2008-03-03_PERMIT FILE - C2006085 (32)

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4 ssin are rare earl in the stage but become • Plano Period. Ground stone tools used for plant proce g Y more common by the end, suggesting increased utilization and processing of plant foods. The Archaic Stage lasted from 7,800 to 1,850 BP and is divided into three periods: the Early Archaic (7,800 to 5,000 BP), the Middle Archaic (5,000 to 3,000 BP), and the Late Archaic (3,000 to 1,850 BP). The transition from the Plano Period of the Paleoindian Stage is marked by a sharp contrast in projectile point styles. While the Paleoindian points are lanceolate in morphology, the Early Archaic points exhibit shallow side notches, although they are still well- made tools. Within the context area, evidence for the Early Archaic is severely limited, which could be an indication ofnear-abandonment of the Plains areas in favor of more upland environs during the Altithermal climatic episode. The paucity of sites could also be a product of poor site preservation or the sites could be deeply buried. In any case, evidence from the surrounding regions indicates low population density with an increasing reliance on smaller mammals, which were intensively processed. The Middle Archaic Period is defined by the appearance of the McKean Complex lithic technology, most visibly the point variations. During this period, populations increased and people settled and exploited a wider array of ecological zones. Lithic sources tended to be more local, with expedient tools dominating the assemblages. Ground stone tools became more common, although they continued to be portable and unshaped, although intensively used. Sites occur in both open and sheltered settings, including the appearance of shallow basin houses. Many of these sites were often re-occupied throughout both the Middle and Late Archaic Periods. Abroad array of both animal and plant resources were utilized, with an emphasis on smaller mammals, although bison were exploited with increasing frequency through time. The earliest datable rock art known is from this period. The Late Archaic Period was a continuation of the settlement and economic practices of the preceding period. It is marked by the disappearance of the McKean Complex projectile points and an increase in the variability of point type morphology. Additionally, the earliest evidence of corn appears during the Late Archaic, although it was likely just a dietary supplement to the dominant hunting/gathering lifestyle. The final stage is the Late Prehistoric Stage (1,850 to 225 BP), which is divided into three periods: the Developmental (1,$50 to 900 BP), the Diversification (900 to 500 BP), and the Protohistoric Period (500 to 225 BP). The Diversification Period is further subdivided into the Apishapa Phase (900 to 500 BP} and the Sopris Phase (900 to 750 BP). The Late Prehistoric Stage is characterized by a shift in both technology and settlement practices.. The two most obvious changes are the introduction of the bow and arrow technology, resulting in much smaller projectile points, generally corner notched but turning to side notched by the end of the stage, and the introduction of ceramics. In terms of economics and settlement practices, hunting and gathering of a broad array of animal and plant resources was still the primary means of survival, but maize horticulture became more common, along with an improvement in food storage techniques. These innovations allowed for a more semi-nomadic lifestyle and the establishment of more permanent habitations. In fact, it is during the Diversification Period that an increase in the number of architectural sites is observed. Populations appear to have also increased, quite possibly due to indigenous augmentation rather than migration, and aggregated in larger •