Lewistown Field Office
| Contacts: | Craig Flentie 406-538-1943 | |||
BLM Brings Fossils to the 8th Grade Science Class
As part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Fossil Day, Zane Fulbright (a BLM archaeologist in the Lewistown Field Office) recently spent a day in the Lewistown Jr. High 8th grade science classroom discussing fossils and the chemistry component of dating fossils.
Zane also brought numerous fossil samples into the classroom so the kids could get some hands-on time.
Throughout the day Fulbright discussed a recent plesiosaur find on BLM managed land; the ongoing paleontological research work in the local area by Macalester College; different techniques for dating fossils; and describing other fossil finds from the local area.
National Fossil Day was October 12, 2011, and the event is designed as a means of promoting public awareness and stewardship of fossils and to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational value.
Zane presented to six different sections of 8th graders and handled numerous questions. The BLM certainly appreciates the opportunity to bring information into the classroom. We see these opportunities as part of our role in the community and I appreciate Mrs. Flentie making the arrangements for me to bring this presentation into her classroom,” Fulbright said.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Lewistown Field Office 920 NE Main Lewistown, MT 59457