OCR Text |
Show virtue of the availability of a new and constant water supply from the reservoir; and ( c) those which lie in the path of canal, road, or other construction related to the project as a whole. RECOMMENDED PROGRAM To offset this potential loss of the vestiges of early Americans, a loss which will be irretrievable to the scientist and the public alike, there is a definite and immediate need for a well- planned and coordinated archeological program for the Colorado River Basin, a program that will include specific recovery measures. This program might well be in accord with the resolution proposed by the Committee for the Recovery of Archeological Remains for the conservation of national archeological resources in the various river valleys, and should include the following provisions: 1. A careful archeological survey, carried out by trained personnel, of each of the prospective dam sites, both above the dam within the reservoir area and below the dam where ruins may fall within construction or land reclamation limits. This preliminary reconnaissance is to be done well in advance of construction time, and will include specific recommendations as to the nature of archeological work required. The Preliminary Archeological Survey and Recommendation for the Davis Dam Reservoir Area, prepared by the National Park Service, May 1943, as a part of the survey of the Recreational Resources of the Colorado River Basin, is a specific example of the type of survey and recommendations needed. This survey located and mapped 150 archeological sites within the reservoir area and indicated that 15 of them were of sufficient importance to be tested and at least partially excavated prior to the filling of the reservoir. Of the 15 important sites, at least 7 should be thoroughly explored. A survey was also made on the Yampa and Green Rivers in the Juniper, Echo Park, and Split Mountain Reservoir sites. About 20 archeological sites were definitely located and evidence of other sites was found. A number of these sites, particularly the cave and rock- shelter sites and a larger surface location, should be thoroughly explored before they are inundated. 2. Excavation of sites selected on the basis of their special importance as determined by the archeological survey. The recovery program must be begun early enough to avoid work stoppages before projects have been completed by the rising waters impounded behind the dam. Finally, the work should be done by qualified archeologists cooperating closely with both State and Federal agencies. Pursuant to an inter- bureau agreement with the National Park Service, investigation and salvage of archeological remains in connection with the Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers water- control projects throughout the United States are being conducted under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution. 3. Thorough laboratory study and adequate publication of the scientific data. In summary, since a high percentage of the archeological remains of the Colorado River Basin are confined to the various river valleys, in areas where they are subject to potential destruction by the construction of proposed dams, it is highly imperative that funds be made available and a definite program along the lines just suggested be immediately initiated, in order to recover the important data and material from key sites before their inundation. 101 |