GPDM looking to build new relationships; strengthen local dinosaur dig program

Phillips County has long been known for being a rich-fossil region, and the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum (GPDM) is hoping that local landowners within our community will provide access to explore, conduct research, and possibly even excavate fossils in conjunction with their summer dig programs.

GPDM Director of Paleontology, Cary Woodruff explained that "We have had remarkable sites and great relationships with Phillips County landowners for many years, but we are in need of new sites and locations. New sites may yield new finds. New finds will yield new research. New research promotes our community to the academic world." Landowners interested in partnering with GPDM are invited to attend a special meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum starting at 5:30 PM. A BBQ hamburger meal will be served at 6 PM and at 6:30 PM, Cary Woodruff will join the group via live video stream to explain opportunities and answer questions about landowner relations, program access, and fossil ownership.

GPDM board members report, "Our immediate goal is to find properties (ideally with close proximity to Malta) that we can incorporate into our seasonal exploration and dig programs. We understand that most landowners around here are very private people, and we truly want to respect their rights and wishes." Landowner agreements are flexible, allowing landowners to open up their entire properties or to limit access to specific areas and we often provide limited compensation. Confidentially is valued within the agreement and with GPDM staff.

The varied fossil-bearing landscapes in Phillips County date back to 79 million years. Areas, where vertebrate fossils are commonly found, are often places where wind or water has eroded the topsoil exposing the Judith and Claggett Formations or the Bearpaw Shale. Even if a landowner isn't sure whether there may be fossils on their property, they are encouraged to attend on the 3rd or give GPDM a call with land coordinates for a map review.

The dinosaur dig programs make GPDM and Malta unique in Montana. GPDM is a citizen-driven nonprofit, not affiliated with any local or state government. Board member Anne Boothe stated "I've been involved with the institution since its inception in 2002, and we continue to strive to promote and keep fossils within the community. People come from all over the world to conduct scientific research on our fossils; kids of all ages experience a "real dinosaur" at either of our local museums and they all stay, eat, and spend money in Malta and Phillips County."

GPDM runs about four separate dig programs each summer season with four to eight people in the field every day. All are covered by liability insurance and special care is taken to minimize risk and danger for all. These items and more are covered within the landowner agreement.

This past year, Montana passed legislation for clarifying Montana law that dinosaur fossils found on private property belong to the surface rights owners, not the mineral rights owners when there is a split estate. GPDM encourages landowners to consider keeping fossils in the public domain by working with the museum and will further discuss ownership and on the 3rd or in a private conversation.

Again, landowners are invited to an informational meeting at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum located in the museum complex on US Highway 2 in Malta on Tuesday, March 3rd. Attendees can explore the museum, learn about all of our educational programs, landowner agreements and fossil ownership, and participate in a Q&A with Cary Woodruff, GPDM Director of Paleontology. Doors open at 5:30 PM, light meal provided by GPDM board members at 6:00 PM with a presentation at 6:30 PM. RSVP is appreciated for meal planning – leave a voice message at 654-5300 or email [email protected].

Landowners are also encouraged to visit personally with any staff or Board of Director member – they include: Mardy Demarais, Damian Austin, Anne Boothe, Lu Besel, David Rummel, Kenny Clark, Stephanie Nagel, Scott Meneely, Katie Smith and Randy Shores (board members) and Cary Woodruff, Dixie Stordahl, Dollyann Willcutt (staff.)