Fossils, the physical evidence of past life on Earth, represent all forms of life.
Paleontological locality is an area that preserves or did preserve a fossil.
More than 130 parks have significant paleontological resources. This goal recognizes that both a physical locality and its scientific value, including specimens and associated information, are key aspects of the locality s condition and must be considered together. Of the known impacted areas, even fewer have been restored to pre-impacted conditions. Visitation in caves causes some direct degradation by adding foreign materials such as lint, algae, and fungi. To help maintain a natural cave the NPS will restore the environment to a natural condition and keep it in good condition. .