The San Luis Valley

Archaeo-Update

The Bulletin of the San Luis Valley Archaeological Network

Vol. 9, No. 2, April 2004

SLV ARCHAEOLOGICAL NETWORK ACTIVITY PLANNING SUMMARY

The 2004 San Luis Valley Archaeological Network annual planning meeting, held in Alamosa on April 3, was attended by about 25 people. Following the potluck dinner there was a power-point presentation about last year's activities by Vince Spero. Trips to the Velarde rock image site in New Mexico, Punche Lake, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and the excavation at McIntire Springs, near Sanford were detailed. Marvin Goad shared his work done on the SLV Archaeological Network website that included an interactive map that when clicked showed photos of rock art from the vicinity. We hope to have the website up soon. Dr. Dick Goddard, Archaeologist, Department of History, Government and Philosophy at Adams State College talked about the exciting new anthropology program at ASC. Dr. Goddard stated that upcoming archaeological projects would all be open to the public and volunteers were welcome. The main archaeological activity involves excavations at historic Fort Garland. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Dr. Goddard you may call him at 719-587-7176 or contact him by email at dick_goddard@adams.edu

SLV ARCHAEOLOGICAL NETWORK ACTIVITIES 2004

  • May 7, 8 and 9 PAAC Class: Colorado Archaeology covers the major periods and cultures of Colorado's prehistory, concluding with a brief summary of historic period American Indian groups in Colorado. Regional variations, dates of occupation, subsistence strategies, technology, and important sites will be discussed. Class will be held on Friday evening, May 7 and all day on Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9 at the Alamosa County Courthouse Conference Room. Cost is $12. Please contact Loretta Mitson at 719-843-5328 or by e-mail at mitson53@yahoo.com for more information. The next class in November is scheduled to be Historical Archaeology.

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  • May 15 Cochetopa Pass Rock Enclosures: Prehistoric rock enclosures and game blinds are found at the base of Cochetopa Pass about 25 miles to the west of Saguache. A regional study of this site type is being done and we well be locating, describing, and photographing features at this location as a part of the project. We will have to climb several hillsides to get to the site, but the distance is not far. Please bring mountain gear including hiking boots, water, and lunch. We will meet at 9:30 AM on Saturday, May 15 at the park in Saguache (on the east side of U.S. Highway 285). For more information please contact Vince Spero at 719-873-5916 (home) or 719-852-6242 (work), or by e-mail at vspero@people.com (Note new e-mail address).

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  • June 12 Return to Punche Lake: Last summer we traveled to Punche Lake with Taos BLM Archaeologist, Paul Williams. This year we will return in order to take a better look at this fascinating area where rock enclosures and a variety of artifact types, including projectile points, pottery, and grinding stones, can be found. Relationships of site features and artifacts with the large seasonal lake will be explored. Other area sites may also be visited. We will meet in Antonitio on the right side of U.S. Highway 285 (just before the turn to Espanola) at 9:00 AM. For more information please contact Vince Spero at 719-873-5916 (home) or 719-852-6242 (work), or by e-mail at vspero@people.com (Note new e-mail address).

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  • June 17 to 26 PAAC 2004 Summer Training Survey at Pike's Stockade. The 2004 PAAC Summer Training Survey session will be conducted in the Pike's Stockade area of the SLV (south of Alamosa in Conejos County) on June 17 to 26. Field training involves hiking across undeveloped lands in search of prehistoric and historic sites, features, and artifacts. Sites discovered will be recorded by participants following instruction in the production of sketch maps, filling out standard recording forms, plotting site locations on topographic maps, photography, artifact illustration, etc. The training will be in a remote location lacking facilities of any sort. Hiking across often-rugged terrain will be the norm therefore; prospective participants must be in reasonably good physical condition. Participants must supply their own transportation, room and board, daypack, and personal gear such as canteens, but there is on fee for participation. Prospective participants must submit a signed PAAC application form. Completion of the Basic Site Surveying Techniques class is highly recommended prior to field training. For more information please contact the trainer; Kevin Black, Assistant State Archaeologist (303-886-4671), FAX (303-866-2711) or e-mail to kevin.black@chs.state.co.us.

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  • July 17 "Big Bird" petroglyph. A trip to view the fascinating stylized rock image site on Dog Mountain, near the town of Del Norte will be held on Saturday, July 17. The unusual depiction of a "bird-in-flight" is 6 feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide. We will meet at the Rio Grande County Museum (1/2 block south of "The Stoplight") in Del Norte at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 17. This trip will not involve much walking, as we will drive within 100 yards of the site. The short hike to the site is up a steep uneven slope. High clearance vehicles are needed. We will return to Del Norte by about 1:00 PM. For more information please contact Vince Spero at 719-873-5916 (home) or 719-852-6242 (work), or by e-mail vspero@people.com (Note new e-mail address).



Big Bird petroglyph



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  • August 14 "Black Mountain Folsom Site and/or Spar City Historic Townsite. Details on the tour of the Black Mountain Folsom Site and/or Spar City, near Creede will be included in the next Archaeo-Update.

 

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