Transcon paleontologists are skilled at surveying, excavating, and monitoring for fossils in compliance with state and federal laws. We work to make sure that paleontological resources are protected in compliance with the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, and we follow the Impact Mitigation guidelines set by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. We are skilled at collecting and preparing fossils from around the western U.S. Our paleontologists are practiced at identifying fossils to taxon and element, assessing their scientific significance, recording site geology and sedimentology, and developing mitigation measures to protect paleontological resources. We have experience coordinating with agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Departments of Transportation, and State agencies to ensure that utility projects do not have adverse impacts to paleontological resources.

Our paleontologists are experienced at conducting field surveys in a multitude of geologic formations. Prior to conducting field investigations, we utilize a number of resources to determine paleontological sensitivity and fossil potential of geologic units that projects are underlain by. Our reviews include the Potential Fossil Yield Classification which ranks geologic units based on their likelihood to contain scientifically significant fossils. We also look at previous literature and paleontological localities before conducting fieldwork in an area. Our paleontologists are experienced at identifying and collecting vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant fossils. We are experienced with small and large-scale excavations using tools including rock hammers, awls, rock saws, chisels, archival glue, plaster, and burlap.

We are skilled at working with construction personnel to ensure that earth disturbance is monitored for paleontological resources without slowing down construction. Our paleontologists are skilled at identifying fossil remains in trenches and spoil piles. They know appropriate techniques to collect specimens rapidly while using the care and precision that is needed to safety excavate fossils.

Transcon’s paleontological services include but are not limited to the following:

• Desktop paleontological reviews
• Paleontological literature reviews
• Paleontological surveys
• Paleontological monitoring
• Paleontological mitigation reports