UNION CHAPEL - Dozens of researchers and amateur fossil hunters descended upon a former coal mining site here Saturday for the public dedication of what many paleontologists consider to be the oldest, high quality vertebrate track in the world.

The one-day event opened to the public was conducted for the official dedication of the Steven C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site. Minkin was among the researchers who discovered the abandoned mine site over five years ago and chronicled its value to the science world. He died in an accident at his home almost just over one year ago.

"Steve was with the Alabama Paleontological Society and he was instrumental in documenting the scientific importance of this site," said Dr. Prescott Atkinson, a UAB pediatric research and fellow society member. "I was out here with him just a week before the unfortunate accident took his life, and I can vividly remember how excited he was about this find."

Researchers have combed the site over recent years, collecting and documenting specimens dating back 310 million years from the period of the Coal Age.

"Back 310 million years ago, the site where we are standing was a mud flat. The consistency of the mud and sediments was perfect for the process to fossilize," Dr. Nick Tew said. "Through the work of researchers, we were able to recognize that the abundance of track waves was extremely unique, and a treasure for the state of Alabama."

Researchers and scientific enthusiasts rejoiced Saturday for a day that was almost impossible to reach. Federal laws passed in 1977 require that abandoned mine sites be reclaimed and restored to proper conditions. The laws essentially called for the covering up of the fossilized treasures.

Through the cooperative work of researchers, the New Acton Mine owner and elected officials at the state and federal level, the site can now be preserved for continued research and educational purposes.

The site is now under the control of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Alabama State Lands division. The state conservation department has accepted responsibility of the site, and Congressman Robert Aderholt continues to work to achieve permanent preservation of the site.

"It is a miracle that we are standing on one of the most unique pieces of land in the world," said Jim Griggs of the Alabama State Lands division. "Through the efforts of many, we are able to be here to dedicate this site today."

While the site will be closed to the public, and used for the time for educational tours, efforts are being made to turn the site into "treasure" for all to enjoy.

"Our ultimate hopes would be to get a grant or funding that would allow us to trim away the track waves off the high wall. That way we could see the animals and plant life in a unique context," Atkinson said. "We want to develop it more for scientific exploration, possibly even by establishing a museum at the site and a welcome station on Corridor X."