Avocational,Amateur, Independent Paleontologists

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Date
Reply to Michael Sternberg:

One of the topic areas to be discussed at the Paleo 21 workshop is the
Independent Paleontologist.  Chis Cozart, a member of MAPS, has acted as
Coordinator and a statement on this topic is part of the Topic Summaries
you can read at:  http://www.nhm.ac.uk/paleonet/paleo21.  I agree
completely with your position and am hopeful that discussions at the
workshop lead by Chris will address the issues you have identified.  You
might contact him independently and share some of your ideas with him.  He
can be reached at:
P. O. Box 4844
Wheaton, Illinois 60189-4844
cdcozart@aol.com
630-462-9778
 
I suggest that B. Pettit reread the webpage.  He seems to have missed the
Independent Paleontologist topic.

Text of Paleonet message from from Michael Sternberg

<Norm, and members of the Paleo21 Conference,

<The future of paleontology must include the increased role of the
<avocational paleontologist.  Partnering societies, such as the <Northwest
Paleontological Association, bring together the academic <strengths of the
professional community with the unbridled enthusiasm <of the avocational
paleontologists to further the science in a <significant way.

<The amateur (avocational) paleontologist can offer the science
<significant opportunities if properly trained and integrated into the
<scientific process.  I respectfully request that the Paleo21 <conference
seriously examine the expanded role of non-professionals.

<One of the primary roles of the NPA is education.  We are in the <process
of developing programs for K-12 students and the general <public and would
be most interested in any developments that arise <from the Paleo21
conference.

<Sincerely,

<Michael