The widespread presence of paleontological resources throughout the Planning Area and their close spatial association with extractive resources present a number of management challenges. Adverse impacts to paleontological resources result from management actions that damage or destroy fossils or their context. Any surface-disturbing activities in an area that contain fossils may result in adverse impacts through disturbance of important paleontological resources. Direct impacts to paleontological resources from RMP alternatives may result from actions that physically alter, damage, or destroy fossils or their context. It is important to remember that trace fossils, exemplified by dinosaur tracks such as those at the Red Gulch Track site, are as important as body fossils, and can also be affected by surface-disturbing activities. In fact, the rarity of trace fossils underscores the potential adverse impact from surface disturbance. Indirect impacts may arise as a result of ancillary actions, such as when a construction road provides improved access to sensitive areas, possibly resulting in increased vandalism or unauthorized or unintentional collecting. Paradoxically, the same actions that can result in direct or indirect adverse impacts from increased public access and awareness may also have beneficial impacts. The discovery of previously unknown deposits or the facilitation of data collection, preservation, or public education are possible beneficial impacts.

There is little difference between short-term and long-term impacts to paleontological resources; once the resource is disturbed, it cannot be restored because it is unique and not renewable. However, the situation is more complicated for indirect impacts. Because some paleontological resources are in inaccessible areas, it is possible that a short-term, direct impact would indirectly lead to a long-term beneficial impact. For example, a road that improves access but leads to vandalism in the short term may also, in the long term, make study of the resource more feasible. Similarly, surface disturbance that exposes or destroys part of an important deposit would simultaneously bring new resources to light, thereby enhancing scientific knowledge.