News Release 557

CHRISTMAS ROCKS
AT THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES!

Volume 34-557

Contact: Hylan Beydler

(For immediate release)

573-368-2118

ROLLA, MO, DEC. 19, 2006 -- If you're looking for a Christmas gift for your rock enthusiast, fossil hunter, outdoors person, naturalist or historian, then a visit to 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla, should definitely be part of your next shopping trip! The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Geology and Land Survey has four sets of trading cards that make great stocking stuffers.

The first set of trading cards contains 40 cards. The second and third sets contain 60 cards each. The cards cover an assortment of general interest topics: caves, dams, fossils, geology, geologic wonders, Ice Age animals, rivers, publications, springs, land surveying, rocks, minerals, wells, springs, and past state geologists.

The most recently published series contains 80 cards. It highlights the Missouri River's outstanding natural resources as it follows the path taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition 200 years ago. Learn about Missouri state parks, conservation areas, sites of interest and scenic river towns. See riverside statues and monuments honoring Lewis and Clark's journey, murals within the Capitol building, portraits of the explorers, and numerous breath-taking river scenes.

The cards are suitable for children and adults of all ages. The price of the first series of trading cards is $6, the second, third and fourth sets are $8 each (tax and shipping added).

Geologic and topographic maps of Missouri and posters about the geology, surveying and mapping of the state are also available at DGLS. Many other popular publications can be purchased: Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri, Missouri Ice Age Animals, Springs of Missouri and more!

For the computer and geographic information system enthusiast, DGLS offers the MEGA 2007 CD-ROM, a collection of interactive computer maps that allows users access to more than 30 statewide GIS data layers, all from the computer desktop. Because the state has been collecting geologic data since the mid-1800s, vast amounts of data are available. This information enables users to apply earth science data to real-world issues. Many of the data layers allow for better decisions related to the use and protection of our state's water. Landowners, developers, engineers, geologists, planners, consultants, first responders, researchers, teachers and students will find this tool particularly helpful.

The trading cards, publications and CD-ROM may all be ordered online (www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/adm/publications/). They can also be ordered by calling DGLS at 573-368-2125 or 800-361-4827, or you by dropping by our Rolla office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

When visiting, you may want to allow a bit of extra time to tour the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology where rocks, minerals, fossils (including a mastodon tusk) and map-making tools are on display. Also visit the DGLS page on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at: www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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Editor: An image of geology trading cards is available online at: www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/images/christmasrocks.jpg. The cutline is below.

Photo Caption: These trading cards make great Christmas gifts for your favorite rock enthusiast, fossil hunter, outdoors person, naturalist or historian. They are suitable for children and adults of all ages.