2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2009087A (3)

Home Browse Search

2.04.4 Cultural and Historic Resource Information • This section of the permit application describes the cultural and historic resource context of the general area as well as any known cultural or historic resource values which have been identified within the PSCM permit area and adjacent areas. This information provides the basis for evaluation of potential mining - related impacts on these resources and development of any appropriate plans for resource protection or documentation. Most of the information presented in this section is based on historical records and information from the Colorado Historical Society as well as site - specific field investigation of various surface disturbance areas. Cultural and Historical Perspective Prehistoric Context A variety of site types are present in the PSCM permit area and adjacent areas, representing most of the thematic contexts outlined in the Colorado Historical Society documentation for northwest Colorado and more recent prehistoric literary contributions for the area provided by many of Colorado's leading cultural experts. Prehistoric sites in the area include lithic scatters, open campsites, quarry sites, rock shelters, and rock art panels. Evidence of Paleoindian inhabitants in the area consist of a few isolated projectile points including discovery of Cody Complex points on adjacent cultural resource inventories. Archaic -age lithic scatters and open camps have been recorded outside of the permit area as well as some rock art panels believed to be Archaic in age. Excavations at the Red Army Rockshelter located a few miles to the south of the permit area recovered evidence of multiple occupations spanning the Pioneer Archaic through Protohistoric, including two house structures within the shelter. Numerous Formative Era Aspen Tradition age is lithic scatters and open camps have also been recorded in the vicinity, as have Protohistoric and Historic Ute or Shoshone rock art sites. Paleoindian Era (Pre- 8350 before present [BP]) - Sites with Paleoindian projectile point and other evidence of a Paleoindian lifestyle are rare but not unknown in the area. Once thought to be an area of limited occupation during Paleoindian times, northern Colorado, and particularly the high elevation parks, have recently been shown to have been occupied quite extensively. Recent reviews of Paleoindian research are included in Exhibit 2.04.4 -E1, Cultural Information — Subsidence (confidential), which contains the Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc. Report, titled Peabody Energy Twentymile Coal Company Sage Creek Subsidence Project: A Class III Cultural Resource Inventory, Routt County, Colorado (Metcalf Archaeological, 2009a) (confidential). In the broader scheme of things, divergence in Paleoindian lifeways is noted as early as about 10,000 BP when complexes assigned to the Foothill- Mountain tradition are recognized throughout the Rocky Mountain regions. In settlement and subsistence, the Foothill- Mountain lifestyle more closely resembles the mixed -based subsistence of the Archaic Era than the big -game hunting complexes that are typical of the Paleoindian Era. It seems reasonable to assume that the dramatic changes in habit and carrying capacity wrought by the cold Younger Dryas episode (11,200 and 10,100 years ago) dramatically effected the residents of the area, such that by about 9300 BP, an archaic lifestyle was already evolving in the region. Pioneer Period/Archaic Era (8,350 — 6450 BP) - In regional context, the Pioneer Period begins • after the demise of the fully nomadic Paleoindian adaptations. Full -time occupants established a mixed base subsistence lifeway. Traits that distinguish these occupations from traditional Paleoindian occupations include less group mobility, the frequent use of prepared pit features, \' PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -10 6/15/09