In order to make sure that information on fossil-bearing nodules collected from IDNR properties is not lost, the Department requires that a list of fossils collected under IDNR permits be reported to the Illinois State Museum (ISM). This form provides an easy way to provide that information to the ISM. It represents the minimum required report.    If, however, you would like to provide additional information, including photographs of more noteworthy, important, or spectacular specimens, IDNR would certainly appreciate that consideration.  This report form is more appropriate for use by less experienced collectors who have visited the only once (or infrequently). For more advanced collector s(including people who collect in the area more than once a year and want to group finds) a more advanced reporting form is available from the Illinois State Museum.  Alternatively, you can also report finds online using forms on the ISM website, http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/mazon_creek/collecting_report.html (Not Available Yet)  

The information on this form is being archived to better understand the Mazon Creek deposits and their fossils. It may also allow potentially  important fossil find to be made known to the scientists that study these fossils.

If you have any question or concerns about providing this information, please feel free to contact Dr. Richard Toomey of the Geology Section at the Illinois State Museum. Information for contacting him is as follows.

Voice: 217-524-7908

Postal: Illinois State Museum – RCC

1011 E. Ash St.

Springfield, IL 62703

Information to be reported:

Geology Section

Illinois State Museum

1011 East Ash St.

Springfield, IL 62703