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It is difficult to develop a euleural-historical overview of <br />the region of the ML. Gunnison Mine ~} 1 from information as incomplete <br />or as distant as that described. It csa only be assumed that prehistoric <br />Snhabitaats vere not ualmown is the area, at least since 4000 B. C., <br />and that they vere hunter-gatherers probably exploiting seasonally <br />available resouzee items. The extent of this proposed exploitation <br />is preaeatly unknown. <br />ENVIRO`,R~'NT <br />'IIie area of this recoaaaisaancs ranges is elevation from about <br />5860 feet to 8530 feet. Elevacioas above 9000 are Located within <br />five miles to the north. The general exposure is north, with local <br />relief affording eoasiderable variation. Tha area displays extreme <br />topographic relief and is drained by the North Fork of the Gunnison <br />Giver and its tributary, Sylvester Gulch. <br />ii <br />• Qnly a general climatic description is available due to in- <br />sufficient documentation. Precipitation aoeragea leas than 20 <br />inches per year. Winter snow cover may be heavy and persistent for <br />long periods of time. Temperatures are seasonally consistent with <br />~~ moderate auamers and cold winters the general rule. <br />A single major vegetation corm:unity characterizes the area <br />of observation. Gambel's oak and serviceberry are the dominant <br />species; big sagebrush, chokecherry, snowberry, cad mountaia•mahogeay <br />era imnortanc shrubs. Douglas fir and aspen forests era located <br />the drainages and along north-facing slopes at elevations usually <br />exceeding 7000 feet. These eo~mitiea sometimes border the edges <br />of surveyed areas. <br />• <br />11 <br />