Paleontology Banner
Programs

Paleontology


** Under Construction **

Fossils on public lands preserve important information about the history of life on Earth, including climate and ecosystem diversity.  Therefore:

  1. The bureau will preserve paleontological resources for the benefit of current and future generations;
  2. The scientific importance of paleontological resources will be considered in all resource management and land use decisions;
  3. Insightful research into paleontological resources on public lands will be encouraged and facilitated; and –
  4. Programs to increase the public’s awareness and appreciation of paleontological resources will be offered.

NOTE: Materials available from these pages are contributed by BLM staff. The collections are being developed and may be an incomplete baseline of relevant content. It is expected that each collection will continue growing in time to reflect the most current information available. 

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: 

  1. Casual Collection 
  2. Confidentiality 
  3. Permitting 
  4. 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)

Potential Fossil Yield Classification Geologic Formation Map Index 2022 Polygons: ArcGIS Hub

Paleontological Resource Use Permits in RAPTOR. SharePoint Site