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1 <br /> <br />' ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING <br />' The project area is located in a region of relatively flat <br /> topography on the southern slope of the Grand Hesa. Ward Creek <br /> and four intermit tent drainages dissect the project area and pro- <br />' vide a good water source for the region. The project area is <br /> characterized by pinyon-juniper forest as well as zones of scrub <br /> oak and scattered stands of willows and cottonwoods. Sage, prickly <br /> pear, serviceberr y and yucca mixed with shrubs and fortis are <br /> common throughout the project area. <br />' The project vicinity is home for a wide range of faunal <br />resources. Mule deer and marmot as well as several variaties of <br /> chipmunks were observed during the fieldwork. Black bear, elk, <br /> bighorn sheep, bobcat, mountain lion and coyote are all likely <br /> inhabitants of the general vicinity around and in the project area. <br />' All of these animals could have been utilized by aboriginal peoples <br /> for example. Mountain sheep motifs on rock art have been recorded <br />' in the general vicinity of the project area (Hihbets, et al., 1979). <br /> The elevation within the project area rises gradually to the north <br /> from 6,355 feet (1,937 in.) to 6,800 feet (2,072 m.). Just north of <br />' [he project area's northern boundary, the elevation rises rapidly <br /> toward the Grand Mesa. <br /> The most common soil type observed in the project area is a <br /> light brown silty loess. Rock outcrops of basalt are common throuyhout <br /> the area. <br />' Present land use in the project area is a mixture between mining, <br /> farming, ranching and recreation. Historic land use in the vicinity <br /> of the project area seems [o have been divided between mining, farming, <br />' ranching and fruit growing (Baker 1978:18). <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br />' S <br />