2016-02-19_PERMIT FILE - M2016010 (5)

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Current thought is that the plains were not abandoned, but occupation was diminished. Subsistence patterns shifted from bison to a variety of smaller game animals. Ground stone implements (manos and metates), which are present in low numbers in Paleoindian sites, become more common in the Archaic and exhibit increasing use of plant resources. Projectile point forms changed from Paleoindian types to stemmed, smaller lanceolate, side -notched, and corner -notched forms. The great diversity of projectile points during the Archaic suggests the development of regionalized groups, a process that may have begun in the Plano period (Pitblado 2003). Early Archaic sites contain small basin houses thought to represent brush or skin shelters. These features are common in the Early Archaic from New Mexico through Wyoming, but have also been found in Middle and Late Archaic contexts (Shields 1998). At least 13 sites thought to represent the Early Archaic have been identified in Fort Carson (Zier and Kalasz 1999:102). No Early Archaic remains have been found in the project area. The Middle and Late Archaic periods are distinguished from the Early Archaic by an increased number of sites, increasing diversity in tool forms, and return to bison hunting subsistence patterns. This occurred after the Altithermal gave way to a cooler and wetter climate similar to today. Middle and Late Archaic stage sites are common surrounding the project area on the Plains and along the Front Range. No Middle or Late Archaic remains have been found in the project area. Late Prehistoric Stage The Archaic is followed by the Late Prehistoric stage (1850-225 B.P.). This stage is distinguished from earlier stages by the addition of ceramic technology in the form of cord -marked and plain pottery, the addition of cultigens (corn and beans) to the hunting -gathering subsistence pattern, unique burial practices, use of the bow and arrow, and presence of substantial domestic dwellings (Zier and Kalasz 1999). Native populations during the early portion of this stage may have increased, as evidenced by the sharp increase in radiocarbon dates from this stage. The Late Prehistoric stage is divided into three periods: Developmental (1850-990 B.P.), Diversification (900- 500 B.P.), and Protohistoric (500-225 B.P.). The Protohistoric is discussed separately. The Developmental period is characterized by artifact assemblages containing small corner - notched projectile points and cord -marked ceramics. Architectural remains consist of semi - subterranean pit structures and circular stone enclosures. Subsistence remains from Developmental period sites indicate a substantial reliance on wild plant resources and the initial cultivation of beans and corn. The Diversification period is divided into the Apishapa (900-500 B.P.) and Sopris (900-750 B.P.) phases. The Apishapa phase is believed to relate to the Plains Village cultures to the east (Lintz 1984), while the Sopris phase is related to the Ancestral Puebloan cultures in the northern Rio Grande Valley (Mitchell 1997). Apishapa sites are generally located along the Arkansas River and its tributaries. Sopris sites are found on the Raton Mesa near Trinidad. Diversification period sites contain a wider variety of ceramic wares than earlier Developmental period sites, including imported wares from the plains and southwest. Projectile points shift from corner -notched forms to side - notched and flanged forms. Apishapa architecture is dominated by curved rock walls that incorporate vertical slabs. Sopris architecture consists of rectilinear structures of adobe or jacal construction. Subsistence practices are similar to the earlier Developmental period, but evidence of an increase in the use of cultigens is seen at a number of sites. Apishapa phase peoples seemed to be more reliant on bison than Sopris phase peoples, who primarily hunted mule deer. Developmental period sites are less common than sites of the preceding and subsequent periods. To date at least three Developmental period sites have been located in El Paso County (Zier and Kalasz 1999:164). Late Prehistoric sites are common throughout southeastern Colorado. At least five 6