Paleontological Resources | Bureau of Land Management
Source: https://www.blm.gov/programs/paleontology
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Paleontological Resources | Bureau of Land Management
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Paleontological Resources
The Bureau of Land Management preserves and promotes the incredible paleontological resources of America’s public lands. Through scientific research, responsible stewardship, and public engagement, the BLM enhances our understanding of ancient life and ecosystems and ensures that irreplaceable fossils are safeguarded for future generations.
BLM oversees nearly 250 million acres of public lands in the United States, encompassing vast and scientifically important paleontological resources. Based on acreage and known fossil localities, BLM is believed to be the world’s largest steward of paleontological resources. Some of the most awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits displayed in museums nationwide were collected from lands administered by BLM. Millions of additional fossils from BLM-managed public lands are studied and curated by universities and museums.
Explore awe-inspiring glimpses into Earth's distant past as revealed through stories that originate from discoveries on BLM lands.
Paleontology Stories
Explore awe-inspiring glimpses into Earth's distant past as revealed through stories that originate from discoveries on BLM lands.
Many important fossil discoveries are made by the public! We all play a critical role in preserving our nation’s heritage by recreating responsibly.
Can I Collect Fossils?
Many important fossil discoveries are made by the public! We all play a critical role in preserving our nation’s heritage by recreating responsibly.
Museums, visitor centers, and signed hiking trails showcase the rich fossil heritage of BLM-managed public lands.
Where Can I See Fossils?
Museums, visitor centers, and signed hiking trails showcase the rich fossil heritage of BLM-managed public lands.
Find information about how the BLM manages their paleontological resources.
Paleontology Management
Find information about how the BLM manages their paleontological resources.
National Fossil Day
Celebrate
National Fossil Day
by exploring fossils on public lands or in museums near you, or learning about them online. This annual event shines a spotlight on the scientific and educational value of paleontology and underscores the importance of preserving fossils for future generations.
Partner Agencies
BLM is one of numerous public lands agencies with incredible paleontological stories, including:
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock
(
) or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
YouTube
Flickr
Paleontological Resources
The Bureau of Land Management preserves and promotes the incredible paleontological resources of America’s public lands. Through scientific research, responsible stewardship, and public engagement, the BLM enhances our understanding of ancient life and ecosystems and ensures that irreplaceable fossils are safeguarded for future generations.
BLM oversees nearly 250 million acres of public lands in the United States, encompassing vast and scientifically important paleontological resources. Based on acreage and known fossil localities, BLM is believed to be the world’s largest steward of paleontological resources. Some of the most awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits displayed in museums nationwide were collected from lands administered by BLM. Millions of additional fossils from BLM-managed public lands are studied and curated by universities and museums.
Explore awe-inspiring glimpses into Earth's distant past as revealed through stories that originate from discoveries on BLM lands.
Paleontology Stories
Explore awe-inspiring glimpses into Earth's distant past as revealed through stories that originate from discoveries on BLM lands.
Many important fossil discoveries are made by the public! We all play a critical role in preserving our nation’s heritage by recreating responsibly.
Can I Collect Fossils?
Many important fossil discoveries are made by the public! We all play a critical role in preserving our nation’s heritage by recreating responsibly.
Museums, visitor centers, and signed hiking trails showcase the rich fossil heritage of BLM-managed public lands.
Where Can I See Fossils?
Museums, visitor centers, and signed hiking trails showcase the rich fossil heritage of BLM-managed public lands.
Find information about how the BLM manages their paleontological resources.
Paleontology Management
Find information about how the BLM manages their paleontological resources.
National Fossil Day
Celebrate
National Fossil Day
by exploring fossils on public lands or in museums near you, or learning about them online. This annual event shines a spotlight on the scientific and educational value of paleontology and underscores the importance of preserving fossils for future generations.
Partner Agencies
BLM is one of numerous public lands agencies with incredible paleontological stories, including:
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service