Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) System for Paleontological Resources on Public Lands

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

July 8, 2016

In Reply Refer To:

8270 (240) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 07/20/2016

Instructional Memorandum No. 2016-124

Expires: 09/30/2019

To:                   All Field Office Officials

From:               Assistant Director, Resources and Planning

Subject:            Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) System for Paleontological Resources on Public Lands

Program Areas:  Paleontological Resources Management, Resource Management Planning, Lands and Realty Management, Minerals Management.

Purpose:  This Instruction Memorandum (IM) transmits an update to the BLM’s classification system for surface geology based on the potential that significant paleontological resources occur in a geologic unit.  The updated classification system is attached.

Policy/Action:  The Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) system provides an estimate of the potential that significant paleontological resources will be found in a mapped geological unit and is used to assess possible resource impacts and mitigation needs for federal actions that involve surface disturbance, land use planning, or land tenure adjustment.  Implementation of the PFYC system does not require changes to existing land use plans, project plans, or other completed efforts, but integration into plans presently being developed is recommended.  This revision updates the guidance that was introduced in IM 2008-009.

Timeframe:  This updated guidance is effective immediately for all BLM offices.

Background:  The PFYC system provides a uniform tool to assess potential occurrences of paleontological resources and evaluate possible impacts.  It uses mapped geologic units, and is intended to be applied in a broad approach for planning efforts, and as an intermediate step in evaluating specific projects.  This is part of a larger effort to update 8270 program guidance and Handbook H-8270-1 (General Procedural Guidance for Paleontological Resource Management).

Budget Impact:  This is an update to existing policy; implementing the PFYC system will have no additional costs.

Manual/Handbook Affected:  Supersedes H-8270-1 (General Procedural Guidance for Paleontological Resource Management) Chapter II.A.2 and IM 2008-009 (Potential Fossil Yield Classification).

Coordination:  This IM was coordinated with programs in WO-200, WO-300 and WO-400.

Contact:  Scott Foss, BLM Senior Paleontologist, sfoss@blm.gov, 202-912-7253.

Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:

Nancy Haug                                                    Robert M. Williams

Acting, Assistant Director                              Division of IT Policy and Planning,WO-870

Resources and Planning

1 Attachment

  1 - The Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) System (5 pp)