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I • Discussion As expected. the survey yielded prehistoric open campsites. Although prehistoric culturally diagnostic materials were scant, this study has provided an opportunity to expand the present data base concerning the Middle and Late Prehistoric occupations ofthe West Elk Mountains in particular, and the central mountains in general. Artifacts were found at two of the prehistoric sites that aze suggestive of-but not clearly diagnostic of Middle and Late Archaic period occupations. At SDT868, the base of a San Raphael Stemmed point was recovered, and at SDT1283 the base of a large corner-notched type. The former is dated to the Late Archaic, ca. 1500 BC to An 500. The large corner-notched type is not specifically dated but is likely attributable to the Middle or Late Archaic periods. The prehistoric sites were all found near springs (or small drainages that may have contained such), which assure a good water source. They were also situated on benches to reduce the threat of flooding. Two of the recorded sites had groundstone present suggesting use ofthe uplands for floral procurement, although hand stones are often used in hide processing. The apparent cache of manos near the pour-off in site SDT1285 also suggests a seasonal return for gathering. The likely objects of the procurement were serviceberries and chokecherries. • The only historic site recorded was a corral and cowboy camp which indicates a primary focus ofranching in the study area. Eazly land acquisition in the region appears to have been by Cash Entry or Stock Grazing Desert Land Entry Patents. Many of the early ones were relinquished, and these lands were later consolidated into larger ranches. Management Recommendations The eligibility determination and consultation process is guided by Section 106 of the NHPA (36 CFR 60, 63, and 800). Inventory to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential effects to cultural resources affected by an undertaking is the first step in the Section 106 process. Federal actions cannot be authorized until the Section 106 process is completed (36 CFR 800.3). Final determinations of National Register eligibility and effect should be sought from the controlling federal agency. The actual adverse effects due to subsidence can not be determined as part of this study. Prehistoric sites SDT868, SDT1282, SDT1283, and SDT1285 were field evaluated as need data and testing is recommended should there be potential adverse effects from the proposed mining operations. As directed by the new 36 CFR800 regulations, this inventory included the seazch for relevant traditional cultural properties. Based on the files search, field survey, and this researchers personal knowledge, no such communities exist within the project area. • 8