This document describes the rationale and methods used by the National Park Service (NPS) for long-term monitoring of paleontological sites and resources at Zion National Park. The monitoring effort will collect data for key metrics representing the health of paleontological resources in Zion NP. The monitoring provides park managers with a warning of changes that are occurring, and justifies further administrative action. This narrative portion of the protocol provides background and justification for the monitoring of paleontological resources, as well as brief descriptions of data collection methods and operational procedures.