One of the most important factors when it comes to a large scale paleontological dig is to have good support from the surrounding community.  Over the last few summers Burpee has been blessed with wonderful hosts in the townspeople of Hanksville.  A few notables who have given their time and support to us include Mayor Curtis Whipple, Don and Connie Pfoutz,  the whole crew a Blondies Restaurant and of course Sue Fivecoat and Buzz Rakow at the local BLM.  It seems like everyone is behing making the Hanksville-Burpee a success.  In fact, one young man decided to make protecting the Hanksville-Burpee Quarry the focus of his Eagle Scout Project.  18 year old, Jake Finkelstein’s project was ambitious and much needed.  Jake planed, supervised and help build a 450 foot fence with two metal gates one the south entrance to the quarry.   This fence is made of sturdy pine posts driven 3 feet down into solid sandstone.  In addition Jake built a kiosk so that information about the quarry can be posted for visitors when we are not around.  This new construction gives the site a more “permanent” and professional feel.  It will also make it harder for people to drive vehicles up onto the site and will help deter any bone poaching.  Now that tours have started up we have had many compliments.  Good Job Jake!

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