Douglas Point Parkland Campaign
At the July meeting, MGS members were invited to sign a petition in support of the Nanjemoy-Potomac Environmental Coalition effort against the proposed sale of PEPCO land (in the Liverpool Point, Douglas Point, Wades Bay area) to the Maryland Rock Company for strip mining. While not officially sanctioned by MGS, this issue should be one of great importance and concern for anyone who has enjoyed this wonderful part of the Charles County coastline. Those interested in more information or wishing to contribute or to otherwise get involved with this project should visit the Nanjemoy-Potomac Environmental Coalition website.

PCS Update
George Powell reported at the July meeting that the PCS mine is working out a new set of guidelines that will reopen the mine to fossil collectors. These new requirements will likely limit visits by individuals to one per person per season (spring and fall), and may also restrict collecting visits to groups from legitimate fossil clubs only (with an official club roster to be required). Final details are still being worked out by the PR department of PCS, but George reports that visits may resume as soon as the Spring 2001 season. Old time "Lee Creek" hands may find these restrictions objectionable, but this is still very good news considering that not too long ago it appeared that the days of "Lee Creek" collecting were all but over.

T-Rex unveiled in Chicago
The largest and most complete Tyranosaurus rex skeleton yet found was made available to the pubic today (May 17, 2000) at the Field Museum in Chicago. Among the many fascinating details that this find contains is the presence of a "wishbone," which indicates a strong relationship with modern birds. This T-rex specimen, already famous as "Sue" (after discoverer Sue Hendrickson), will likely be recognized by many since there have been many references to this specimen in articles, television programs and more formal research works over the past few years—much in the manner of the early-human skeleton "Lucy". For more information on "Sue", visit the website of the
Field Museum.

PCS Update
George Powell reported at the March 19 meeting that, due to changes in mining procedures, it is highly unlikely that the PCS mine will allow anyone into the mine before Spring 2002, if then. George commented that unless the PCS management changes its policies, fossil collect ing at the mine will not be allowed to resume at any time. Sad news for Lee Creek afficianados.

Maryland Gem Bill Update
Also at the March meeting, Dick Grier, Sr. reported that the bill proposing 'Patuxent Agate' as the Maryland state gemstone has been defeated in the MD Legislature. However, the effort by MGS, the MD Geological Survey and the jeweler's association to have chromite adopted as the state mineral was also voted down. Dick noted that we will try again next year. For a recap of the Patuxent Agate issue, see Carolyn Weinberger's summary from the last Rostrum.

Bambiraptor
Scientists have discovered what they claim to be a major piece in the puzzle of dinosaur-to-bird evolution: a cat-sized fossil that they call "the most birdlike dinosaur yet discovered." Its name, Bambiraptor feinbergi, tells much of its story. It was found in 1993 by a fossil-hunting family in Montana who nicknamed the juvenile creature Bambi. It was purchased for a reported $600,000 by Florida dinophile Michael Feinberg, who paid to have it reconstructed and analyzed at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.

For more information see Bambiraptor Home.

March 7-8, 2000: Tourmalines Stolen From Colby College, Maine
At some time during the night on March 7-8, 2000, a person or persons unknown broke into a hallway display case in the Department of Geology at Colby and stole four (4) large, gem-quality dark green tourmalines, historical specimens from the Berry-Havey mine in Maine that have been in the Departmental collections for over a century. Also taken were a large dark purple Maine amethyst, and a disc of watermelon tourmaline approximately 3 cm in diameter and 1.5-2.0 cm thick, pink on one end and green on the other, and polished on both ends.

Anyone who is approached by someone wishing to sell gem Maine tourmalines resembling those in the photos is asked to please call Colby College Security (207-872-3345) or the Detective Division of the Waterville, Maine, Police Department (207-877-7515). We are hopeful that the specimens can be returned to the collections where they rightfully belong.