Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Paleontological Inventory of Denali National Park and Preserve

Project ID: J8W07110023

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2011

Initial Funding: $27,025

Total Funding: $27,025

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Physical

National Park: Denali National Park and Preserve

Principal Investigator: Blodgett, Robert

Agreement Technical Representative: Capps, Denny

Abstract: This is a collaborative project between the National Park Service (NPS) and Oregon State University (OSU) to conduct a detailed paleontological inventory of the fossil resources of the Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA). The inventory will entail a compilation of all available paleontological data. This compilation will include a paleontological bibliography, digital copies of literature, a listing of paleontological localities, and maps showing the location of each of these samples. Excel spreadsheets will also be prepared showing the locality description, geographic coordinates, and a complete listing of fossil fauna and flora, as well as accreted terrane assignment for pre-accretionary rocks. This compilation of all available paleontological data will be an invaluable asset to the new generation of paleontologists and geologists interested in working with DENA resources, as well as supporting current and future paleontological resource management issues for the park. NPS will be involved in this project by providing access to the park’s collection of paleontological literature and specimens, access to a GIS specialist to collaborate with OSU in the development of the map of paleontological resources, and a museum curator to ensure that all catalogued fossil specimens are properly and completely added to the paleontological database. This project will benefit the public directly by providing paleontological information for educational and interpretational purposes. The results will support a cutting-edge, three-dimensional visualization of paleontology data from DENA for display in the Murie Science and Learning Center. The paleontological resources of DENA are important in a regional context and are essential in understanding the geologic story, and therefore natural history, of the park. That story compliments the more recent history of glaciation, subsequent ecological succession, and will contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of DENA and of our nation’s natural heritage.

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