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<br />CHAPTER II <br /> <br />LOCATION AND SETTING <br /> <br />o <br />N <br />W <br />c..."1 <br /> <br />Rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout and mountain whitefish <br />occur in the upper White River. The endangered Colorado squawfish is <br />found in the lower reaches of the river but does not occur in the Meeker <br />Dome area. <br /> <br />." <br /> <br />Cultural Resources <br /> <br />Under contract to the Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado State Univer- <br />sity's Laboratory of Public Archeology conducted an archeological recon- <br />naissance of proposed field study areas on Meeker Dome. An intensive <br />Class III survey was conducted on proposed observation well sites, <br />spring measurement stations, and old oil wells. During this survey, two <br />archeological sites and a prehistoric campsite were discovered. In <br />addition, one isolated stone tool find was recorded. <br /> <br />Socioeconomic Characteristics <br /> <br />The town of Meeker, with a population of about 2,350 in 1980, is a <br />trading center for a large farming and ranching area and a service <br />center for the coal and oil shale industries in northwestern Colorado. <br />The "boom and bust" energy development in the area has significantly <br />affected the community. The oil shale development is centered in the <br />Piceance Creek Basin several miles to the south and west of Meeker, <br />while coal deposits are being developed 8 to 10 miles to the north. <br />Ongoing oil exploration and drilling are widespread throughout Rio <br />Blanco County. Population, trade activity, and housing availability are <br />subject to the fluctuations in energy development activity, and a recent <br />decline in these industries has resulted in a decrease in new employment <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />About six farms are located near the dome. The immediate area <br />surrounding the Marland and Scott Wells is used for dryland wheat farm- <br />ing, while the area surrounding the James Well is used for pasture and <br />winter feed. <br /> <br />Trails and roadways have been developed on the dome over the years. <br />Utility lines, including a major electrical transmission line, also <br />traverse the dome. <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />4 <br />