Chapter 22 - Managing Conservation, Research, and Interpretation of Geoheritage Assets at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado, USA

Abstract

The assessment, conservation, scientific research, and interpretation of palaeontological resources at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument demonstrate a multifaceted approach to effective geoheritage management by the United States National Park Service. Assessment of palaeontological assets includes routine inventory and monitoring of fossil localities, and surveying Florissant publications and collections at other museums. Conservation activities involve maintaining fossil collections according to museum best practices and developing new methods to conserve fragile fossiliferous shale and large in situ petrified tree stumps. The monument actively supports ongoing scientific research, which in turn provides information for interpretive and educational media in a new exhibit hall. International collaboration enables sharing conservation methods with other petrified forest sites worldwide. Pursuit of geopark designation for the area is ongoing, but must garner better support from local communities, who stand to benefit economically from increased interest in the area.