Protocols for paleontological site Monitoring at Point Reyes National Seashore

Pearson, Lillian; Clites, Erica; Santucci, Vincent; Boessenecker, Robert

The geologic units at Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) date back 100 million years and include several Cenozoic sedimentary sequences containing paleontological resources (fossils). The sedimentary units record 50 million years of earth’s history and contain fossil remains of marine vertebrates (i.g. bones and teeth), invertebrates (i.g. mollusks), plants (i.g. carbonized and petrified organic material), and trace fossils (i.g. worm burrows). This report provides a protocol for monitoring paleontological resources at PORE. The report also contains an inventory of paleontological resource localities and evaluates fossiliferous formations within the park boundaries. More than 140 paleontological resource localities and isolated fossil finds have been identified within PORE. Eighteen localities have been selected as candidates for paleontological resource monitoring. The paleontological monitoring localities are representative of the most significant and abundant fossils within the park that are vulnerable to natural processes and / or human disturbances. Most of the fossiliferous exposures at PORE occur along the coastal cliffs and therefore monitoring will enhance our understanding of the factors and processes that influence the stability and preservation of coastal paleontological resources. Paleontological resources are non-renewable, and are susceptible to impacts from natural processes and human activities. Once fossil resources are damaged, destroyed, or removed from their original context without proper documentation, their scientific and educational value cannot be replaced. Documenting long-term changes in the condition and stability of paleontological resources will provide managers with information on the rate and degree of impacts on resources and may provide the scientific basis for future administrative actions involving their management. Santucci et al. (2009) outlines five vital signs for the monitoring of in situ paleontological resources. These include: erosion (geologic factors), erosion (climatic factors), catastrophic geologic hazards, hydrology/bathymetry and human access/public use. The measureable objectives of monitoring include determining whether the quality of the site’s condition (based on the monitoring score) is improving or declining, allowing a resource manager to determine whether the changes are primarily due to natural processes such as erosion or human activities. In particular this protocol outlines how climate change may affect paleontological resources. The predictions of future sea level rise and increased storm events will influence the stability and preservation of these resources. Monitoring the paleontological resources will ensure that changes in stability will be recognized. The protocol offers monitoring methods and strategies for mitigation in areas that are or will become vulnerable therefore avoiding further degradation and potential loss of fossils. The report provides reporting and monitoring material that constitute a tool kit, which can be adapted and transferred to any coastal park area. It provides a standardized method for managing fossil resources subject to the “no impairment” standard set forth in the National Park Service Organic Act (1916). It also fulfills mandates in the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (2009) that paleontological resources on Federal land be managed and protected using scientific principles and expertise.

Protocols for paleontological site Monitoring at Point Reyes National Seashore

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