Department of the Interior Recovery Investments

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Digitize Paleontological Localities ARRA Project

Need:  A student is needed to digitize paleontological localities into a GIS-based database. This information will be vital to identify these fossil localities for our environmental assessments, and protect and preserve them during our mitigation efforts. The project will be state-wide in scope and will include ACECs, WSAs, historic trails and other treasured landscapes throughout Wyoming.

Recovery Act Funding:  On Oct. 1, 2009, BLM hired paleontology graduate student, Michael Johnson, from the University of Wyoming. Michael is finishing up his Master of Science degree this semester. Approximately $12,000 will be spent on the four-month project.

Benefits:  Digitizing will help protect these and other important public resources by developing approaches, techniques, and background information to aid in proper management.