve vertebrate paleontological resources
  • Jan 1995
  • 19-26
  • T Fremd
Fremd, T. 1995. Cyclic prospecting to preserve vertebrate paleontological resources. San Bernardino County Museum Association Quarterly 42(3):19-26.
Characteristics of visitors to Fossil Butte NM, and the influence of the visitor center on fossil knowledge and ethics. Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnical Institute
  • Jan 2002
  • K S Hockett
  • J W Roggenbuck
Hockett, K. S., and J. W. Roggenbuck. 2002. Characteristics of visitors to Fossil Butte NM, and the influence of the visitor center on fossil knowledge and ethics. Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnical Institute. Blacksburg, Virginia.
Paleontological resources protection survey report. National Park Service Ranger Activities Division and Geologic Resources Division
  • Jan 1999
  • V L Santucci
Santucci, V. L. 1999. Paleontological resources protection survey report. National Park Service Ranger Activities Division and Geologic Resources Division.