Yes but it is only half the battle. Fossils found on private land belong to the landowner and are not protected. For instance in Rock Sprong, Wyo. area, land owner frequently find fossils and literally rip them out of the ground.

Much of the important paleontological information comes from being able to observe the fossils in situ. Map the formation, take associated samples etc.

Some states and the Federal government have set up protections for some finds regardless of where it was found. Some paleontological preservation zones have been set up to preserve important fossils finds.

@t1nick -thank you for sharing this. its sad and pathetic that we need to litigate, and politicize, world history and science..