The District of Tumbler Ridge frequently reviews details of proposed tenures brought forward by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. A new phrase has recently appeared in some of the comments that the District provides. It reads "Palaeontological Survey must be completed prior to any development," if the tenure in question lies in an area that could contain fossils.

Although such considerations are already required in other Canadian provinces (just as with archaeological impact assessments) Tumbler Ridge is quite possibly the first municipality in British Columbia that has taken this far-sighted step in recognizing the importance of the region's precious and unique fossil resources.

The provincial Liberal government, also recognizing the importance of BC's fossils and the inadequacy of existing legislation dealing with them , has requested the creation of a Fossil Management Framework, under the leadership of the highly respected Dr. Tom Cockburn. The recommendations of this commission are anticipated in the near future.

The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation applauds this visionary and progressive thinking, and the good news that it represents for the fossil heritage of the region and province.

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Additional Information:
Fossil Management Framework