Fossil Management Framework

The Province of British Columbia recognizes the scientific, educational and heritage value of fossils and has approved the management of fossils as heritage resources in keeping with the following principles.

Fossil Management Principles

1. Fossils and fossil sites are important to British Columbia as heritage resources.

2. The order of priority for fossil management is science, natural heritage, education and, where appropriate, commercial use.

3. The order of priority for extraction or excavation of fossils is science, natural heritage, education and, where appropriate, commercial use. Non-extractive commercial use has precedent over extractive commercial use.

4. A fossil management framework that recognizes the heritage value of fossils, the need to protect significant fossil sites and the interests of stakeholders is necessary.

A new regulation took effect January 12th that prescribes fossils as “not a mineral” under the Mineral Tenure Act. This important first step now prevents rights to fossils from being acquired through new mineral claims. The regulation will have no negative impact on existing mining operations in the province.

Consultation will now begin with stakeholders, First Nations and other levels of government, and other interested parties on the development of a workable Fossil Management Framework for British Columbia.

A review of fossil management in other jurisdictions with recommendations for British Columbia was completed in November 2004. The report (PDF) can be found here. Comments on the policy recommendations to develop a Fossil Management Framework for British Columbia are requested by May 27, 2005.

Your comments and recommendations for the Fossil Management Framework can be submitted in writing to:

“Fossil Management Framework”
Corporate Land and Resource Governance Division
Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management
PO Box 9361, Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9M2

Or by Email to: Fossil@gov.bc.ca

Contact Tom Cockburn, Senior Policy Advisor, Policy, Legislation and Assessment Branch (250) 387-1808 for information.