Denali National Park and Preserve paleontological resources management plan

Abstract

Denali National Park and Preserve (DENA) in central Alaska is one of the most geologically and paleontologically diverse parks in the national park system. Fossils found at DENA help to untangle the convoluted bedrock history, record a Late Cretaceous ecosystem, and show changes in life here over several hundred million years. We have prepared a paleontological resources management plan (PRMP) to successfully administer these non-renewable resources in accordance with law and policy. This PRMP establishes goals and strategies for the comprehensive management of paleontological resources at DENA, considering more than a century of change and development of park programs and themes, agency policies and guidelines, and state and federal laws and regulations. Objectives include informing decisions and implementing best practices for paleontological resource management; ensuring the highest protection and preservation of paleontological resources; supporting and overseeing research on these resources; and promoting public outreach and education. This paleontological resources management plan provides a variety of information and recommendations to address these objectives. A brief geological history of DENA and descriptions of fossiliferous rock units provide context for the fossils. Fossil areas of interest and paleontological localities of concern are detailed for management. Practices and recommendations are presented for inventory and monitoring. The process of research permitting and practices for researchers are described. The state of collections and curation is considered. Interpretation and education are tied into existing themes, and venues and opportunities for additional outreach are described. A series of overall recommendations are provided that consider the objectives. Finally, data forms are provided for reference. This PRMP should be used as the foundation of future, more specialized, management plans or reports relating to paleontological resources at DENA.