Paleontology Program Management & Policy
The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act of 2009 (PRPA; 16 U.S.C. 470aaa – 470aaa-11), states:
- The Secretary shall manage and protect paleontological resources on Federal land using scientific principles and expertise.
- The Secretary shall develop appropriate plans for inventory, monitoring… of paleontological resources.
- The Secretary shall establish a program to increase public awareness about the significance of paleontological resources.
Regulations at 43 CFR Part 49 provides BLM-specific guidance on four topics:
- Casual Collection
- Confidentiality
- Permitting
- Potential Fossil Yield Classification
BLM policy, PIM2022-009, Implementing the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act of 2009
BLM Manual 8270, Paleontological Resource Management (v.1998)
BLM Handbook H-8270-1, Paleontological Resource Management (v.1998)