PERMFILE102061

• Permit No: M2001001
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 1/8/2001
• Doc Name: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS REGULAR 112 OPERATION RECLAMATIO PERMIT APPLICATION FORM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• Exhibit Page 47 •
HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE EVALUATION
SUMMARY:
There are no identified or known significant historic or cultural resources which will be
impacted by mining on the site.
DISCUSSION:
A research program was initiated to identify potential historic and prehistoric sites which
might be impacted by operations, as well as any cultural resources which might exist on the
site.
The primary historical feature identified in this area is the former railroad grade used by
the Rio Grande Southern Railway from Dolores to Rico. This line, in use from about
1880 to 1951, and the railroad grade was converted into the original Highway 145
roadbed in 1952. Since that time, the highway was relocated, but that portion of the
original railroad bed nearest the permit area is overlaid by the current highway, except at
the extreme northern and southern ends of the Truelsen property. The trail west of
Highway 145 at the southwest corner of the Truelsen property is part of the original
railroad grade and will not be impacted.
The secondary historical feature identified is the Home Ditch, an irrigation ditch which
supplies water to the permit area and the buffer zone around it, and which is owned by
the property owner. This feature has been documented as having been constructed in
1880. The ditch itself will be modified by the proposed mining, but as the ditch
continues in use and has been maintained and modified frequently, this is not seen as a
significant impact on the historical nature of the resource.
No prehistoric sites have been identified in the permit area, at this time.
Personnel have received and will continue to receive training on procedures in case of
discovery of archeological or paleontological resources to protect such finds, even though
they are not expected.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA:
The Dolores River valley between Rico and Dolores has been a prehistoric and historic
transportation route into the San Juan Mountains, for nomads, explorers, and fur
trappers. Fur trappers are first documented as having used this route in 1832-33, and
obtained beaver and other furs in the valley itself. This area gained importance as a
travel route following the discovery of gold in the Rico area in 1866, although significant
mining (and travel) did not take place until 1878 when the Ute gave up their land in the
San Juan Mountains.
With the discovery of silver in the Rico area in 1879, the Rio Grande Southern Railway
was constructed up the Dolores River from the southwest to the mining towns of Rico
and other camps in the mountains. The valley itself was settled by cattle ranchers, who
homesteaded or purchased only the river valley bottom. These dozen or so families
eventually created the small hamlet of Stoner to the north, and the area has remained
predominantly agricultural since that time. Tourism has grown more important,
Four States Aggregates, LLC 30 DEC 2000
Application for Permit: Line Camp Pit FSA-LCP-D1-001