Abstract The origins of geoconservation cannot be investigated without first defining its scope. This presents a problem because there is no established working definition of the field. By using the Giant's Causeway as a case study, useful parameters were identified revealing great complexity. They embrace initial curiosity, scientific communication, mythology, access issues, the involvement of national scientific institutions, controversial but ultimately successful iconography, the invention of new artistic conventions, dissemination by engraving, scientific reaction, rekindling of a fundamental geological controversy, tourism, popular literature, modes of transport, commercialization, additions to fundamental science, designation history and historic associations of the site. Other sites are similarly complex and assist in refining the scope. Sites are seen as the principal resource but on analysis achieve their status from what they reveal or the importance of the materials they yield, in turn spotlighting the major museum collections. These are now well documented though not all are secure. It was not the scientific imperative that established the first public designation but an impassioned delight in unspoiled nature which three men, two Americans, Henry Thoreau and George Marsh but especially the Scots environmentalist, John Muir, projected carefully into the attuned ear of the US President. This brief overview closes with the revelation of neglected areas of heritage, paths that geoconservation could have taken and still may and suggests how earlier definitions could be elevated into a more specific and holistic geoconservation strategy.

Abstract The area discussed here is in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 30 mi (48 km) south of Farmington and 20 mi(32 km) northwest of Chaco Canyon National Monument (Fig. 1). The small settlement of Bisti is most conveniently reached by traveling south on New Mexico 371 from Farmington or north on New Mexico 57 and New Mexico 371 from Thoreau, which is about 73 mi (117 km) east of Gallup on 1-40. Both of these routesare paved to within a few miles of Bisti. From New Mexico 44 atHuerfano an improved dirt road (County Road 15) runs southwest about 25 mi (40 km) to intersect New Mexico 371 about 9 mi (14 km) south of Bisti. All of the stops indicated on Figure 1 are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles, but many of the side roads into the badlands and arroyo areas require four-wheel drive. Viewing of areas off the main roads is best done on foot. The nearest gasoline, food, and water are in Farmington and several stores along New Mexico 44. Most of the area under consideration is within recently established federal wilderness areas, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). A few sections are owned by the State of New Mexico or the Navajo Nation, but no part of the area is within the Navajo Reservation. Permission is not required to examine exposures on federal or state land (a permit from the BLMis required to collect fossils), but permission should be obtained from the few