2010-11-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083 (7)

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• the structure has been established and measures approximately 30 meters in diameter for the purposes of protection and management. The site is at an elevation of 7560 feet. The vegetation consists of Gambel oak, serviceberry, rabbitbrush, bullweed, mWIen, and low ground cover. Soil on the site is brown clay loam of undetermined depth. The sole feature on the site consists of a southeast - facing lean-to shelter constructed of approximately 70 to 75 Gambel oak (and possibly some serviceberry) branches leaned against the northwestern side of a 4.8 meter long ridge pole made of a Gambel oak trunk. The lean-to's covering branches range in size from 80 to 275 centimeters in length and from approximately two to ten centimeters in diameter. The lean-to rises from ground level at the northeastern end to approximately 1.7 meters in height at the tops of the poles of the conical structure at the southwestern end. The exterior of the body of the structure (excluding the ends of the ridge pole, measures 3.9 meters in length (northeast - southwest) and from 80 to 1.5 meters in width. The shelter provides an interior area that measures 1.9 meters in length, a maximum of 1.9 meters in width, and a maximum of 80 centimeters in height within the conical portion. The shelter undoubtedly stood higher at the time of construction as the ridgepole has sagged notably over the years. The diameter of the ridge pole at its base is 12 centimeters. The ridge pole is supported at the southwest end by two forked poles. The conical pole structure, or wickiup, that partially encloses the southwestern portion consists of nine poles (including the two support poles). Two open spaces at the higher (southwest) end provide possible entryways, one in the extreme southwest end, the other on the southeast side at the location where the open end of the lean -to joins the conical structure. The structure is in good condition, and appears fairly stable, with the exception of the sagging, and deteriorating ridge pole. The remaining poles are dry, cracking, and decomposing where in contact with the ground, but otherwise quite sturdy. None of the branches used in the construction of the shelter show evidence of axe or saw cutting; rather all were simply broken off or uprooted at their proximal ends. The lean-to could comfortably accommodate one reclining person; possibly two side - by- side. In addition, the partially enclosed southwestern end is large enough to shelter a fire hearth, gear, child, or dog. No evidence of a fire hearth could be found within or outside of the structure. No portable artifacts or other features were found on or near the site, therefore it is difficult to speculate on the age of the structure. The relatively un- weathered nature of the individual branches, and the overall stability of the lean -to as a whole suggests that it is of historic construction, and probably dates within the last 70 years or less. Although firewood and fence post cutting activities are evident in the area, the lack of evidence of axe or saw use in the construction of the lean-to tends to imply that it is not associated with the people involved in these endeavors. More likely, the site is affiliated with sheep herding activities or possibly ranching or hunting. The possibility does exist, however, that the structure is an 9