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Exhibit Page 43 <br />HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE EVALUATION <br />SUMMARY: <br />There are no identified or known significant historic or cultural resources which will be <br />' impacted by mining on the site. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />A research program was initiated to identify potential historic and prehistoric sites which <br />' might be impacted by operations, as well as any cultural resources which might exist on the <br />site, <br />Although the site was established as a grazing homestead, the only historic habitations <br />observed on the site are the cabin and outbuildings located in a ravine on the north side <br />of the permit area, and which is located in lands which will not be affected by the mining <br />operation. See Exhibit S for additional information. <br />All other known historical features in the area are located either in the Dolores River <br />' valley to the north of the site, or in Lost Canyon to the south of the site. These include <br />former railroad grades, irrigation ditches, roads, and dwellings. None will be impacted <br />by mining operations. <br />' No prehistoric sites have been identified in the permit area, at this time. Other than sites <br />occupied for very brief periods, such as overnight transient camps and hunting camps, it <br />' is very unlikely that any prehistoric sites such as camps, quarries, rack art sites, or other <br />features are present in the permit area. <br />' Personnel have received and will continue to receive training on procedures in case of <br />discovery of archeological or paleontological resources to protect such finds, even though <br />they are not expected. <br />BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA: <br />The Dolores River valley between Rico and Dolores has been a prehistoric and historic <br />transportation route into the San Juan Mountains, for nomads, explorers, and fur <br />' trappers. Fur trappers are first documented as having used this route in 1832-33, and <br />obtained beaver and other furs in the valley itself. This area gained importance as a <br />travel route following the discovery of gold in the Rico area in 1866, although significant <br />mining (and travel) did not take place until 1878 when the Ute gave up their land in the <br />San Juan Mountains. <br />' With the discovery of silver in the Rico area in 1879, the Rio Grande Southern Railway <br />was constructed up the Dolores River from the southwest to the mining towns of Rico <br />and other camps in the mountains. The valley itself was settled by cattle ranchers, who <br />t homesteaded or purchased only the river valley bottom. Grazing claims (homesteads) <br />were established on the ridges between the Dolores River Valley and Lost Canyon, and <br />on both sides, although cultivation was extensive only on the highlands south of Lost <br />' Canyon. The railroad was constructed up Lost Canyon between Dolores and Mancos in <br />xxxx, and abandoned in xxxx. <br />' Historic Themes germane to this site include: <br />