STATEMENT OF TOM FULTON

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR LAND AND MINERALS MANAGEMENT

ON H.R. 2385

BEFORE THE HOUSE RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON

NATIONAL PARKS, RECREATION AND PUBLIC LANDS

JULY 26, 2001

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today to testify in support of H.R. 2385, the Virgin River Dinosaur Footprint Preserve Act. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to purchase and then convey to the city of St. George, Utah, certain property on which dinosaur tracks have recently been discovered.

The site involved is located on private property which is adjacent to a turf farm, a small dump, and a high school, within the St. George city limits. The discovery of these tracks within the city of St. George is certainly locally unique and they represent a potential focus for local interpretive efforts. The State of Utah has some of the most concentrated and significant paleontological resources of any region of the country.

The Administration supports H.R. 2385 with amendments to address, among others, the following concerns:

1) Deadlines: We understand that, if these tracks are to be protected, there is a degree of urgency. Sections 2(a) and (b) of the bill include schedules that reflect this urgency but do not allow enough time to accomplish the purchase and transfer of this property. We would like to work with the Committee to establish a schedule that allows sufficient time to address valuation and funding issues.

2) Valuation and Methods for Acquisition: The bill stipulates that this land be acquired through purchase even though an exchange might be a viable option. No mention is made of a fair market appraisal as the basis for the purchase price for this land, although such an appraisal is a required for any purchase by the United States.

3) Post-Acquisition Management and Funding: Section 2(b) calls for the conveyance of the land designated as the Proposed Virgin River Dinosaur Footprint Preserve to the City with the requirement that the Preserve is used in the manner described in the bill. The bill stipulates that the City must preserve, protect, and make the paleontological resources available for educational activities. With regard to funding for the City to protect this site, the Department would like to suggest the establishment of a non-profit foundation, perhaps involving the State of Utah, Washington County, and the City of St. George. This foundation would provide for the long term operations, maintenance, and educational interpretation of the site. The Department of the Interior would provide long term technical assistance.

The Administration stands ready to work with the Subcommittee on language to address these concerns. We recognize the significance and importance of these dinosaur tracks to the city of St. George and the residents of Washington County. We applaud their efforts to secure these tracks and protect them from further disturbance and deterioration so that they might be shared with the public.

This concludes my testimony. I am pleased to answer any questions the Committee may have.