Number: RL32667
Title: Federal Management and Protection of Paleontological (Fossil) Resources Located on Federal Lands: Current Status and Legal Issues
Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division 
Abstract: Paleontological [fossil] resources are of great interest to scholars, dealers in rare objects, and legislators. Large tracts of land under federal management possess valuable fossil resources, many of which remain unexcavated. Concern has developed over the protection and management of these resources, some of which have been subject to theft and/or vandalism. There is no comprehensive statute or management policy for the protection and management of fossils on federal lands. Federal authority may derive from a number of statutes relating to the protection of public properties. There is no consistent and dispositive body of caselaw which provides guidance for the regulation and control of fossil resources located on federal property. Pending federal legislation is intended to provide for the uniform management and protection of paleontological resources on federal lands.
Pages: 14
Date: November 8, 2004