Destruction of Canadian Fossils?

 Ginkgo adiantoides Leaf Fossil

Tranquil Shale - British Columbia, Canada

Image source Wikipedia

 

An article in the Vancouver Sun newspaper makes a blunt call to action comparing the destruction of the Eocene Period McAbee Fossil Beds to the sacking of the Library at Alexandria.  The McAbee Fossil Beds is composed of Tranquil Shale in Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada.  The article is basically calling for the government to review their mineral licenses of the area that is experiencing fossil destruction due to road building and repair.

Eohiodon Fossil

McAbee Fossil Bed - Eocene Period

Image compliments of Howard (Calgary, Canada)

See this web page on the Virtual Fossil Museum web site for some ideas of plant fossils found at the site.

Florissantia Fossil

McAbee Fossil Bed - Eocene Period

Image courtesy of Howard (Calgary, Canada)

Dr. Bruce Archibald, mentioned in the article, has a web site highlighting his research.

Pine Needles Fossil

McAbee Fossil Bed - Eocene Period

Image compliments of Howard (Calgary, Canada)

This website promotes the u-dig fossil operation (that might be the one cited in the article).  They state 50 varieties of plants can be found along with insects, fish, flowers, feathers, and cones fossils.

Here is the British Columbia government position on the site which also contains their research report.

Metasequoia Fossil

McAbee Fossil Bed - Eocene Period

Image courtesy of Howard (Calgary, Canada)

Maybe one day I will visit that area which seems so rich in natural resources and beauty.