Comanche National Grassland: Upper Carlile and Lower Niobrara

Saturday, December 27, 2025

WIPS member Steve Miller (Principal Investigator) has obtained a Paleontological Resources Research Permit through the US Forest Service (USFS) to conduct a survey of the Blue Hill Shale Member of the Carlile Formation in the Comanche National Grassland. The survey enabled by this permit provides WIPS members with an opportunity to do some information gathering and fossil collecting that will benefit the USFS and those who choose to participate.

The survey involves examining the Blue Hill Shale Member to look for fossils and other influences in the paleoenvironment. We will be looking for features such as indications of wave base activity on a horizon, localized denser and less fissile shales perhaps including nodules which encase fossils, or any other horizon of paleontological interest.

Individuals are responsible for correctly identifying fossils as vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, or some other feature or artifact. Consult the Principal Investigator or experienced member if you have questions about a fossil, its provenance, or its disposition.

The site is in a more remote area of the Comanche National Grassland. It is accessible with vehicles that have eight inches or more of ground clearance. Carpooling is recommended from a meet-up location. Shuttling can be arranged if necessary.

This trip will take place on Saturday, December 27.

The area is large, and people will be encouraged to spread out as far as they are comfortable from the parking area. Pack your lunch. Bring lots of water.

We’ll meet up at the Timpas Picnic Area on US 350 at 9:00 and leave there at 9:30 for the site.

20 person limit. Kids under 18 allowed with adult members!