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6 <br />Studies using tree-ring and pollen analysis, although yielding Bone <br />• divergent results, have indicated some general patterns of climatic fluc- <br />tuation (Antevs 1955, Bryson and Wendland 1967, J. Jennings 1977, Martin <br />1963, Schoenwetter 1970, Schulman 1956). After the last glaciation, there <br />was a period of fairly moist conditions, followed by alternating periods <br />of relative dryness and wetness until the mid-19th century, at which time <br />the present combination of dryness and higher temperatures began. <br />Four plant communities were observed in the survey area. The non- <br />native communities include a large wheatfield presently under cultivation <br />and other areas which have been previously cultivated or otherwise distur- <br />bed. The dominant vegetational form of the disturbed areas is Russian <br />thistle (salsola iberica), a plant often associated with surface disturbance. <br />Some sage was noted in areas which were disturbed some time ago, indicating <br />J• some regeneration of native plant types. <br />The two natural vegetational groups are the sagebrush and mountain shrub <br />communities. The former consists mainly of sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) <br />with an understory of beardless wheatgrass (Rgropyron inerme), Indian rice- <br />grass,(oryzopsis hymenoiaesl, and various other grasses. This community was <br />found in the lower, more level parts of the survey area. <br />The mountain shrub community consists of serviceberry (Rmelanchier <br />alnifolia), Gambel's oak (Ouercus gambelii), and juniper (Juniperus), with <br />Some bitterbrush (PUrshia tridentata), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), <br />and sage. This community was found at higher elevations, both on ridgetops <br />and steep slopes. <br />Fauna in the area which could affect subsistence include elk (cervus <br />• camadensis), Mule deer (Odocoi2eus hemionus), black bear (Ursus americanus), <br />cottontail rabbit (syzvizaqus spp.1, muskrat (onaacra zibethicus), beaver <br />(Castor canadensis), waterfowl, and fish. <br />