General Information

Government Type

County

Entity

Garfield County

Public Body

Garfield County Clerk

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

Innovative Readiness Training Program

Notice Type(s)

Notice

Event Start Date & Time

June 2, 2026 01:30 PM

Description/Agenda

PUBLIC NOTICE INNOVATIVE READINESS TRAINING PROGRAM Garfield County intends to solicit assistance from the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT). The assistance will include the extraction of a fully intact articulated dinosaur specimen via helicopter in the Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The proposed assistance will take place in the Kaiparowits Plateau region in June 2026. The[RI1.1]se scientifically-significant fossils are collected under valid paleontology excavation permits issued by the Bureau of Land Management and will be curated and preserved in the public trust at federally-approved public repositories for scientific research, display, and educational uses by the American public. Federal law (PL 111-11, Subtitle D: 16 USC 470aaa, Section 6302) and regulations (43 CFR Part 49 § 49.30) require that scientifically significant paleontological resources on federal land be managed and protected using scientific principles and expertise. The collection and preservation of these significant dinosaur fossils is consistent with these laws and regulations (CFR Part 49 § 49.120). Construction contractors, labor unions, or private individuals who have questions or who wish to voice opposition to military assistance for this project may contact Kaden Figgins, Director of Planning & Economic Development for Garfield County at kaden.figgins@garfield.utah.gov or (435) 676-1157 no later than thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice. Persons not filing comments within the time frame noted will be considered to have waived their objections to military assistance for this project. Garfield County, in coordination with qualified paleontologists at public institutions and agency partners, is pursuing this project to responsibly protect, preserve, and study an important paleontological resource located within the mMonument. The proposed helicopter extraction method is considered the least impactful option available, as it minimizes ground disturbance, avoids the need for new roads or heavy equipment access, and helps preserve the surrounding landscape in its natural condition. All fossil excavation, documentation, and transport activities will be conducted under professional scientific standards and applicable federal permitting requirements. The goal of the project is not only to safeguard these irreplaceable resources from natural deterioration and potential vandalism, but also to carefully study, catalog, and ultimately return them to the public through museum display, education, and scientific research opportunities that will benefit future generations.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify the County Clerk's Office at 435-676-1100

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

Electronic Participation is not available.

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

55 South Main
Panguitch, UT 84759
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Contact Name

Camille A Moore

Contact Email

camille.moore@garfield.utah.gov

Contact Phone

(435)676-1120

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

May 19, 2026 01:31 PM

Notice Last Edited On

May 19, 2026 01:31 PM

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