PROTECTORS OF THE PLEISTOCENE: VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP OF TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT (TUSK) FOSSIL LOCALITIES

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (TUSK) was established in 2014 to preserve and interpret the highly fossiliferous Pleistocene Las Vegas Formation. TUSK is one of few urban national monuments protecting paleontological resources. Balancing public education, fossil awareness, and resource conservation proves to be difficult, as urban development encroaches on park boundaries and the surrounding community adjusts to changes in land management practices. Over 600 fossil localities at TUSK are located within the Upper Las Vegas Wash, which dissects groundwater discharge deposits of the Las Vegas Formation. High rates of erosion frequently expose fragile fossils, which are threatened by sun bleaching, wind, erosion, and illegal collection from park visitors. As a new park, TUSK does not yet have on-site facilities to support large-scale excavation and long-term storage of fossil collections. As a result, TUSK staff, Geoscientists-in-the-Park (GIP) and volunteers monitor fossil sites regularly to protect and preserve in-situ fossils. The Protectors of Tule Springs (POTS) are a corps of community volunteers that were instrumental in establishing TUSK and continue to support conservation and interpretation efforts at the monument. POTS volunteer efforts help preserve the in-situ fossil resources of TUSK, as well as patrol the park boundary and report disturbances and illegal activity to TUSK law enforcement. Continuing protection is important, as fossils are often fragile and exposed to the elements and can be disturbed by well-meaning guests who unknowingly trample fossils. The volunteer’s field work efforts through TUSK’s paleontology monitoring program will aid TUSK staff in future projects and preserve a baseline record of disturbances to TUSK resources. The well-studied chronology and stratigraphy of the Las Vegas Formation makes TUSK an ideal locality for Pleistocene paleontological research. Protection of TUSK, especially with the help of volunteers, can potentially lead to great scientific discoveries for the region. By leveraging the enthusiasm and willingness of community citizen scientists, TUSK has been able to develop a successful volunteer program, increase fossil awareness to the general public, and protect fossil sites within the park within its first years of establishment.