Parks Stewardship Forum

Paleontological monitoring at Badlands National Park is extremely complex. The monitoring program has steadily evolved from its formalization in 1994 with the hiring of the first park paleontologist. Changing regulations, increases in protections for paleontological resources, positive interdivisional communication, sympathetic leadership, and the hiring of a full-time monitor have allowed staff to move from being purely reactive to taking an active role in planning park projects. This entails commenting on compliance through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment & Public Comment portal, conducting pre-construction surveys, attending pre-construction meetings, providing resource training for construction personnel, consulting with the Federal Highway Administration as subject-matter experts, and acting as the contracting officer’s representative on select projects. The monitoring program strives to hire qualified personnel according to best practice guidelines and provides additional training in documentation, fossil identification, field methods, and effective communication prior to allowing monitors to be onsite. The monitoring program works to add value to projects such as GIS database management for park utilities, assisting with project planning, and acting as additional spotters for issues on the ground during construction. Additionally, monitors are frequently tasked with assisting in law enforcement cases and any other situation in which their skill sets can be brought to bear. The future of paleontological monitoring at Badlands National Park will continue to see the integration of technology, expertise, and communication to ensure that all projects are completed successfully, and resources are handled with the care and respect the public expects of the National Park Service.