BLM UT GSENM Kaiparowits Critical Fossil Inventory and Protection Project
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is required by its monument management plan to actively inventory and manage the world-class vertebrate fossil resources found on the Kaiparowits Plateau. In particular, the last fifteen years have proven that the Kaiparowits region contains numerous critical macrovertebrate sites that require immediate collection in order to preserve these highly significant heritage and scientific resources. Other, more remote areas on the plateau have high potential to contain such significant fossils, but remain unsurveyed. This opportunity will provide support to an institution whose goals are to document and preserve these critical fossil resources, while providing the BLM with models for resource distribution that can facilitate more effective Kaiparowits paleontological resource management. The recipients institution would be engaged in long-term research on Cretaceous vertebrate paleontology inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This project would provide critical data to meet research goals as well as provide fossil materials to support undergraduate and graduate research. Collection of new specimens will also provide the basis for public exhibits for the recipient, raising support and awareness of that institutions paleontology program. The recipients paleontological research program is a function of a public institution (university or museum). These are public entities that exist for the good of the public, largely to preserve our nations natural and cultural heritage and stimulate interest and stewardship in such public resources.
Office: Bureau of Land Management
maria_gochis@blm.gov
