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• quantitative standard for the site/isolate distinction. For example: a) A discrete concentration <br />of flakes from the same material regardless of the number of artifacts present likely <br />represents a single, random event and is properly designated as in isolate , or b) Similarly, a <br />ceramic pot bust is to be recorded as an isolate, regardless of the number of sherds that <br />remain. <br />All cultural resources that qualified as sites, such as prehistoric open camps, lithic <br />scatters, occupied overhangs/rockshelters, and evidence of historic occupation, were to be <br />recorded and evaluated for determining eligibility for nomination to the National Register of <br />Historic Places (NRHP) as they were encountered to standards set by the BLM and the <br />OAHP. Data collection was to be conducted by the mapping of observed artifacts, artifact <br />concentrations, and features using a BLM certified Trimble Geo XT unit in conjunction with <br />USGS quadrangle maps that incorporated a 1000m grid. Photographs were to be taken at <br />each site that included general views and photographs of specific artifacts and features when <br />warranted. Field notes are on file at Grand River Institute. No artifacts were collected. <br />Study Findings <br />The field conditions were poor. Dense vegetation and steep slopes made the survey <br />difficult, and no cultural resources were encountered. <br />• <br />Discussion <br />Predictive models for archaeological site locations in the region of western Colorado <br />have examined the roles of numerous variables in structuring the geographical locations of <br />prehistoric archaeological sites. In general, however, they have pointed to strong correlations <br />between site locations and/or site types and vegetational communities, elevation, distance to <br />water, and topographic setting. In all of the predictive models, the high elevations that <br />include spruce-fir-aspen woodlands with dense forbs and grasses have the lowest <br />concentrations of cultural resources. <br />In addition, most of the previously recorded prehistoric sites seemed to occur in the <br />ecotone between the park and woodland communities rather than in either one or the other. <br />The results of this inventory seem to confirm the previous finding concerning prehistoric <br />resources. Most of the recorded prehistoric sites and isolate finds in the area have been found <br />in close or relatively close proximity to water resources. Although none were recorded <br />during this project, historic sites related to forest harvesting usually occur within the forests, <br />and the ranch-related structures often occur near water sources and along the wood's edge. <br />• <br />7