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14 Consultation also makes reference to the azchaeological results of the entire project, and affords • the opportunity for interested Native American groups to participate in the formulation of recommendations for treatment of the eagle trap/vision quest site and of the project as a whole. Letters have been sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, to representatives of the following tribes: Apache, Southern Arapaho, Cheyenne-Arapaho, Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Ute, and Ute Mountain Ute. A copy of the text of the letter along with a list of addressees aze found in Appendix D. Assessment of Preliminary Results The cultural resource inventory results indicates a very high site density, failed to reveal any sites with aboriginal ceramics, and have about an equal distribution of Archaic versus Late Prehistoric projectile points. All three of these observations aze contrary to what was initially expected. In so being, these provide some focal points for reseazch questions that may be addressable with further investigations. The methods employed in the investigations aze adequate, except for the notable situations where surface visibility is compromised or lacking in valley floor settings. Plans are being considered for alternative means of site discovery in these areas. Further Work Clearly, investigations aze not complete for most of the proposed development areas. • Numerous sites still need to be evaluated for eligibility to the National Register, a task that will include test excavations, historic records research and additional informant interviews. Evalua- tions will benefit from the compilation of a project-wide research design aimed at understanding issues chat transcend single sites and focus on a more holistic understanding of the cultural history of the azea. There aze several areas where additional cultural resource inventory is necessary, including the sedimentation pond locations that surround the surface mine azea, the proposed rail spur where it extends outside of the 40-acre survey parcel for the load out, and the haul road corridor to the P1/P2 box cut and R3/R4 portals. Part III describes plans for these additional investigations and provides a tentative schedule for their completion. PART III CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS Introduction At the time of this writing, field work has been terminated for the 1996 season because of weather and soil conditions. Cleazly, more field work is necessary, as outlined above, and it is very likely that additional investigations, especially continued test excavations, will demonstrate the presence of significant cultural materials in good context at one or several sites within the areas proposed for development. Some of this development is slated to begin in the summer of 1997. MAC proposes to complete the final report on the cultural resource inventory this winter. This document will also include a reseazch design and testing and treatment plan which will be r~ U