The recent announcement of an unprecedented fossil find has generated a lot of interest in the site on the edge of Colorado Springs. “Made us feel a great responsibility," said Colorado Springs Parks, TOPS Manger, Britt Haley. It has also created concern about protecting Corral Bluffs Open space.
The discovery is fossils from 66 million years ago. Many are complete, intact animals and vegetation offering evidence from a million-year missing link in the timeline of earth’s history.
Paleontologists get credit for the find; Colorado Springs gets to protect the property. Made us feel a great responsibility," said Haley. An announcement of this magnitude generates a lot of interest. The land will eventually be an open space park. Right now it is fenced and posted. "It is a trespass to enter, it's unlawful entry, we will prosecute individuals.” Rangers, neighbors, the Corral Bluffs Alliance friends group watch the property.
There is the curious wanting to go out and see where this amazing find happened. Just walking in the wrong area can be a problem at the fragile site. "That can have a negative impact on the science that's being conducted,” said Colorado Springs Cultural Services Director Matt Mayberry. There is also concern about people sneaking onto the property hoping to find fossils to take.
The discovery is documented with elements on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Work continues at the Corral Bluffs site. "We've only begun the research process. There's maybe many other things to learn from this property," said Haley.
The property is off limits to roaming on your own, but you can sign up for guided tours given by the Corral Bluffs Alliance. "Those are people that can help you understand what you're looking at," said Mayberry. Go here to learn about tours.
