USING GIS TO TRACK FOSSIL FOOTPRINTS: TAKE It OUTSIDE AT THE JURASSIC MOCCASIN MOUNTAIN TRACKSITE, UTAH

The Moccasin Mountain Tracksite (reported in the fall of 2007) is located in Southern Utah on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Kanab Field Office. Here in a 1,000 m² slickrock area of the Navajo Formation (age ~185 ma) multiple track levels are revealed. This spectacular vertebrate paleontological resource lies in a very popular off-highway vehicle (OHV) area. The Moccasin Mountain Tracksite (MMT) provides an ideal opportunity for the successful synergy of management, science, technology, interpretation, and recreation. OHV activity has impacted the track surface at the MMT necessitating the closure of the track-bearing area to vehicular traffic to protect this significant paleontological resource. Scientifically, the site contains a high ichno-diversity and density, with important preservational features. At least six different track types have been observed, including tridactyl (Grallator and Eubrontes) and tetradactyl forms (Batrachopus and Otozoum). Tracks occur on dune foreset beds, interdune-bounding, and truncation surfaces, and are preserved as underprints and molds, in convex hyporelief, and more rarely in concave epirelief. The morphology varies from distinct preservation of anatomical features, such as pads and claw impressions, to areas of undifferentiated dinoturbation. In 2008, close-range photogrammetric documentation of the site was conducted using both ground-based and low-altitude aerial imagery. Digital terrain data and ortho-imagery, at a variety of scales, are integrated into a unified real-world coordinate system for display and analysis in a Geographic Information System. The proximity of the site to recreational destinations in Southern Utah and its unique scientific value make it ideally suited for a BLM “Take It Outside” program. This Program encourages children and their families to spend more time outdoors on the public lands; to improve children’s overall health; and to promote stewardship of the public lands. The integrated imagery forms the basis for a brochure for K- 12 students, and adults, to use as a self-guided tour of the site. This brochure will be an effective tool for interpreting this unique site to the public and increasing awareness and concern for such natural treasures.