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It is difficult to develop a cultural-historical overview of <br />• the region of the Mt. Gunnison !fine ~ 1 from information as incomplete <br />or as distant as that described. It can only be assumed that prehistoric <br />inhabitants were not unknown in the area, at least since 4000 B. C., <br />and that they were hunter-gatherers probably exploiting seasonally <br />available resource items. The extent of this proposed exploitation <br />is presently unknown. <br />ENVIRONMENT <br />The area of this reconnaissance ranges in elevation from about <br />5860 feet to 8530 feet. Elevations above 9000 are located within <br />five miles to the north. The general exposure is north, with local <br />relief affording considerable variation. The area displays extreme <br />topographic relief and Sa drained by the North Fork of the Gunnison <br />River and its tributary, Sylvester Gulch. <br />Only a general climatic description is available due to in- <br />sufficient documentation. Precipitation averages less than 20 <br />inches per year. Winter snow cover may be heavy and persistent for <br />long periods of time. Temperatures are seasonally consistent with <br />moderate summers-and cold winters the general rule. <br />A single major vegetation community characterizes the area <br />of observation. Gambel's oak and serviceberry are the dominant <br />species; big sagebrush, chokecherry, snowberry, and mountain mahogany <br />are important shrubs. Douglas fir and aspen forests are located <br />the drainages and along north-facing slopes at elevations usually <br />exceeding 7000 feet. These communities sometimes border the edges <br />of surveyed araas. <br />• <br />11 <br />