Introduction
The concept of geoheritage (which lies at the intersection of science, society, and sustainability) has increased in international prominence during recent years (NASEM, 2021). A “geoheritage site” is not a formal designation like a National Park, National Monument, or National Historic Site, rather it is an informal term that can be applied to geologic features and landforms to illuminate the stories of how the geological landscape has shaped society and cultures.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) has been interested in the topic of geoheritage over the past decade and has participated in international conferences and national workshops on the topic. The Geoheritage Sites of the Nation project has been tasked with identifying geologic sites that have played a significant role in impacting society throughout history. These geoheritage sites can include geologic locations of scientific discovery and research, provide context for geoscience educational opportunities, illuminate cultural connections to the landscape (e.g., ancestral homelands, tools, and art), showcase both historic and modern examples of economic opportunities related to geology (e.g., mining, natural resources, geotourism/recreation, etc.), and highlight geologic features of aesthetic value (e.g., iconic sites, scenic landscapes, etc.). By connecting the scientific and societal values of these features, geoheritage can 1) raise awareness of significant geologic sites, 2) communicate the role of geology in our natural heritage, and 3) increase accessibility and relevance of geologic mapping and geoscience topics more broadly to the public.
References
Brilha, J., 2018, Geoheritage: Inventories and evaluation, chap. 4 of Brilha, J. and Reynard, E., eds., Geoheritage: Assessment, Protection, and Management: Amsterdam, Netherlands, Elsevier, p. 69-85.
Geological Society of America (GSA), 2017, GSA Position Statement – Geoheritage, available online at, https://www.geosociety.org/gsa/positions/position20.aspx.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), 2021, America's Geoheritage II: Identifying, Developing, and Preserving America's Natural Legacy: Proceedings of a Workshop: Washington, DC, The National Academies Press, 55 p., accessed August 6, 2024, https://doi.org/10.17226/26316.
National Park Service and American Geosciences Institute, 2015, America’s geologic heritage: an invitation to leadership: National Park Service, NPS 999/129325, 60 p., accessed March 3, 2024, at https://www.americangeosciences.org/static/files/earthsciweek/resources/GH_Publicaton_Final.pdf.