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<br />Frt. Fauna were observed in the project areas. Nrniever, elk are <br />re{'utr:d to frequent the ar~•a (4. Pfannerstiel, Personal Corrnunication, <br />Feh+-u.ery 1986), and indirrrt evidence such as scats, U•ack5, and <br />skeletal remains of mule deer was ahvndant. Previous im•ectigations <br />hrvo nn [ed the presence of coyotes, racoons, bearers, rabhii:s, prairie <br />dogs, StYlped skunks, reptiles, raptors, 'and sory Lirds (Ev.as 1985:3). <br />1.2.4 Paleuenvironment <br />Any interpretations of past climatic conditions for the pro- <br />ject areas and the irivnedi ate region tMt=_t i-nly upon pat enenvi rorn:rntal <br />studies conducted in adjacent regions. These studies indicate that <br />variations in the auaomtt of available effective moisture. have been <br />minor, and the compositions of the hiotic comtrrunities have remained <br />relatively stable, for lire last !i,I)CI1 years (Glcichntan, et al. <br />1982:440). <br />1.3' The Cultural Setting <br />i.3.1 Previous Archaeological Investigations <br />Archaeological itivestiral:ians in the region surrcurding the <br />project areas are relatively recent phenomena, and they have varied <br />greatly in intensity and scope. In their surmary of the archaeology of <br />the "west. cud", Gleichtran, Ei:rir:ger, and Scott (1982) segregate the <br />• investigative efforts turn an Carty Period and a Wte Period, separated <br />by a period of relative cuioscr--nee. Each period is surcmarized briefly <br />below, the highlights of this sw=wary cr.±ractcd train L'leichinon et al. <br />(14Y.2:447.456). <br />1.3.7.1 Early Period (193C-1947) <br />The Early Period of archaeological investigations in <br />western Coloraao lasts from 19`x0 to 1947. Resr_arch during this time <br />focused upon tiie excavations of Several highly visible habitation sites; <br />surface reconnaissance Efforts were limited. Genrae and Edna Noodbui•y <br />reported un end excavated a few masonry ruins in !Yost Paradox Valley in <br />the early 19305. Tree ring dates and pottery types obtainorl from these <br />ruins suggas*_ ..n Anasazi occupation of late Pueblo [ -early Pue61o II <br />age, <br />Getaeen 1438 and 1941, 8'etty and liareld liuscher, irorkirtg ur:der the <br />auspices or the Colorado 1-0useum (now Denver 14usaum) of P:aturel Hiscery, <br />conducted surveys and excavations in scuthwest[ti-ir l.'oloradc. They <br />described several stone structures in the San Fliguel River drainage, <br />particul:,rly those along Cottoiuvood Creek, a major tributary to the San <br />7?iguel F.:YL'1' a few r•,i les east of the project areas. Tho ku schars <br />a[trbutrd those struetierr"s to Athahaskan peoplr_s (Navajo arc :.pacha), <br />calling ther "hogans", but recent. research suggr!sts that these remains <br />nay have Fremont origins. <br />f urine! the 19405, C.T I:u rSt of !1dS t~ru SCa SU f. r•l ley^_ ryi:::o-c reel <br />several cited in [hc rtriinn. These include Tala:;uac!t^ ^tri:`.lo, <br />Tnt.ha,i: i•. !:ri G'vrq [ noel i!•. v..•: i+olurc: far.:. all '. aria tau in t.r r.r., ,. <br /> <br />(Revised July 2006) Attachment 2.04.4-1-13 <br />