The Kamienna Valley Geopark — more than dinosaurs

Grzegorz Pieñkowski1

Protecting the environment is essen-tial for the quality of life of current andfuture generations as well as for econo-mic growth. Geodiversity is defined asthe natural range (diversity) of geologi-cal (rock formations, fossils, mineralsand processes), geomorphological (land-form and processes), and soil features. Itincludes their assemblages, relation-

ships, properties, interpretations and systems (Gray, 2004).It underpins our economy through exploitation of resour-ces and on the other hand it inspires our awareness andknowledge on environment through activities such astourism and recreation. Geodiversity is an important part ofenvironmental and national asset, it plays a fundamentalrole in contributing to sustainable development, but still itis one of the least recognised and valued (Koz³owski, 1998,2004; Koz³owski et al., 2004; Alexandowicz, 2006; Pros-ser et al., 2006). The only European organization integra-ting activities in terms of geoprotection is EuropeanAssociation of Geological Heritage Protection (ProGEO).European geoparks are intended to be model objects forcreating a global geopark network, as accepted in 2000(Lesvos Island agreement, Greece) by the creators of Euro-pean Geoparks Network i.e. France, Greece, Spain andGermany. Since this network was set up, the requirementsfor entry have become more demanding. Not only must anarea have an outstanding geological heritage, but also itmust have a strategy for sustainable development throughgeoturism. A geopark needs to have a clear managementstructure and cannot be just aspirational. It needs to provethat it is already operating as a geopark by having interpre-tation in place and by organizing a program of events eachyear.

A model system of geological conservation is beingdeveloped in Great Britain and the guidelines by Prosser etal., 2006 (Geological conservation — a guide to good prac-tice) along with other publications (Stace & Larwood,2006; twice-yearly magazine Earth Heritage) can serve asa template for development of geological conservation inother countries. The British system is the most comprehen-sive one and it is likely the best model to be adapted inPoland. The Earth Science Conservation Classification(ESCC) is at the heart of geological conservation in UnitedKingdom. Since 1990, the ESCC was developed in order torationalize the practical approach to conservation of thevarious types of geological sites. The ESCC uses site typeas the basic unit of classification. The classification allowsgeneric threats and conservation strategies to be defined forthe different site types.

Moreover under the umbrella of UNESCO, importantnational geological sites gain worldwide recognition andbenefit from the exchange of knowledge, expertise, expe-rience and staff with other members of the global network.As yet, 54 national geoparks in 17 countries have been esta-

blished. Some geoparks are also part of a UNESCO bio-sphere reserves. Also, International Union of GeologicalSciences (IUGS) cooperates with UNESCO’s Geoparksprogram to protect geological heritage via its own GlobalGeosites Project launched in 1996.

Geological features over the world provide a fascina-ting scientific and educational resource. They help us tounderstand the dynamic nature of the environment, as evi-dence from the geological record demonstrates how our cli-mate has changed, how sea-levels have risen and fallen,and how numerous species (such as dinosaurs) have appe-ared, evolved and become extinct. However, rocks, fossils,landforms and natural processes are subject to a wide rangeof threats, which unless deflected or managed, will result inserious loss or damage to some of the most important geo-logical sites. In Poland, the biggest threats are:

1. Loss of geological exposure as a consequence ofvegetation encroachment;

2. Loss of geological exposure through landfill, wastedisposal and burial under building schemes;

3. Removal of fossil or mineral specimens throughneglect quarrying and irresponsible collecting;

4. Waste disposal in disused quarries.Implementation of a National Geological Conservation

project is necessary. Geological and Mining Law (the Par-liamentary Bid) established a legal framework for protec-tion of geodiversity. The Department’s agent in this effortis Polish Geological Institute (PGI), performing duties ofthe Polish Geological Survey. The PGI possesses both suf-ficient staff and experience to coordinate this project incooperation with Polish Government, local governments,other scientific organisations and business. Therefore, geo-logical conservation is one of the statutory obligations of thePolish Geological Institute. Up to date, several geoprotectioninitiatives (originating mostly at the local government level)have been undertaken and implemented (for example, theKielce Geopark). The Polish Geological Institute alreadyparticipates in creating the Muskau Arch (see page 692)geopark situated at the Poland/Germany/Czech Republicborder and coined in the idea of Kamienna Valley Geopark.

Geopark Kamienna — the priceless valley

The Kamienna River valley between So³tyków andBa³tów and its tributaries is an extremely valuable area onEuropean and even World scale. The exposures of Paleo-zoic, Mesozoic and Quaternary rocks (Fig. 1), located alongthe river valley, contain precious paleontological, minera-logical and tectonic objects (Wróblewski, 2000; Pieñkow-ski, 2004a, b). They require urgent protection giving thechance to take advantage of the unique educational naturevalues. Traditionally, the conservation of geodiversity inthis area has focused on individual sites (such as Krze-mionki Opatowskie Neolithic Flint Mine or the So³tykówJet Natural Reserve) but, in the future, effective conserva-tion will need to integrate the efforts of all interested partiesand seek to conserve geodiversity in the wider landscape— both natural and historical one. Geological heritage sitesand nature reserves can function as individual objects, but

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1Polish Geological Institute, ul. Rakowiecka 4, 00-975 War-szawa, Poland; grzegorz.pienkowski@pgi.gov.pl

if they are combined to form a regional thematic network,their educational and protective ability significantly in-creases. The idea of establishment of the Kamienna ValleyGeopark (Dolina Kamiennej Geopark) was conceived byPieñkowski (2004b). This idea is further developed herein(Fig. 1). This region has a rich cultural history related to itsnatural resources. For this reason, the projected geoparkwill include a network of 20 documentation sites and natu-re reserves (geosites) forming a protection, informationand educational system (Fig. 1). The geopark area is pro-jected in such a specific way to enable development of geo-tourism. The problem with the projected area of futureKamienna Valley Geopark is that this area as a whole doesnot have an existing comprehensive protection framework(such as a landscape park or the Natura 2000 area). If neces-sary, buyout procedures will be initiated for acquisition ofprivate land (for example in the Gromadzice area nearOstrowiec Œwiêtokrzyski and Gliniany Las near Mniów).Access roads and pedestrian paths must also be construc-ted. It is necessary to conduct groundworks, to designdidactic ecological paths and install unified informationboards. Information leaflets, guidebooks and school text-books should also be printed and prepared in a digital form.The Kamienna Valley Geopark will have to be coordinatedwith neighboring geoparks — existing Kielce Geopark (seepage 618) and planned Gielniów Highs Geopark, locatedon the territory of Mazovian Voivodeship.

The sine qua non of the project’s success is to gain,interpret and popularize the knowledge about geology ofthis region. Comprehensive geological knowledge will bethe key element of the project. However, it seems that theessential factor of its success is the ability to bring togethervarious interests of authorities, local societies and privatebusinesses. There is a possibility to obtain EU and other

subsidies, and the projected geopark and other geoparks orsingle geosites in its vicinity are intended to be included inthe European and World Geopark Network.

Proposed 20 geological outcrops (geosites) of theKamienna Valley Geopark reveal Devonian, Triassic,Jurassic and Quaternary sedimentary rocks. They representmostly disused quarries or clay pits (So³tyków, Krynki,Podole, Gromadzice, Starachowice, Wióry-Do³y Opacie,partly Ba³tów) few of them (Niek³añ, Adamów, partlyBa³tów) represent natural outcrops, two of them are partlyused quarries or clay pits (Baranów, Kopulak), one is a roadcutting (Brody). One of proposed geosites (Krasna Bognatural reserve) represents an extant bog ecosystem whichcan be compared to the 200-million-years old lacustrinesystem outcropping in the nearby So³tyków Jet Reserve(Fig. 2). Some of the geosites are composed of severalnearby outcrops (Adamów, Gromadzice, Ba³tów, Wió-ry-Do³y Opacie, Podole). The Paleozoic outcrop in Do³yOpacie reveals steeply inclined Middle Devonian dolosto-nes and Triassic redbeds, overlying the Devonian rockswith spectacular post-Variscan angular unconformity.Similar unconformities can be seen in one of the Podolegeosites, where two angular unconformities can be seen —Variscan one (Devonian/Triassic) and Laramian (Trias-sic/Quaternary) one. Another tectonical phenomena(although in much smaller scale) can be seen in the Krynkidisused quarry (tectonic mesostructures such as tectonicstreamer small faults and cleavage). In all the geosites,a variety of rocks representing a wide range of paleoenvi-ronments can be observed. Continental alluvial redbeds arewell exposed in Wióry, Baranów (Fig. 3), Kopulak, Do³yOpacie, while alluvial/lacustrine coal-bearing associationoutcrops in So³tyków. Different Lower Jurassic margi-nal-marine deposits occur in many outcrops: deltaic faciesin Podole and Gromadzice, nearshore deposits in

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geosites and educational centres

geosites

border of the proposed Kamienna Valley Geopark

Vistula

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Fig. 1. Map of the proposed Kamienna Valley Geopark indicating the most important geosites and educational centres

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channel

levee

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crevasse splay –levee

crevasse splay –lacustrine delta

alluvial plain –lacustrine(swamp)

allluvial plain

crevasse splay

crevasse splays –channels

braided channels

arid alluvial plain

INTERPRETATION

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microlaminated or massivemudstones and claystones

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bivalve burrows and trails

supposed basal ornitishianfootprints ( sp.)Anomoepus

dinosaur nesting ground

medium-sized theropodfootprints ( sp.)Anchisauripus

large theropod tracks(Kayentapus soltykovensis)

gigantic theropod tracks(cf. sp.)Megalosauripus

arthropod burrows and trails

sauropod tracks( sp.)Parabrontopodus

grain size bar

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Fig. 2. So³tyków Jet Reserve — one of proposed geosites of the future Kamienna Valley Geopark. The photograph wastaken in 1979, since that time many important discoveries in this outcrop have been made, but the state of this site muchdeteriorated due to landslides, vegetation overgrowth and irresponsible collection of jet

Niek³añ-Piek³o, Adamów, Gromadzice, Starachowice,Szwarszowice and Krynki or marine carbonates (Krze-mionki Opatowskie, Ba³tów). The Lower Jurassic (Sine-murian) sandstones in the Piek³o Nature Reserve nearNiek³añ (which has been protected since 1966) owe theirshapes both to Pleistocene erosion and to greater weather-ing resistance of beach sandstones (upper; Fig. 4) thansandstones deposited in a shallow nearshore zone of theEarly Jurassic sea (lower; Fig. 4). Large logs of Jurassictrees can be seen in the cuspate forms within sandstone of

beach (foreshore) origin. The early Jurassic sea was similarto the recent Baltic Sea in its lowered salinity and Jurassicconifer trees were ancestors of the big pines growing nowin the Piek³o Nature Reserve.

Protecting this unique geodiversity will help us tounderstand geological history of Poland, including tectonicmovements, evolution, climate changes and sea level chan-ges, to name the few. Paleogeographical maps combinedwith photographs of similar recent environments should beof particular interest (Figs. 5, 6).

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Radom

I³¿a

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c.s. – crevasse splays

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transport direction

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Fig. 5. Earliest Hettangian (Early Jurassic) paleogeopraphy of Poland and Œwiêtokrzyskie Mountains area with location of So³tyków sitemarked — a proposal of educational plate at the site (after Pieñkowski, 2004)

Fig. 3. Baranów — an example of fossil semi-arid alluvial plain with fluvial channels (Upper Buntsandstein). Photo by G. PieñkowskiFig. 4. The Piek³o Nature Reserve near Niek³añ — shoreface/foreshore Sinemurian sandstones — the rocks owe their shapes both to thegenesis of sandstones (different properties of shoreface and nearshore sandstones in terms of weathering) and to the Pleistocene peri-gla-cial weathering

3 4

Site management plans are important as they can clear-ly define what action is required to manage and maintaingeological sites. Several major factors should be conside-red within the development of a site management plan,such as detailed description of the important geologicalfeatures, detailed map of the site, protection system, landownership, potential threats and management issues, otherconservation interests such as archaeological and biologi-cal ones, educational potential including plans of educatio-nal paths, frequency of subsequent maintenance works andothers.

Geosites combining geologicaland archaeological values

Kamienna Valley Geopark will integrate many scienti-fic and education fields, first of all archaeology and history— from the Paleolithic through Neolithic, Roman,Medieval to modern times. Ore deposits, such as iron, havebeen mined here for thousands of years and, more recently,the Industrial Revolution fed on rich natural resources ofKamienna Valley.

Ochre and hematite was one of the first pursuits of man-kind as these were the natural dyes necessary for rituals,such as funeral rites. The oldest known underground mineconstructions (with artificial roofing an supports) werebuilt in Rydno as early as in Paleolithic times (about 10,000years ago). Rydno (a suburb of Skar¿ysko Kamienna town)is now an archaeological reserve at the Kamienna River.However, this unique reserve can be exposed and develo-

ped as tourist site not before an appropriate protection,monitoring and maintenance is provided.

World famous Krzemionki Opatowskie flint mines nearOstrowiec Œwiêtokrzyski (now archaeological/geologicalreserve and underground museum visited each year bythousands of tourists) were exploited c. 3900 to 1600 BC(radiocarbon dating) by different peoples who left artifactscategorized by archaeologists into cultures, e.g., the Funnel-beaker culture, Globular Amphora Culture, and Bell-Beaker(Mierzanowice) culture (B¹bel, www.krzemionki.pl). It ispossible that deposits of striped flint were known even ear-lier to Mesolithic hunters. Its perfectly preserved groundlandscape and underground structure give it extraordinaryimportance. The mines were found on July 19, 1922 by thecelebrated geologist Jan Samsonowicz. Axes made offlint, used mostly for cutting down trees and clearingland as well as for cutting wood, were distributed for arange of 250 km from the mines (Funnelbeaker Culture, c.3900–2900 BC).

The number of mining units is estimated at over fivethousand. The advance of more complex flint-mining tech-nology in the Neolithic Age resulted in the development ofspecialization: This is when professional flint miners emer-ged. Selected half-finished products and roughly shapedlumps were taken for further working in production settle-ments located in the basin of the Kamienna river, where, forinstance, axes were polished and completed. Symbolsrepresenting deities worshipped by the miners, made incharcoal on rock faces and pillars, were found in the mine(B¹bel, www.krzemionki.pl).

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Modern long-delta barrier– a counterpart

meandering – anastomosing rivers

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20km

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Fig. 6. Late Hettangian (Early Jurassic) paleogeopraphy of Poland and Œwiêtokrzyskie (Holy Cross) Mountains area,with location of Gliniany Las marked — a proposal of educational plate at the site

The mining field in Krzemionki is locatedon Jurassic (upper Oxfordian) limestone terrainon the edge of a syncline. The parabolic field isc. 5 km long and from 20 to 220 m wide, cover-ing an area of c. 785,000 m2. In late Oxfordiantimes, the Krzemionki/Ba³tów area was situatedwithin an inner carbonate platform, where ooli-thic barrier/lagoonal depositional systems deve-loped (Gutowski, 1998, 2004).

Flint horizons have a regionally consistentposition in the profile, which is probably con-nected with relative sea-level falls. A crucialrole in the silica precipitation was played by thepresence of crustacean burrows and these Juras-sic crustaceans could be named “the first minersof Krzemionki Opatowskie”, like the title of cur-rent geological exhibition in the mine museumsays (Pieñkowski & Gutowski, 2004) — Fig. 7.

Kamienna Valley is also known as the lar-gest iron metallurgy district in central-easternEurope in Roman times. Thousands of slagy-pitfurnaces have been found in the region, one ofthe most spectacular metallurgical field wasfound near Szwarszowice (Fig. 1). The Museumof Nature and Technology in Starachowice (pro-posed administrative and educational centre of the futureKamienna Valley Geopark), organized itself in perfectlypreserved, unique steel mill of the 19th–20th century, organi-zed archaeological park (Fig. 12B). Every year the reenact-ment event called “Iron Roots” is being organized.Museum of Nature and Technology in Starachowice hostsalso a big paleontological collection (including rich collec-tion of Triassic reptile footprints from Wióry, Baranów andKopulak) and geological exhibition.

Dinosaur geosites

Since many centuries, folk tales about „devil’s foot-prints” left in stone circulated in the Kielce area. The devilsusually guarded buried treasures in mines, or attempted tobuild a castle overnight for someone who sold his soul (andas usually, the devil would drop the last stone at dawn withhis feet or hands imprinted in rock). Interestingly, shapes ofthe alleged “devil’s footprints” went down to the iconogra-phy — and as the most characteristic footprints possessedthree digits, consequently the devil was pictured withbird-like feet. It was against the traditional iconography(based on the Israel’s scapegoat tradition, attributing devilswith rather hoof-shaped feet), but in terms of comparableanatomy and phylogenesis — it is quite correct! It seemsthat the local folklore inspired the great Polish poet AdamMickiewicz, who in one of his ballads (“Pan Twardowski”,written in 1820) described one of the devils, namelyMephistophele, as having sparrow-hawk feet instead of tra-ditional split hooves. In 1959, geologist W³adys³aw Kara-szewski from the Polish Geological Institute recognizedMesozoic reptilian tracks in these imprints (Karaszewski,1975).

The last two decades greatly increased our knowledgeabout Polish dinosaurs. The search for dinosaur tracks ledby the Polish Geological Institute benefited from paleo-environmental restorations of Jurassic localities (Pieñkow-ski, 1991, 2004a — Figs. 5, 6) and paleoichnological rese-arch (Pieñkowski & Gierliñski, 1987; Gierliñski, 1991;Gierliñski & Pieñkowski, 1999; Gierliñski et al., 2001,

2004; Gierliñski & NiedŸwiedzki, 2002). These studiesresulted in recognition of many forms of dinosaur tracks inthe Holy Cross Mountains Region. Early Jurassic stratadating back to about 200 million years preserved footprintsof early sauropods (the long-necked herbivores that becamethe largest land animals in the history of our planet), thyreo-phorans (armoured ornithischians) and theropods (carnivo-rous dinosaurs). Early mammalian footprints have been alsodiscovered (Gierliñski et al., 2004).

It has been long asserted that in the Late Jurassic theterritory of Poland was completely submerged under vastseas. Recently, however, Upper Jurassic strata yielded foot-prints of stegosaurs (advanced thyreophorans with spikytail), ornithopods (mostly bipedal ornithischians), and the-ropods (Gierliñski & Sabath, 2002). These footprints areexposed in Ba³tów and extensive ecological paths havebeen arranged there. Also, well preserved pterosaur foot-prints have been found (Pieñkowski & NiedŸwiedzki, 2005).

Dinosaur tracksites occur in various sedimentary envi-ronments, ranging from the alluvial-lacustrine to deltaic,barrier-lagoonal and foreshore-tidal ones. Different dino-saur assemblages occurred in different environments, whichallowed creation of “dinoichnofacies” concept (Gierliñski& Pieñkowski, 1999). Most famous dinosaur track bearingsites are Gliniany Las (late Hettangian barrier/lagoon envi-ronment), So³tyków (early Hettangian alluvial plain —Figs. 2, 5, 12A) and Gromadzice (mid-Hettangian deltaicsystem).

The So³tyków Jets nature reserve (“Gagaty So³tykow-skie”) is located in the pre-existing brick pit, St¹porkówForestry District, near little town of St¹porków, east of thetown Skar¿ysko-Kamienna. This nature reserve reveals aunique record of an Early Jurassic alluvial plain ecosystem(braided and meandering river channels with floodplain,lakes and bogs — Figs. 2, 5, 12A). Geological records ofancient ecosystems are particularly important for natureprotection and ecological education because they allow tounderstand present-day ecosystems and to predict theirfuture evolution. A rich variety of plant remains (Reyma-nówna, 1991; Wcis³o-Luraniec, 1991; Ziaja, 1991), insects

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Fig. 7. Network of Thalassinoides isp. and Spongeliomorpha isp. burrows in theKrzemionki Neolithic Flint Mine — fragment of underground educational pathshowing the works of “oldest miners” of this site — Late Jurassic crustaceans.Photo by J. Gutowski

(Wegierek & Zherikhin, 1997), bivalves (Pieñkowski,2004a, b), invertebrate trace fossils (Pieñkowski & NiedŸ-wiedzki, 2008), dinosaur nests (Pieñkowski, 1998) andfootprints (including the oldest known evidence for herdlife of dinosaurs — Fig. 8, perfectly preserved giant tracksof an allosauroid, the greatest predator that ever lived in thearea of Poland — Fig. 9; Gierliñski et al., 2001, 2004),footprints of early mammals (Gierliñski et al., 2004) andbone fragments of dinosaurs (NiedŸwiedzki, 2007) are themost interesting geological treasures of this site. An areawith the earliest known record of gregarious habits of dino-saurs (parallel paths of two adult and three juvenile sauro-pods — Gierliñski & Pieñkowski, 1999) has been madeaccessible for tourists. Due to the efforts of the Polish Geo-logical Institute, Chief Nature Conservator and St¹porkówForest Inspectorate, a unique surface with dinosaur foot-prints was secured at So³tyków in 1999. It was roofed overand equipped with an information board.

Dinosaur and other tetrapod footprints are associatedby unique and very rich invertebrate trace fossil assembla-ges (Pieñkowski & NiedŸwiedzki, 2008). They span envi-ronments from shallow lacustrine to different subaerialfluvial environments. Bivalve burrows and traces, oligo-chaetae, crustacean, and insect burrows, plant roots, verte-brate tracks and other types of trace fossils recordinformation on biodiversity and paleoecological condi-tions. Various structures attributed to insect burrows (verti-cal to subvertical tunnels), chambered insect nests or other

nests with septa, earthworm burrows as well as enigmaticradial chambers point to rapid evolution of the continentalecosystem in Early Jurassic times.

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1m

Kayentapus tracks

small

tracksParabrontopodus

large

tracksParabrontopodus

isolated large

tracksParabrontopodus

Fig. 8. Parallel trackways of sauropods (both adult and juvenile ones) and theropods in So³tyków Jet Reserve and map of the trackways(after Gierliñski & Pieñkowski, 1999). Picture of adult and juvenile sauropod by Karol Sabath

Fig. 9. Megalosauripus sp. (sensu Lo-ckley) — the biggest Early Jurassic the-ropod footprint, in the same time the traceof the biggest land predator, which everlived on the territory which is now Poland.Photo G. Gierliñski

There are also threats for this unique sites. Naturalvegetation grows rapidly on and in front of disused clay pitin So³tyków, concealing the interest features (compareFig 2 and Fig. 12A). Ongoing vegetation management isnecessary to maintain clean faces. Another threat is landsli-des and illegal exploitation of jet (which has been termina-ted in recent years, but the trenches left by collectors can bedangerous for people and animals).

Another famous dinosaur tracksite is Gliniany Las,a small village in the community of Mniów, where smalldisused quarry revealed the Lower Jurassic/Upper Hettan-gian barrier deposits (Fig. 6). So far, this small outcrop hasyielded the biggest number of well-preserved dinosaurfootprints (Gierliñski, 1991; Fig. 10). However, this uniquereserve can be exposed and developed as tourist site notbefore an appropriate protection, monitoring and mainte-nance is provided. Therefore, idea of exposing the dinosaurtrack-bearing surface and organizing an in situ protectionwithin a museum building was conceived by geologists, theŒwiêtokrzyskie Voivodship, Mniów Community and busi-ness. The technical project is already prepared.

Other footprint localities, e.g., Gromadzice near Ostro-wiec Œwiêtokrzyski and those discovered in the last twoyears in Podole near Opatów are not so well accessible.A buyout procedures will have to be initiated for acquisi-tion of private land in these sites. Local communities areinterested in that, but they need financial support. Localbusiness seem to be the most promising option.

Educational centers

The sine qua non of the project’s success is to populari-ze the knowledge about geology of this region. Fortunately,there is an existing framework of educational centers —Museum of Nature and Technology in Starachowice

(www.ekomuzeum.pl) and dinosaur Jurassic Park in Ba³tów(www.baltowskipark.pl). Similarly, Agroklub in Kontre-wers (very meritorious in the field of nature protection inthe region — www.czterokolowce.pl) can be important aspotential information, conference and agrotouristic centers.

The Museum of Nature and Technology in Starachowi-ce, located in an old and unique metallurgical plant (theonly 13th century object of that kind preserved intact to ourtimes), exhibits also Early and Late Jurassic dinosaur foot-prints and a very large collection of vertebrate footprintsfrom Wióry near Ostrowiec Œwiêtokrzyski, dating back tothe very beginning of the Mesozoic era, just after the massextinction that paved the way for the evolution of dinosaursand mammals.

In July, 2003, a life size model of an allosaur made byKrzysztof Kuchnio standed in the village of Ba³tów (Fig. 11).This event commenced the Ba³tów Jurassic Park, one of themost interesting (and profitable) business activities relatedto paleontology, dinosaurs and geotourism. The PolishGeological Institute covered this initiative with scientificsupervision and support. As a result, the Ba³tów JurassicPark became one of most famous touristic destination inthe region and Poland contributing to the whole regionaldevelopment. In Ba³tów, both business and local communi-ty association (“Delta”, “Ba³t”) have already prepared anumber of geosites and provided them with access roads,pedestrian paths and comprehensive information.

The Starachowice Museum of Nature and Technologyand the Ba³tów Jurassic Park are already existing elementsof the future Kamienna Valley Geopark.

These entities, being in contact with the Polish Geolo-gical Institute, other scientific organizations (particularlyarchaeological ones) are capable of performing various rolesof museums, educational and geotouristic centers. Additio-nally, other centre is about to be raised in Gliniany Las.

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dinosaur footprints plant roots

Fig. 10. Gliniany Las site — this humble, small quarry exposing the Late Hettangian barrier deposits yielded the biggest number of well-pre-served dinosaur footprints in Poland. Its permanent protection in a roofed museum is necessary. Profile after Pieñkowski (1985), remainingexplanation — see Fig. 2. Picture of trace maker of Moyenisauropus karaszewskii tracks — by Karol Sabath. Photo by G. Gierliñski

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Fig. 12. Master classes performed during school excursions in the future Kamienna River Geopark yielded important information con-cerning future educational systems and attractiveness of particular geosites, their presentation and activities: A — Individual searchingfor fossils — the most attractive activity of an excursion in the students' oppinion. Note degradation of the outcrop (So³tyków JetReserve), which occurred in the past thirty years (compare with Fig. 2) due to weathering processes, landslides and vegetation over-growth; B — Interactive lesson in the archaeological park in Starachowice — reenactmen of ancient iron production in the slaggy-pitfurnaces — second most attractive activity; C — Palaeontological works — preparing plaster casts of dinosaur footprints for school col-lection — third on the list of most attractive activities; D — Transportation in a special dinobus — regarded as an attractive and importantpart of the excursion (total number of enlisted activities — 15). Photo by G. Pieñkowski

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Fig. 11. The Ba³tów JurassicPark (model of an allosaur) isthe biggest geotouristic attrac-tion in the region, particularlyfor school children. Photo byG. Pieñkowski

Several sites with dinosaur footprints were providedwith information boards within a limited project supportedby the Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection andWater Management in Kielce within a Dinopark network.Within the same support scheme, a brochure (tourist guide-book) on tracking dinosaurs in the Œwiêtokrzyskie (HolyCross) Mountains have been published (Gierliñski et al.,2006). However, uniform information boards, leaflets,guides and digital information must be prepared for thewhole geopark and its geosites. It is also necessary to con-duct groundworks, to design didactic ecological paths andinstall unified information boards.

Conclusions — next steps

Based on existing natural heritage, scientific knowledge,previous initiatives, governmental and local communitysupport, business activities one has to organize a meetingof all interested parties to prepare a “road map” towardsorganization of the Kamienna Valley Geopark. Organiza-tional, financing and particularly land buyout procedureswill be certainly the most difficult task. However, it is acommon interest to establish this geopark to protect theunique abiotic environment in this region and combine itsgeological, archaeological, historical and cultural assentsin one comprehensive scheme. This will enable further pro-motion and development of tourism and local business,which should play a crucial role in regional development ofone of the poorest but most interesting regions in Poland.

Educational functions of the Kamienna Valley geoparkshould be developed in form of guides for teachers. Withthese guides the teachers should be able to run the fieldcourses, choosing their own routes and themes for studentsof different levels — from grammar school to academiclevel. Some “master classes” (at the level of secondaryschool) have been already performed, yielding valuableinformation. Master classes run by geologists and archaeo-logists showed how to run field lessons, which geosites andactivities were most interesting for students and what edu-cational methods were most effective (Fig. 12). Masterclasses allow teachers to learn from scientists how to guidetheir students to the field. In return, scientists can learnwhat is most relevant and best adopted by the students.Future guides and handbooks should be prepared as a resultof cooperation between scientists (geologists, archaeolo-gists, historians and others) and experienced teachers whocould suggest most valuable educational themes and met-hods.

Success of the Kamienna Valley geopark project willserve well to the future projects regarding next geoparksand protection of geodiversity in Poland.

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