Document Significant Fossil Localities within the Sharps Formation - BADL

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This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service's intention to award financial assistance for the following project activities without competition.  South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a member of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit in Great Plains Network.  This project is designed for the purpose of documenting and protecting fossil resources in the Sharps Formation at Cedar Pass Badlands National Park to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. The purpose of this project is for the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to provide a faculty member and several graduate students to document scientifically significant fossil localities within the Sharps Formation. All fossil localities will be carefully mapped using GPS equipment. Only scientifically significant specimens will be collected, prepared and curated. The outcome will be the protection of fossil resources that are vulnerable to theft, vandalism and erosion. Information obtained from this project will be shared with the general public through interpretive programs. Detailed resource maps will be developed of the area which will be made available to law enforcement and the resource management program. The public purpose is to engage recipients, partners, communities and park visitors in the shared protection of fossil resources. The project motivates its youth participants to become involved in the study and protection of fossil resources. The NPS is substantially involved by jointly describing and developing the goals, scope and the activities to be accomplished. The staff  at Badlands National Park will assist the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in providing an orientation on fossil resources, technical assistance and safety training.

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