By understanding the geology of marine and non-marine strata located so far in land
shows both paleo-climatic and paleo-environmental conditions that existed within Lane
County in our geologic past. This understanding of these paleontological aspects may allow
proper land use planning. This would allow Lane County to preserve it's own unique
Geologic heritage.
This flora is typical of a paleo-environment that sustained moderate to high
temperature conditions in low latitude, tropical to sub-tropical rain forest. This is part
of the Fisher Formation, which is the non-marine equivalent to the Eugene Formation so
prevalent in Lane County. These fossils are radiocarbon dated to be about 31 million years
old, which is either Late Eocene or early Oligocene depending on the interpretation.
 Drawings:
Elizabeth Orr
This thick-shelled clam Venericardia hornii was the first proof of Eocene Marine Strata
in Oregon (Charles A.White, 1885).
Dentalium found occasionally on the beach sand, is a type of scaphalopod from the
phylum Mullosca that was traded by the aboriginal peoples of Oregon as a type of currency.
Considering that the shells were once washed ashore on the beaches near Florence, Oregon,
they are usually found farther inland all throughout Lane County brought by the trade and
traffic of Native Oregonians.
Photograph: Orr and Orr
These fossil shark teeth from the Eugene Formation show both wear and color alteration
indicative of fossilized calcium phosphate (Orr&Orr). Note the quarter in the
photo for size.
Marine vertebrates such as sharks show a distinctive paleo-environment. Also, with a
discovery of marine vertebrate fossils, you can be fairly sure of finding other
types of vertebrates to be nearby. Vertebrate skeletons of whales and seals are associated
with fossil shark's teeth. This may give a land use planner more information whether to
excavate the fossils prior to development of the terrain for construction.
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