It is known as the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act bill. It was just re-introduced in Congress in January 2007. If this current "paleo bill" is passed, it would become a felony to own that little fossil you found on your last field trip. Now is the time to wake up and do something. Basically what will happen, if passed, this legislation will make it illegal to collect or own almost all fossils from any Public Lands. This would include trilobites, brachiopods, and even petrified wood. How could you prove any fossils that you currently own were collected legally? Even if you don't care much about fossils, it could still affect you. If passed; it could pave the way for more restrictions on collecting other minerals and gems. In the Senate this bill is known as S-320. In the House of Representatives it is know as HR-554. Write to your congressman and express your feelings on this issue. A similar bill was introduced and defeated a few years ago known as the "Baucus Bill". It was defeated largely due to letters written by a concerned public. Write to your congressman, again. Do it now before it is too late. This is the only way to have any say at all in the legislative process. It's your right to voice your opinion. After all; this is America!

Write, call or eMail your Senators and Representatives.

Let's just imagine that the powers that be would eventually like to deny any public access to all Public Lands. First, they might declare it a wilderness area with limited access, this automatically reduces the number of people that are now able to use the land. Next they might limit the type of activities that are legally permitted.This again will further reduce the number of people allowed to use the land. The few activities that are allowed must be very closely regulated and special permits must be issued and of course more fees must be paid. This would require even more government employees. Naturally the funding wouldn't be available for this, so maybe they could levy a new tax. A Wilderness Preservation Tax! Imagine that; taxing the public to keep them from using their own Public Lands without special permission from the government. However; in pursuit of their ultimate goal, they just decide to close off all access to Public Lands; this way the land can be preserved for "future generations". All Public Lands are now closed to the public by order of the government. Do you think that this could this actually happen? Of course not, this is America!

My question to you is what "future generations" do you think that they actually mean? The oil companys? Big industry and corporate land developers? Special interest groups that make large campaign contributions? Do you REALLY believe that your great grandson is going to be able to go out and use the land that is presently closed to the public? Of course not! This is America?