30-Dec-22
This Joe Rogan podcast features John Reeves, an Alaskan gold miner and the star of the 2019 documentary “Boneyard Alaska.” Reeves discusses his journey to Alaska, his gold mining endeavors, and his incredible discovery of a vast Ice Age boneyard on his property. The podcast delves into the potential significance of this discovery, offering insights into paleontology, the younger dryas impact theory, and the unusual concentration of ancient animal remains. It explores the ethical considerations of owning such a valuable collection, the challenges of preserving it, and the potential for future scientific research.
1. John Reeves’s Journey to Alaska:
- Reeves’s childhood fascination with treasure hunting and digging led him to a love of exploration.
- A chance encounter with legendary swim coach Eddie Reese resulted in a full scholarship to the University of Florida, though Reeves’s academic struggles led him to drop out.
- Inspired by the movie “Jeremiah Johnson,” Reeves left Florida for Alaska, seeking adventure and a life as a mountain man.
- A series of jobs, including Teamster, air freight driver, and gold miner, provided Reeves with the experience and financial resources to pursue his gold mining dreams.
2. The Discovery of the Boneyard:
- While exploring his property, Reeves stumbled upon a seven-foot mammoth tusk, igniting his curiosity about the presence of ancient remains.
- He began finding bone fragments and shards on his land, leading him to excavate the area using excavators and hydraulic monitors to remove overburden.
- The sheer quantity of bones, including mammoth tusks, bison heads, and various Ice Age animal remains, surprised paleontologists and sparked debate about the presence of certain species in the area.
- The boneyard, spanning five acres, offers a unique window into the Late Pleistocene and the younger dryas impact theory, a possible explanation for the mass extinction event around 12,800 years ago.
3. The Significance of the Boneyard Discovery:
- The concentration of bones from various extinct species, including dire wolves, short-faced bears, and Harrington horses, has challenged conventional understanding of their geographic range and distribution during the Ice Age.
- The discovery of burnt bedrock and charcoal in the boneyard adds to the evidence supporting the younger dryas impact theory, suggesting a catastrophic event that led to a rapid change in the ecosystem.
- The presence of preserved soft tissue and even mammoth meat in frozen conditions has provided valuable insights into the biology and diet of these extinct animals.
- Reeves’s boneyard has become a significant site for paleontological research, potentially rewriting understanding of the Late Pleistocene and the younger dryas event.
4. The Bone Rush and the Future of the Boneyard:
- Reeves revealed the location of a dump site in the East River where the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) had discarded thousands of bones collected from his property in the 1920s and 1950s.
- This revelation ignited a “bone rush” among those seeking to uncover valuable fossils in the East River.
- Reeves, determined to maintain control of his collection, has decided not to sell any bones from the boneyard, instead focusing on preserving and cataloging them.
- He recognizes the immense scientific value of his boneyard, but also highlights the significant costs and challenges of proper research and preservation.
5. The Ethical Dilemma of Owning a Valuable Boneyard:
- Reeves grapples with the ethical considerations of owning such a valuable collection, acknowledging the potential for exploitation and the importance of protecting it.
- He discusses the challenges of managing a collection of this size, highlighting the need for proper storage and preservation to ensure its scientific value.
- Reeves shares his decision to keep his collection within Alaska, refusing to allow any fossils to leave the state.
- He emphasizes the importance of his family’s involvement in preserving the boneyard, emphasizing the continuation of his legacy.
6. John Reeves’s Perspective on Life in Alaska:
- Reeves describes the unique character of Alaskans, their resilience, and their strong community spirit.
- He shares anecdotes of encounters with wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves, highlighting the inherent dangers and beauty of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
- Reeves discusses the political landscape of Alaska, touching on issues such as statehood, resource management, and the role of the military.
- He reflects on the importance of responsible land management, balancing economic interests with environmental conservation.
7. The Importance of a Long View of History:
- Reeves emphasizes the need to take a long view of history, recognizing that the present moment is merely a chapter in a much larger story.
- He believes that the boneyard discovery has the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of the past.
- Reeves suggests that the future holds immense potential for further discoveries and insights into Earth’s history.
- He encourages listeners to appreciate the vastness of time and the significance of preserving our heritage.
8. The Future of John Reeves’s Boneyard:
- Reeves expresses his belief that the boneyard is just a small piece of a much larger puzzle, with the potential for further discoveries on his property and beyond.
- He acknowledges the need for collaboration with paleontologists and other researchers to unlock the full potential of the boneyard.
- He emphasizes the importance of preserving the boneyard for future generations, ensuring its scientific and cultural significance.
- Reeves’s story serves as a reminder that even in the modern world, incredible discoveries can still be made, reshaping our understanding of history.
5 Memorable Quotes:
- “It just makes you think, how many more of those are out there?” – Reeves ponders the potential for further discoveries.
- “The world’s a crazy place.” – Reeves reflects on the unexpected and fascinating nature of his discoveries.
- “This is about to happen. Now people are gonna go home and they’re gonna go, he just told us where it is!” – Reeves anticipates the impact of his revelation.
- “You could literally rewrite paleontological history.” – Reeves highlights the potential significance of his collection.
- “I don’t know enough to because there hasn’t been a real accounting of everything that’s up there in your piles.” – Reeves recognizes the need for further research.