OR/WA Conserving Oregon’s Fossil Heritage through Fossil Preparation

Project ID: L19AC00079

Federal Agency: Bureau of Land Management

Partner Institution: University of Oregon

Fiscal Year: 2019

Initial Funding: $50,505

Total Funding: $50,505

Principal Investigator: Davis, Edward

Agreement Technical Representative: Martine, Kristin

Abstract: Objective(s): The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (NMCH) will fund a qualified fossil preparator for nine months to stabilize, prepare, and curate fossils recovered from OR/WA BLM lands in the John Day and Crooked River Basins. Funding will also support collection of additional paleontological specimens for future research and education. Specific activities include removing up to 10 large fossils with research value from field jackets, stabilizing them, and making them available for display at the MHCH; experimenting with laboratory screen washing techniques to remove small fossils from a matrix; and collecting new fossils from the John Day and Mascall Formations near John Day, Oregon. Permanent curation of fossil collections supports paleontological resource conservation stewardship by ensuring specimens are available for study by future generations. Paleontological specimens will also be available for display and interpretation. Work will bring the BLM closer to meeting the long term program goal of locating all paleontological collections and associated records, and ensuring collections are stored in approved repositories, properly documented, cared for, and accessible for research and public programs.
Federal Award Performance Goals
1. Large specimens are prepared/stabilized by September 30, 2020. Up to 10 large specimens are prepared/stabilized.
2. Pilot screen washing project results are available by September 30, 2020. Results of experimental wet screening methods are included in summary report.
3. Field collection from BLM lands is complete by August 31, 2020. Results of 2020 field work are included in a summary report.