SAN LUIS VALLEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL NETWORK BEGINS

Contents:

The San Luis Valley Archaeological Network and Mission Statement

The San Luis Valley Archaeological Network, consisting of individuals dedicated to helping preserve, document, and educate the public about the archaeology of the SLV, has recently formed. The group, presently composed of about 30 people from many areas of the SLV has adopted the following: "The Mission of the SLV Archaeological Network is to protect, preserve and restore archaeological sites in the San Luis Valley by means of identification and recording, site sponsorship, educational programs, exhibits, and tours for adults and children, in cooperation with government agencies, private landowners, archaeological organizations, and other groups with similar interests. " Archaeological ethics, as stated by the Colorado Archaeological Society, will be adhered to by members of the group.

The initial meeting, held in Monte Vista on Dec. 11, 1995, was attended by 20 people interested in learning about and preserving the archaeology of the SLV. Virginia Simmons of Del Norte, insightful in realizing the need for such a group, organized the first meeting and planned the agenda. Featured was a questionnaire which was used to write the mission statement and to identify possible projects. The second meeting was held at Penitence Canyon, near La Garita, followed by lunch and a field trip at the Wild Iris Inn. Rock art sites were visited and protection measures were discussed. Attendance increased to 40 people ! Decisions made at the steering committee meeting in Alamosa on February 10th were the name of the group (the Archaeological Network) and the name of the newsletter (The San Luis Valley Archaeo-Update). Future meeting locations were also determined.

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FUTURE ARCHAEOLOGICAL NETWORK MEETINGS

The next meeting, on March 9th, will include visits to Rock Art sites in Costilla County. Meet at 10 AM in Fort Garland the Mount Blanca Inn Supper Club parking lot. Sites to be visited include one at Smith Reservoir and one at Trinchera Creek. Bring a sack lunch and proper field clothing, especially boots. The meeting will be done by 4 PM. Future meetings & field trips will be May 11 at the Great Sand Dunes and July 13 in the area of Saquache. The next Steering Committee meeting will be at 10 AM on March 30 at the Movie Manor in Monte Vista.

ROCK ART EXHIBIT AT RIO GRANDE COUNTY MUSEUM

The Rio Grande County Museum in Del Norte is producing a permanent and a traveling exhibit with the theme Rock Art of the San Luis Valley. Recording and preserving rock art sites has been the focus a project which was the recipient of two Colorado Historical Society mini-grants. The work associated with the grants was done by Ken Frye, an archaeologist for the Rio Grande National Forest, in conjunction with the museum.

The new exhibits will feature a variety of art media depictions of area rock art. Photographs, as well as paintings, banners, weavings, metal and wood sculpture, pottery, drawings, and other media is being sought by area artists. For more information please call or write Suzanne Off at the Rio Grande County Museum, 580 Oak Street, Del Norte, CO 8113 or call 719-657-2847 or call Ken Frye at 657-3161 or 852-6223.

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APPDAR; AN ARTIFACT RECORDING PROJECT

One project of interest to several Archaeological Network members is the APPDAR Project; a systematic method for recording private collections of artifacts. APPDAR, which stands for Areal Projectile Point Distribution Analysis and Recording project, uses standard artifact classification methods and large-scale geographic attributes of artifact location. Documentation on a large-scale basis is done because specific provenience (location) is often lacking in private collections. Still, generalized local and regional artifact typologies may be created by using this method. This can increase our understanding of cultural changes, adaptations, and contacts through geographical space and time.

The actual projectile point recording format includes documentation of blade shape, cross-section, notching, shoulders, stem, base, and flaking pattern. A team of at least three people is needed to begin the task of recording private collection in the SLV. A manual detailing the process is available for review. Information gained will be entered into a computer database which will be useful to help us further understand SLV archaeology. Anyone interested in this project should call Vince Spero at 657-2371 or 852-6242 (work).

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PROGRAM FOR AVOCATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION (PAAC)

The Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) provides a means for members to obtain formally recognized levels of expertise outside of an archaeology degree program. Seminars are taught by a representative of the Office of the State Archaeologist. PAAC training facilitates contributions by avocationists in education, research assistance to government agencies, and protection of archaeological resources in Colorado.

The program is divided into two areas: Archaeological Survey and Archaeological Laboratory. Each topic offers several levels of certification. A specified series of seminars and field activities is required for each level of certification. Seminars range from 10 to 25 hours in total length. There will be an exam after the end of each seminar. Each level of certification has a required field activity or project to be completed on the participants own time. These projects must be under the guidance of a professional archaeologist. Seminars may be attended by those not seeking certification.

Provisional Survey seminars include: Basic Site Surveying Techniques and Archaeological Ethics (25 hours). Colorado Archaeology (20 hours), and Historic Archaeology (20 hours). Certified Surveyor 1 includes Prehistoric Lithic Description and Analysis (20 hours), Prehistoric Ceramic Description and Analysis (20 hours and Perishable Materials (20 hours). Certified Laboratory Trainee courses include Introduction to Laboratory Techniques (15 hours) and the completion of 40 hours of Lithics Lab, Ceramics Lab, Historic Materials lab and/or Specialty Lab. Unaffiliated CAS Members may attend seminars given at the various CAS State Chapter locations.

Two of the initial seminars needed are scheduled for April 26-29 in Pueblo (Basic Site Surveying Techniques) and on May 3-5 in Colorado Springs (Colorado Archaeology). If anyone would like to attend or if someone wishes more information on the PAAC Program please call Vince Spero at 657-2371 (home) or 852-6242 (work).

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COLORADO ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK

The Colorado Interagency Anti-Vandalism Task Force and the historic preservation community are combining efforts to promote Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Week, May 12th through 18th, 1996. A poster will be produced and distributed to Colorado's educational institutions. The SLV-Archaeological Network is promoting the opening of the "Rock Art of the San Luis Valley Exhibit" on the evening of May 24th at the Rio Grande County Museum in Del Norte as a part of this effort. There will also be a guest lecturer at the opening. If you are interested in helping with the exhibit or want additional information about exhibit opening activities please call Ken Frye at 657-3161 or 852-6223.

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MEMBERS OF SLV ARCHAEOLOGICAL NETWORK URGED TO JOIN
COLORADO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

People Involved in the SLV Archaeological Network are urged to join the Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) as an unaffiliated member. Individual membership includes a subscription to Southwestern Lore the official publication of CAS. This journal of Colorado archaeology, in existence since the 1930's, presents research pertaining to a wide variety of subjects. Examples of recent articles include: The McKinney Cabin Site, Fremont County, Colorado, Archaeological Site Vandalism in Colorado, A Survey of Computer Applications in Archaeology, and Age Determinations of Petroglyphs in Southeast Colorado. The CAS Code of Ethics and an application form is attached for your use. Although the SLV Archaeological Network is not a chapter of CAS please mention that you are affiliated with the SLV Archaeological Network.

• Members will uphold State and Federal Antiquities Laws.
  
• Excavation of archaeological sites will be conducted only according to professionally accepted procedures developed in consultation with a professional archaeologist and with the written permission of the land owner. The investigator has the responsibility for the publication of his/her investigation and for making the collection available for further scientific study.
  
• Members are encouraged to report archaeological sites to the Office of the State Archaeologist on State Site Survey forms. Materials collected from surface site shall be cataloged and described in the Site Survey Report. Collected materials should either be deposited with the State Archaeologists Office or made available for scientific study.
  
• Members will not support illegal or unscientifically conducted activities by participating in or condoning the sale, exchange, or purchase of artifacts obtained from such sites.
  
• Members who exhibit artifacts will do so in an educational context. Items from burials and objects considered sacred will not be exhibited.
  
• Members will cooperate with the State Archaeologist and other persons and agencies concerned with archeology and related fields.
  
• Members will respect the dignity of groups whose culture histories are the subject of archaeological investigation.
  
• Members will not participate in conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, or misrepresentation about archaeological matters.
  

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COLORADO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP

The following form can be used to join the Colorado Archaeological Society (CAS) as an unaffiliated member. Dues include subscription the Southwestern Lore, the official publication of CAS.

I (we) agree to abide by the CAS Code of Ethics.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FORM

NAME(S)Include all family members (if family application).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________________
CITY :_____________________________ STATE:_____________________ ZIP PHONE(___ )___-__________
MEMBERSHIP AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ ________________________________________________________
DATE:_____________________ MEMBERSHIP:____________ Renewal?_____________________ Application?
MEMBERSHIP TYPE:
_______ Individual ($12.50) ________ Family ($15) ___________ Institutional ($25)
_______ Individual Life($200)_______ Joint Life ($250)
_______ Supporting ($25-UP)_______ Contributing ($150-UP)

(ALL BUT $8.00 IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE)

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: COLORADO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND SEND TO:
DONALD C. TUCKER, 920 BALSAM ST., CORTEZ CO 81321

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