General Information about Permits
There are three types of BLM permits:
- Survey Permit - paleontological research and surface collection of fossils that results in the disturbance of less than one square meter of rock or soil.
- Excavation Permit - Systematic collection of fossils that results in soil or rock disturbance exceeding one square meter in area.
- Consulting Permit - authorizes the survey and collection of paleontological resources by a consulting paleontologist in anticipation or in conjunction with a land-use action (such as mining, trenching, road-building, or land-tenure adjustment). More information on consulting paleontology.
How do I apply for a BLM paleontological resource use permit?
Click here for specific information for permittees
Who should apply for a permit?
![Paleontologists at work](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081019204601im_/http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ut/natural_resources/cultural/paleo/paleontology_photos0.Par.35377.Image.100.133.1.gif)
Anyone who intends to survey, collect, disturb, or conduct research on any paleontological resources that are on BLM-administered lands must have a valid paleontological resource use permit . For more information about qualifications and eligibility, please continue to the "Who needs to apply for a Paleontology Resource Use Permit?" page.
Can I place a mining claim on fossil resources?
Fossilized remains of prehistoric animals have been determined to be surface estate and are not a mineral resource, therefore mining claims may not be placed upon them (see Public Law 84-167). For mining inquiries please check with the BLM minerals program .
All permitted paleontologists must check in with the appropriate BLM field office before commencing field work. ![BLM map](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081019204601im_/http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ut/utah_maps.Par.93367.Image.250.313.1.gif)
Information for Permittees:
Museum collections
All fossils and associated notes that are collected under a paleontological resource use permit must be reposited into an approved museum facility. All permittees must produce an agreement with such a facility before they will be considered eligible for a permit.
Annual Reports
All permittees must file an annual report by December 31 of each calendar year. A separate annual report must be filed for each permit that a permittee holds. The report should have the following information:
If no field work was conducted during the calendar year an Annual Report Cover Sheet must be submitted, but all other documents may be omitted.
BLM guidance
Information about Consulting Paleontology:
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) require that scientifically significant paleontological resources on BLM-administered lands be managed and preserved.
Do we need to do a paleontological survey before digging into the ground?
Where can we find a consulting paleontologist?
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Do I need a permit for State lands?
The State of Utah and State Institutional Trust Land Administration (SITLA) have specific regulations about both hobby and research collecting. Contact the Utah Geological Survey (attn. State Paleontologist) for more information.