Fossil Collector Archive Message
Archive Index
HAVE FOSSILS FOR TRADING?:  Online Fossil Trade Show  opened on March 8, 2004. Trade fossils with fellow collectors!  

Re: Fossil Image - Trilobite

Posted by Ed on April 19, 1998 at 22:00:27:

In Reply to: Re: Fossil Image - Trilobite posted by Inyo3 on April 18, 1998 at 13:27:27:

: : This Trilobite fossil (Wanneria Walcotta) was found by Gayle Peterson near the Cedar Flats area of the White Inyo Mts at appromimately 7300 ft. She had just said after an hour of fruitless searching that "there doesn't seem to be anything here" . While leaning against a tree to get some shade, she looked down at her feet and right next to her foot and facing toward her was this fossil.
: : It's one of the best examples that I've ever seen out of the White/Inyos and is named after CD Walcot who went on to discover the world famous Burgess Shale.

: Yes, there are trilobites in the Lower Cambrian Poleta formation (and Campito formation) near Cedar Flat, Inyo-White Mountains, Calif. But remember that this is all National Forest Land. Restrictions apply. Do not get caught collecting there without a permit issued by the appropriate authorities. You will most certainly be fined severely, under the maximum penalty of the law.

::Okay, who are the appropriate authorities? My understanding was that when the Forest Service attempted to make rules outlawing all fossil collecting
in 1994, the rules were withdrawn after public protest.
Are you saying that these rules have been reissued after all? I just flat out don't believe it. But if this is wrong, would you kindly inform us how to go about applying for such a permit, etc.? I have to add that if this is true, then it is a silly law drawn up by people who want to regulate everything.
This area have been picked over, but primarily by
University field classes. Do you think they should be prosecuted as well? It is a sad spectacle - this person finds a beautiful fossil, posts it for everyone to see, and you have to come in and threaten everybody.
God forbid anybody should enjoy learning about paleontology by hunting fossils. If this fossil hadn't been found, it would eventually be dirt. This is a
better outcome??


Replies: