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unusual adaptation of a Protohistoric Ute wickiup. Although dendrochronometric analysis of • <br />structures this recent in age are of somewhat limited value, the dating of this feature would be <br />of considerable interest in terms of further understanding the protohistoric and eazly historic <br />periods of this region. <br />Evaluation and Manaeement Recommendation <br />Due to the unusual nature of the feature and the potential for the site to yield <br />additional significant information concerning the early history of the region, the site is field <br />evaluated as need data before a determination can be made regarding National Register of <br />Historic Places eligibility. Avoidance and preservation of the site is recommended and test <br />excavation and dendrochronological dating is advised before eligibility could be established. <br />Discussion <br />Despite the limitations of the steep slopes and heavy vegetation cover, as expected the <br />survey yielded cultural resources. No definitively prehistoric resources were found, however <br />the possibility exists that the lean-to/wickiup on site SDT1538 is of Protohistoric Ute or <br />Historic Ute or Navajo (sheepherder) construction. <br />The newly recorded historic sites (a small animal containment pen and the lean-to) • <br />reflect a focus on sheep and cattle ranching, and possibly big-game hunting as well, in the <br />study area. Eazly land acquisition in the region appears to have been by Cash Entry or Stock <br />Grazing Desert Land Entry Patents. Many of the eazly ones were relinquished, and these <br />lands were later consolidated into larger ranches. <br />Management Recommendations <br />The eligibility determination and consultation process is guided by Section 106 of the <br />NHPA (36 CFR 6Q 63, and 800}. Inventory to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential <br />effects to cultural resources affected by an undertaking is the first step in the Section 106 <br />process. Federal actions cannot be authorized until the Section 106 process is completed (36 <br />CFR 800.3). Final determinations of National Register eligibility and effect should be sought <br />from the controlling federal agency. The actual adverse effects due to subsidence can not be <br />determined as part of this study. Sites SDT96 and SDT1538 were field evaluated as eligible <br />and testing is recommended should there be potential adverse effects due to potential mining <br />operations. Sites SDT124, SDT632, and SDT1537 were field evaluated as not eligible and no <br />further work is recommended <br />As directed by the new 36 CFR800 regulations, this inventory included the search for <br />relevant traditional cultural properties. Based on the files search, field survey, and this <br />researchers personal knowledge, no such communities exist within the project azea. • <br />10 <br />