Page 16 - i1052-5173-31-8

GSA CONNECTS 2021
Geoheritage: Geology of the Community,

for the Community, by the Community

William Andrews, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Park Service (NPS) is an obvious leader in preserving and manag-
Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0107, USA, wandrews@ ing Geoheritage sites (see NPS Geologic Resources Division and
uky.edu; and Renee M. Clary, Dept. of Geosciences, Mississippi American Geosciences Institute, 2015), but innumerable other
State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA, agencies also contribute to this critical effort. Geoheritage sites
RClary@geosci.msstate.edu can exist on widely different scales and sizes, ranging from inter-
national geoparks (McKeever et al., 2010) to state parks and local
Geoheritage identifies and seeks to protect our geodiversity nature preserves or even single outcrops. These sites can be
through geoconservation. Through a three-pronged approach, administered by either public or private entities at individual,
Geoheritage (1) acknowledges the scientific value of the geo- local, state, federal, or international levels (Fig. 2).
diversity in global localities; (2) addresses economic sustainable
development in geotourism; and (3) facilitates the educational
impact of geoscience in both informal and K–16 classroom
settings. Geoheritage makes explicit connections between our
natural and cultural heritage.
In 2012 (revised in 2017), the Geological Society of America
released its position statement on Geoheritage, supporting the
Geoheritage designation and the appropriate, respectful management
of scientifically, culturally, educationally, and/or aesthetically signifi-
cant Geoheritage sites. Currently, many GSA members engage with
sites of unique geodiversity—scientifically, economically, and/or
educationally—and participate in Geoheritage efforts, often without
an awareness of existing networks, resources, and opportunities to
integrate and optimize their impact. We endeavor to change this:
A Pardee Keynote Symposium (P3: Geoheritage: Celebrating Our
Past, Protecting Our Future) at the upcoming GSA Connects 2021 Figure 2. Geoheritage sites range from federally protected National Park
in Portland, Oregon, USA, explores a spectrum of opportunities for sites to smaller sites of which many local citizens are often unaware. Left:
geoscientists and educators to professionally participate and integrate Students on a field course to Yellowstone National Park enjoy Old Faithful
Geyser. Right: The Principles of Paleoecology course partnered with
within this exciting and bold enterprise (Fig. 1). Friends of the Black Belt Prairie and the local school board for research
and community-engaged learning within Osborn Prairie, a remnant of the
Black Belt Prairie found in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, USA, that hosts
marine Cretaceous fossils eroding from chalk outcrops, as well as mod-
ern biodiversity in the form of disjunct and endemic species. Photographs
by Renee Clary.

Geoheritage sites serve as valuable public resources. They pro-
vide opportunities for public recreation or tourism and can have a
major impact on local economies. They also can provide a critical
educational resource through opportunities for informal and for-
mal teaching in geology, biology, ecology, and other environmen-
tal sciences, and they have the potential to increase public under-
standing and geoliteracy in critical climate and sustainability
issues facing our planet (Clary, 2021). Entire classes and curricula
can be, and have been, developed using the features and processes
visible at Geoheritage sites.
Geoheritage sites rely heavily on geologic research, both as a
Figure 1. Kentucky Geological Survey geologists lead field education and foundation for interpretation and as a basis for responsible site
professional development in the Red River Gorge Geological Area in eastern management (Chan and Kamola, 2017). Also, Geoheritage sites
Kentucky, USA. Photograph provided by the Kentucky Geological Survey.
can provide spectacular platforms for research, using the marquee
illustrations of geologic features and phenomena often displayed
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A GEOHERITAGE SITE? at these sites. When protected and well managed, these sites can
Geoheritage sites are locations where geology can be well illus- provide a relatively secure location for longitudinal research,
trated and relevant interpretations can be communicated to the through well-documented site management and sustainable use.
public. The hope is to facilitate a deeper understanding of land- Importantly, Geoheritage sites provide a needed and highly
scapes, resources, hazards, history, and culture. The U.S. National visible platform for demonstrating inclusivity, respect, and

16 GSA Today | August 2021