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Show 2. v The Lake Fork River. Its Canyon, and Watercourses The Lake Fork River and its canyon above the reservation line are not heavily used by the Utes today, according to two of the consultants ( 1.4; 4.3). The area of Moon Lake is generally avoided not only because of the heavy influx of tourists at this locale but also because it is considered " haunted" ( 1.2; 4.3). Below the line, however, are choice plant gathering patches and hunting sites which are still used. 2. v. A Floral Resources The Lake Fork River and its environs was reported as an area primarily for berry collecting. Currant sites are noted in the Twin Pots area ( Appendix A. 1.4), and buffaloberry patches ( Appendix A. 1.2) are reported all along the river but especially beyond its confluence with the Yellowstone. Other species of berry, especially blueberries, are no doubt located near Twin Pots and along the river but none of these were given special notice for this locale by any of the consultants. In fact, aside from currants, buffaloberries, and kinnikinnik ( Appendix A. 2.3), no other plants were specifically associated with or singled out for the Lake Fork area. The riverbed along the Lake Fork from Moon Lake to Altonah may very well have had and still have other important and continuing plant uses for the Ute families who live on the western side of the reservation, but once again, this could not be substantiated by the Utes who were interviewed. 2. v. B Faunal Resources The Lake Fork is also considered a good place to fish; but because of its distance from the centers of Ute population concentration, it is not heavily fished ( Appendix B. 4). This area, however, is heavily hunted by Utes, especially in the region of the Towanta Flats. As indicated in the previous section, the Towanta Flats is a major wintering ground for deer and elk on the reservation, and one concern about the area is the impact of a pipeline between the Lake Fork and Yellowstone that crosses the migratory paths of these two big game ( Appendix B. l. l; Appendix B. 1.2). Also, there are other animal species of use and value to the Utes that inhabit the canyon and high bench areas of the Lake Fork, but other than beaver ( Appendix B. 3.2), none of them were singled out for special mention. 2. v. C Other Resources None reported. 2. v. D Sites of Social Significance The idea of improving an old and long- used campsite at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Lake Fork was well- received. For many decades, this was a favorite spot for Utes to establish base camps and 25 |
