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Show and it could very well exacerbate conflicts within the tribe that already exist around these issues. It must be emphasized that there is a good chance that the interests and desires of those who are active in the Sun Dance may stand opposed to those of Ute tribal members who do not support it. This is not an issue on whose grounds votes are easily cast, any more than the sites of the Vatican or Temple Square would be if water developments were planned in their paths. Another area, although not affected directly by any proposed impacts along the Uinta River, covers the red- tabled buttes that are situated between Pole Creek and the river. It is in this area that one of the old Sun Dance grounds is located ( Appendix E. 2.1), and also in this vicinity are places for vision questing ( Appendix E. 2.3) and burial grounds ( Appendix E. l). There may be some considerations here about the potential of disturbing the spiritual integrity of this wider area, especially with the development of a reservoir on the west side, but again, religious leaders and knowledgeable elders need to be consulted further on this matter. 2. U. F Other Considerations Two of the consultants ( 1.3; 4.2) mentioned that some Ute have grazing assignments in areas north of the town of Whiterocks between the Uinta and Whiterocks Rivers and that these individuals need to be consulted about any planned developments along waterways that impact the lands on which they graze their stock. 2. Hi The Coyote Basin and Its Environs Little is known about the Coyote Basin among the consultants who were interviewed, and if this place has ( or once had) special cultural significance, none are aware of it now. The region above and to the north of the basin, however, does carry significant cultural weight, and insofar as any development in the Coyote Basin and around Coyote Basin Pond would impact this area, there would be serious concerns of a spiritual as well as practical nature. Also, except for the clay deposits near Clay Basin Pond, there are no other resources noted here or in the vicinity of Gulf Pond. 2. iii. A Floral Resources The Coyote Basin proper is not noted by the consultants as an area for any kind of plant gathering today, although it has an abundance of sage ( Appendix A. 5.11) and rich patches of sego lily ( Appendix A. 3.9). Areas immediately to the north and above it are identified as important sites for plant resources, however. Locales near Coyote Basin Pond, along Cottonwood Creek Canyon and the Yellowstone Feeder Canal, contain important patches of sumac ( Appendix A. 1.8) and serviceberry ( Appendix A. 1.7), and these sites are heavily used by Utes today. The area around the Coyote Basin Pond is also rich in willow ( Appendix A. 2.6), wild rose 21 |