America's Geologic Heritage: An Invitation to Leadership

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce the release of “America’s Geologic Heritage: An Invitation to Leadership.” This publication was prepared by the National Park Service’s Geologic Resources Division staff in cooperation with AGI.

The book synthesizes recent concepts developed in the global geologic resource conservation community and puts them into context for a uniquely American approach to geologic heritage conservation. Definitions and discussions are provided for important terms such as geologic heritage, geodiversity, and geoconservation. The rich history of geologic site preservation in the U.S., and the values and benefits to society are presented.

“America’s geologic heritage, as shaped by geologic processes over billions of years, is diverse and extensive,” said AGI’s Executive Director, Dr. Billy Williams. “It holds abundant values-aesthetic, artistic, cultural, ecological, economic, educational, recreational, and scientific-for all Americans.”

The book benefits from established conservation methods developed around the world and within the United States and engages many communities. “Your involvement will ensure its conservation for future generations,” Williams added.

AGI and the National Park Service hope that readers including students, educators, policy makers, and others will find this book beneficial to understanding the evolving concepts and growing communities associated with geologic heritage. The book is available for download online at http://go.nps.gov/americasgeoheritage.