B.C. fossil site to get heritage designation
McAbee fossils provide 'an incredible window into prehistoric life'
The provincial government is taking steps to protect fossil beds located just hours from Vancouver.
The McAbee fossil beds in Cache Creek — known around the world for their abundance, diversity and quality — are being formally recognized as a Heritage Site.
"Fossils play an important role in understanding B.C.'s resources and natural heritage," said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
"The McAbee site is a rich and diverse fossil deposit, providing an incredible window into prehistoric life. I am proud to start the formal process that will lead to designating McAbee as a Heritage Site."
The fossil beds are unique for their preserved fossils from the Eocene epoch (56 to 34 million years ago), including a variety of leaves, twigs, cones, nuts, flowers, pollen and spores, as well as insects, fish, crayfish and even a bird and feathers.
"B.C.'s McAbee fossil beds contain diverse and exquisitely preserved plant and animal fossils that are changing our understanding of life in the Eocene epoch," said Richard Hebda, the curator of botany and earth history at the Royal B.C. Museum.
"The designation of the beds as a Provincial Heritage Site will ensure that the world will learn more from these remarkable fossils for decades to come as British Columbians assume their vital stewardship role of this globally exceptional natural heritage."
Before the site can be officially designated, the province must notify local governments, stakeholders and First Nations.
With files from The Canadian Press