Posted by Ed on April 21, 1998 at 16:17:04:
In Reply to: Re: Fossil Image - Trilobite posted by Inyo3 on April 21, 1998 at 15:24:59:
: : : : 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: : in 1994, the rules were withdrawn after public protest.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??
: I don't make the rules. I simply report them. You do what you will with the information that is provided.
::So far you haven't reported any facts regarding
regulations, only vague threats. What is the statute
in question regarding invertebrate fossil collection
in National Forest land? If a permit process is required, how are the permits obtained? If you are
going to try and intimidate fossil hunters, how about
backing it up with some specifics? Otherwise I advise
fossil hunters to to take these empty threats for what
they appear to be - hot air.
