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I am originally from Black Forest just north of the Springs, but I've never really gone fossil hunting in the area. I've certainly done my share of hunting in road cuts and public lands as a kid on roadtrips and camping with my family, but that was years ago and I don't remember really where any of those places were (aside from Dotsero; that'd be difficult to forget). Regardless, I'll be heading there late this summer in August to visit family for maybe a week or week and a half. Reading strat columns and geologic maps is no problem; I have a pretty good idea of the rocks that could outcrop on the front range and the Denver-Julesberg Basin. I just don't know where to look exactly for fossils. Anyone know of some sites on public land in the region to do some hunting? I have plans for some rockhounding in the Pikes Peak Batholith but I'd be thrilled to have a fossil site or two to visit as well. I'd love to find some plant fossils or ammonites/other marine inverts. But I'm not picky about type or age. I'm really just starting to collect, so I'm not after anything in particular. I'm willing to drive a couple hours to somewhere. Also northern Colorado closer to Fort Collins into southeast Wyoming would be great, if anyone knows of something there. I live in Laramie, so sites near there are welcome, too.

My wife's family reunion is taking place in Newport News, Va. next weekend. As always, when I travel, I like collecting a little bit of the "past" wherever I go. It sounds like the James and York rivers can provide some collecting possibilities. My concern is not to trespass. If anyone can enlighten me on how the shorelines of these rivers are dealt with, it will hopefully keep me out of trouble!!!! I did find this statement: In Virginia, the rivers, bays, creeks, ocean shores and their bottomlands are owned by the state and are legally presumed to be public lands unless they are proven to be subject to a special grant that predates commonwealth law. My understanding is that there are tides in these rivers. So is use by the public to high tide mark or just where the water is? In the past, when going on these family get-togethers, Forum members have always offered very helpful tidbits of advice that allow me to have success in the short few hours I have to explore. I am open to any suggestions regarding this trip too. Mike