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G Project Background Site 5MN3760 was recorded by GRI in May 1991 (Conner and Hutchins 1991a) and tested to make final determinations of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in June (Conner and Hutchins 1991b). To evaluate the site, sampling units were selected on the basis of artifact distribution, the occurrence .of ash-stained soils or exposed features, and depositional characteristics. Thus, test areas were deliberately located to increase the chances of determining depth of cultural fill and of acquiring chronometric data. This way, the site's potential to yield significant information could be ascertained. Fill from the test areas was screened through window screen mesh. Artifacts, ancillary specimens, and carbon samples were collected, numbered and bagged separately by unit and level. Profiles and plan views were drawn and photographed. Site 5MN3760 was tested by digging six trowel holes and a 1 by 1 meter test pit. An apparently culturally sterile, hard- packed dirt layer was found within 5cm of the surface throughout the site area. All the trowel-tests proved negative; i.e., no cultural materials were found beneath the surface. The location • for the 1 by 1 meter test-pit was selected because of a siagle upright stone found in Locus A. It proved to contain remains of a hearth and a suspected living floor of a possible wickiup-like structure. Debitage was found in all pit layers excavated, as shown in the profile. Burnt bone and charcoal was found in Stratum B, ash-stained soil, and Stratum C, hearth fill. A carbon sample taken from the hearth till was sent to Heta Analytic, Inc. for processing. The culturally diagnostic surface materials located during the survey and testing phase for site 5MN3760 indicated at least occasional use and/or occupation by peoples of the Proto- Formative and/or Formative cultural tradition in this area. Results from the carbon sample taken from a hearth within the suspected structure dated 2300±80 S.P. (Beta Analytic, Sample 45803), which when calibrated defines the occupation of the site between about 550 B.C. and 290 B.C. Research Objectives The recovery plan proposes that Locus A of site SMN3760 be mapped, the surface artifacts collected (because of the shallow nature of the cultural deposits), and the feature exposed. The specific objective will be to expand on the test-pit centered on . the hearth to confirm the existence of a structural feature, to define its nature, and to excavate additional test-pits 5