A geochemical baseline survey was conducted on a four by nine mile area surrounding the Paraho Oil Shale Demonstration plant at Anvil Points, Gerfield County, Colorado. This study determined the baseline concentrations and variability for selected trace elements that are of primary environmental concern during the proposed development of oil shale resources. The elements studied were Hg, Mo, B, and F. The pH and organic carbon of soils and sediments were also measured. The sample media consisted of surface soils, stream sediments, and the plant species: Big sage, Indian ricegrass, and Western wheatgrass.