The dinosaur site was found by a petroleum geologist performing geological field work, and the Mesa Site was unearthed by archeologists performing cultural clearances for oil and gas exploration. The Mesa Site is considered to be one of the most significant North American archeological sites to be discovered within the last half-century. Recreation Opportunities for recreation within the management unit are somewhat slim. Despite the large area, most of the land is not very supportive to achieving a positive recreational experience. Tundra and tussocks dominate much of the ground surface making walking extremely difficult and slow.
Rivers have a short ice-free season and lakes are shallow.
The weather can turn bad at any time and stay that way for days. Since access is done through use of aircraft, being stranded in the same location for days is not uncommon. Permits or letters of authorization are required for all land uses. Within the BLM administered lands of the Arctic Unit, we currently issue approximatly 5 oil and gas permits as well as 10 special recreation permits. Wildlife Due to it's high latitude, Alaska's North Slope is not as rich in wildlife species as are some other parts of the earth.