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C~ • visit to the general area was the Dominguez-Escalante expedition of 1776 that passed along the North Fork of the Gunnison (Warner 1976:29). The area was within the range of Euro-American fur trapping activities in the early 1800s and was later influenced by ranching, fruit farming and the expansion of coal mining (Mehls 1982). Historic activities in the area that would leave more than limited, transitory traces have generally centered along the river valleys. Objectives and Field Methods The objective of this investigation was to identify and evaluate any cultural resources that might be affected by the proposed undertaking. Each area of effect was inspected by pedestrian survey. This pedestrian survey covered roughly one-half acre around each of the seven proposed drill pad sites, and reconnaissance of several alternate locations that were abandoned. The basic approach to the proposed drill pad sites was to cover an area within an 85 to 100 foot (25-30 m) radius around the staked drill location, but actual area surveyed varied in response to local conditions. Given the general ruggedness of the terrain, the entire landform practical for drilling activities around each staked location, up to about 200 feet from the staked location, was inspected for potential cultural resources. This included all reasonably level ground around the drill pad site and excluded dense stands of trees or brush. Inventory was completed by a single investigator walking zig- • zag pedestrian transects spaced approximately five to ten meters apart. Variations to this approach were locations F and H, both of which were situated in slump areas covered by dense brush and scrub oak. Both of these areas showed evidence of massive slumping of the soil surface within the past 10 to 20 years and lacked areas of intact deposition. At these locations all areas of visible soil surface were inspected. The ground surface at all locations was inspected for any indications of cultural materials or features, and particular attention was given to areas of potential deposition and areas of enhanced surface visibility such as road cuts, erosion cuts, blow-outs, game trails and animal burrows. The total area of intensive pedestrian survey for the seven pad locations was approximately four acres. Access routes along existing roads were followed out, but systematic intensive survey was not undertaken. Spot inspections were made of areas that appeared favorable for the location of cultural resources or that might require minor improvements. Nearby trees were also scanned for evidence of aspen art or peeled bark. Areas chosen for spot inspections included high flats, open meadows, and terraces or benches along drainages. Results and Management Recommendations Proposed pad locations B and D were short distances downslope and in more open meadow settings than previously surveyed locations, and newly • proposed access for both is along existing trails from the west. Proposed pad 4