Agate Fossil Beds National Monument: Paleontological resources management plan (public version)
Kottkamp S, Santucci VL, Tweet JS, De Smet J, Starck E. 2020. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument: Paleontological resources management plan (public version). Natural Resource Report. NPS/AGFO/NRR—2020/2172. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/nrr-2278685
Since Agate Springs Ranch was founded by James H. Cook in 1887, exquisite examples of transitional Miocene mammalian fauna have been found along this stretch of the Niobrara River valley. Collectively these paleontological discoveries, along with the existing archeological and historical Native American collection, were the basis for establishing Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (AGFO) as a unit of the National Park System (NPS). The fossil remains from the Harrison and Anderson Ranch formations span a short, but important, time period within the Miocene Epoch. AGFO has provided science with an intimate look into North American mammalian evolution of the time that is matched nowhere else, with body fossils and trace fossils (burrows) of many mammals in excellent condition. Investigation of the paleontological resources at AGFO has been very limited since its establishment, but the opportunities for research and discovery are still substantial. Public and academic interest in the Monument’s paleontological resources are considerable. Although there are existing legal authorities, policies and guidelines regarding the management of paleontological resources, at both the departmental and agency levels, more specific guidance would be helpful for the management of AGFO’s non-renewable fossils. This document has been prepared to provide more specific guidance and recommendations for paleontological resources management at AGFO. The Introduction outlines the significance of AGFO’s paleontological resources and defines the purpose, need, and objectives for the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Paleontological Resources Management Plan (PRMP). This plan also identifies the legal authorities, requirements, and mandates underpinning AGFO’s mission as a unit of the NPS, with special attention to authorities that address managing and preserving paleontological resources.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Kottkamp, Scott; Santucci, Vincent; Tweet, Justin; De Smet, Jessica; Starck, Ellen
- Date of Issue
- 2020-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/nrr-2278685
- Units
- AGFO , GRD , NRSS
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Paleontology | Paleontology