FOSSIL COLLECTING REFORM IN THE USA

There have been rumblings in the USA for some time now about the need for stronger legislation on the collecting and resale of fossils.
The latest report discusses how to manage this issue, and suggests a framework similar to that in place for archeological remains, run by the Archeological Resources Protection Agency.
 
The purported purpose of the report is to "Stop deterioration and loss of fossils".
 
The report suggests seven major reasons why the management of fossils is necessary;
 
1. Fossils are a part of US heritage
2. Most vertebrate fossils are rare
3. Some invertebrate fossils are rare 
4. Penalties for fossil theft need to be strengthened 
5. It needs effective stewardship.
6. Federal fossil collections should be preserved and available for research and education.
7. Federal fossil management should give opportunity for public involvement.
 
Whilst most of this is extremely laudable, one wonders just how much any legislation will affect the private collector in the future, and the many private and commercial fossil hunters, without whom many of the most amazing fossils would never have been discovered. 
 
Many parts of the World have restricted the collection and export of fossils, so perhaps now is a time to be worried about how much moves afoot in the USA will have repercussions for us all.
 
For further information please go to www.doi.gov/fossil/fossilreport.htm       "FOSSILS AND PUBLIC LANDS UPDATE"