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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1990-91: VUWAE 35
7) MANAGEMENT OF SCIENCE IN THE ROSS DEPENDENCY
7) MANAGEMENT OF SCIENCE IN THE ROSS DEPENDENCY
The Allan Hills contain a number of geological features of international significance. These include:
| a) | Abundant trees and logs within the Weller Coal measures. Excellent exposure combined with an abundance of both upright and fall trees makes this locality one of the best fossil Permian forests yet discovered. This is a unique and valuable occurrence containing a well preserved high-latitude flora. |
| b) | Fossil trees and peat rafts in the Feather Conglomerate. This represents the only known occupance well preserved fossil plant material in the Feather Conglomerate, a formation that spans the Permian-Triassic boundary. |
| c) | Excellent exposure of fluvial sediments. Natural processes of wind and glacial erosion have given rise to unequalled exposures of fluvial sediments (Weller Coal Measures). |
It is well known that fossil wood is easily collected from Allan Hills. This has led to its collection by scientists and other visitors (including helicopter crews, DVs and the like), and pedestrian traffic has dislodged and dispersed other specimens. These activities have already led to some destruction of irreplaceable and scientifically important specimens. We believe that a management plan needs to be introduced to protect these occurrences from further damage. We therefore formally propose that a Specially Protected Area be established at Allan Hills in due course.
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This proposal will likely encompass the area bounded by:
- The permanent ice edge of Manhaul Bay from Denes Point to the western side of fiestmantle Valley.
- The ridge line from Denes Point to Balance Peak and Roscollyn Tor.
- A line drawn between Roscollyn Tor and Watters Peak.
- A line drawn between Watters Peak and Baldrick (GPS site marked by rock cairn on summit).
- A line drawn from Baldrick to the edge of the Permanent ice on the western side of Fiestmanle Valley.
It will likely be proposed:
- That entry into this area be restricted to protect the geological features contained within it.
- That the sampling of in situ fossil wood, leaves and other plant material should be permitted only after adequate scientific justification has been provided.
- That every effort should be made not to disturb fossil localities, and that pedestrian traffic should where possible be restricted to areas protected by surfacial deposits (moraine, scree, pavement) or snow.
- That the collecting of any fossil plant materials, in situ or otherwise, for other than scientific study should not be permitted.